Gus Malzahn 2017 Auburn National Signing Day Press Conference

Gus met with the media to wrap up Signing Day this afternoon. That's usually the 100% official word that the class is done. I watched the above press conference courtesy of AL.com's YouTube page and here's what he had to say about those signed today.

Notes on the Class:

Excited about the class, very well-rounded, not much drama. Says a lot about the loyalty of signees, the staff and their relationships, and things went as planned.

Recruiting Alabama a priority, 10 from AL, 6 from GA, 4 from FL.

Signed 11 on offense, OTs were the main priority, got their 2 main men. 2 QBs and 2 TEs were also a priority.

Defense: wanted a pass-rusher, got linebackers, got 4 DBs.

Discussed the early enrollees, first. Obviously praised Stidham, Britt is "a true inside linebacker." Felt like Malik Willis would be one of tops in the nation if he'd played QB more than one year; reminds Gus of Nick Marshall.

Calvin Ashley - can compete immediately, reminds Gus of Greg Robinson. Praised his loyalty [first commit of the class].

TE Shenker reminds Gus of Lutzie with his versatility.

Noah Iggy (doesn't want to try to pronounce his last name); a dynamic guy, extremely fast (Olympic track parents).

Troxell was a main OT tackle from the beginning; been recruiting him for three years.

Alaric Williams, more praise of loyalty. RB/Slot receiver who gives flexibility on offense.

Tyrone Truesdale - last second edition - got an offer late, great upside, can run, good instincts.

Devan Barrett - top RB on the board from the start. Great vision, speed, can stretch the field with pass-catching.

Jordyn Peters - can play Safety or Corner. Could get bigger. Good tackler, very physical.

TD Moultry - one of the best in the state, took no other visits, unique skillset of explosiveness at ILB and can rush the passer.

Anders Carlson - Daniel's brother, lots of similarities, excited to play with his brother.

Alec Jackson - Very athletic, frame that can get bigger.

Trey Leonard - been on campus a few times and really connected with everyone, even while committed elsewhere. Mature kid.

Carlito Gonzalez - prototypical safety, nose for the ball, fearless. Very loyal through three DB coaches.

JaTarvious Whitlow - outstanding camp, defense wanted him at S, offense wanted him as ATH, Chip Lindsey wanted him as part of the offense. He'll start at wide receiver.

Bill Taylor - big long-snapper who can tackle, too. Very excited about him.

Big Cat Bryant - recruited for a long time, Monty Adams' cousin, pass-rushing machine who they focused on for a long time.

Class: Very athletic, lot of character, academics very important to them. Praised the staff for finding kids with great character.