4-Star Quindarious Monday is An Auburn Tiger

If there was a position Auburn absolutely had to hit on this cycle it was safety. The Tigers lose three seniors from that group after the 2017 season and two expected backups were dismissed before the season. That means Auburn is going to need some dudes ready to play day 1.

Enter 4* Quindarious “Smoke” Monday.

I feel pretty confident in saying that Monday’s name was at the top of Auburn’s want list at the safety position this recruiting cycle. The lanky DB was a frequent visitor to the Plains and someone the coaching staff targeted early on. But there was a moment where it looked like it wouldn’t happen. His dream school, Clemson, offered and things started trending the wrong way for the orange and blue Tigers. In fact, Monday said he was prepared to commit to Clemson before taking one last visit to the Plains.

"I've always loved Auburn," Monday told AL.com Wednesday. "It's one of the schools I really liked. Sitting down, when I went to the visit and talked to (defensive coordinator) Coach (Kevin) Steele, he changed my commitment and everything, with how Auburn was and how they run their defense. I feel like when I'm at Auburn, I'm at home. I feel like I can get down there and fit right in.

This Kevin Steele guy is proving to be pretty useful.

Monday is a long, rangy safety who is incredibly physical. He will need to bulk up some and he knows it telling Justin Ferguson over at SECCountry he’s looking to add at least 15 lbs to his 6’3” frame before next season. Even despite being a bit thin, he’s still incredibly strong and very capable of helping out in the run game.

But in my opinion, he’s at his best playing as the deepest man on the field, reading and reacting to the quarterback. He’s got outstanding hands and can cover sideline to sideline if needed.

What’s really exciting is Monday is enrolling early and is already practicing with the team. He will be here in spring ball so he has a chance to show he’s ready for early playing time. My bold prediction is Monday is Auburn’s starting free safety by next year’s Iron Bowl. He’s that good.

War Eagle Quindarious!