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The 2017 recruiting cycle began around Big Cat Weekend in 2015 when 5* Offensive Tackle Calvin Ashley committed to Auburn. After signing very few offensive linemen in the 2016 cycle, Auburn needs a big OL class this coming year, and Ashley was definitely a big way to start. 4* tackle Austin Troxell followed just a few short weeks ago to add another big key to that position.
Things just continued to get better today as 4* Offensive Guard Nick Brahms of Navarre, FL committed to Auburn. Brahms is a 6'4, 285 lbs mauler who can play both Guard and Center. There's a good chance Auburn wants him at the Center position. He's the 9th ranked OG in the nation according to the 247Sports composite.
Brahm committed to the Tigers over offers from plenty of other big name schools like Oregon, Tennessee, Miami, Georgia Tech, and others. His crystal ball on 247Sports was pretty clear that most everyone suspected he would be a Tiger in the end. Apparently one of the biggest draws for him to come to Auburn was the aviation program according to some articles after his mid-June visit.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
I don't know anything about OL technique, but I did enjoy watching him drive people 5, 10, 15 yards down field. There's a few good pancakes in there, too.
THE CLASS
As noted above, the offensive line is an essential area of need for this cycle, and Auburn now has three very good ones lined up. This brings the Tigers up to ranked #16 in the nation and #7 in the SEC using the 247Sports class calculator.
Things are shaping up nicely for Auburn, right now. There's a good chance Auburn picks up another commitment in a position of great need, soon, with TE Tre' McKitty looking favorably at the Tigers. 4* ATH Tray Bishop is another who could pull the trigger for Auburn, soon.