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Transfer Blake Countess Adds Immediate Cornerback Depth for Auburn Tigers

Well this is certainly some good news on a Mon... Tuesday! morning.

By Walt Austin
Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Former Michigan CB Blake Countess is transferring to Auburn for his final year of eligibility. He will be able to play immediately, and I imagine we'll see a lot of him in Game 1 vs Louisville.

For those wondering, the SEC rule was altered last year to allow for one-and-done transfers as long as they were always academically eligible as an undergrad, did not have disciplinary issues, and were a go on all APR points. The graduate rule can be applied however Auburn needs using that criteria as long as Countess actually does make progress towards some form of graduate degree. If not, Auburn will not be able to use this exemption for three years.

Filling An Immediate Need

Auburn's secondary is hurting. Losing multiple players to transfers on the same day really knocked Auburn's depth back. Now it adds a player with over 30 starts in the Big Ten for Michigan. With Johnathan Jones' status questionable for beginning of the season, the only player Auburn was certain about at the CB slot was Josh Holsey. Now Countess adds another quality, experienced player to the mix.

Countess was a composite 4* recruit back in the 2011 recruiting cycle and the #10 ranked cornerback. He's 5'10, 176 lbs.

According to CFBStats.com, Countess did not register any interceptions during the 2014 season, but he did pick up 6 in 2013. He's only credited with three pass break-ups this last season, along with 16 solo and 8 assisted tackles for a total of 24.

This is definitely welcome news for the Tigers on a Tuesday morning. It gives the depleted secondary an immediate booster shot. Now if Jay Jones is ready and able to play by the first game of the season, things will be even better. Maybe then Travaris Robinson won't have to say that the #3 CB is starting Safety Rudy Ford.

Of course, what makes this even more fun is that Countess is coming from Michigan, a school that many said former Tiger Safety Derrick Moncrief was initially barred from transferring to. Plenty of Auburn beat outlets reported that Auburn never blocked Moncrief from transferring to Michigan if he wanted to. As a graduate transfer, UM and Harbough had no say in where Countess ended up. I'm sure he's just thrilled it's Auburn.

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