This is a huge victory for Auburn on the recruiting trail. 3* TE Luke Deal just might be at the top of the tight end wishlist for Michigan, Notre Dame, NC State and Ohio State. This evening at his high school, he announced he was passing on all those schools and instead committing to the Auburn Tigers.
Emerald TE Luke Deal picks Auburn over other powerhouse football programs like Clemson, Ohio St., Norte Dame, N.C. State and others. @WSPA7 @EmeraldVikings pic.twitter.com/FL5Qw4OFtf
— Todd Summers (@ToddSummers7) May 25, 2018
Just a month or so ago, Deal looked like a lock to the instate Clemson Tigers. But after taking all his official visits, it was Auburn and Notre Dame that emerged as the top threats. In the end, it was Auburn’s family environment, lack of tight end depth and being located relatively close to home that won out. Auburn commit 4* QB Bo Nix’s recruiting efforts didn’t hurt either.
Highlights
Scouting Report
Deal is the complete package at the tight end spot. First off, he’s a tremendous blocker which will allow him to see the field early for the Tigers. But he’s also got outstanding hands and is a capable enough route runner to get open. Deal doesn’t have blazing speed and will be more of a redzone threat than necessarily a guy that stretches a team vertically but he’s got the skillset that Auburn really needs if they truly want to transition from using a true fullback in the H-Back spot to using a more hybrid TE type of player. I fully expect Deal to be a 4* prospect when he signs with the Tigers.
The Class
The Tigers now have 8 commits in the class, two at the tight end position. 3* Tyler Fromm and Luke Deal give the Tigers two guys with diverse skillsets that can help Auburn immediately in 2019. With Chandler Cox and Jalen Harris graduating after the 2018 season there will be plenty of opportunities for both to find their way onto the field in 2019.
Next weekend, the Tigers will have their annual Big Cat Weekend and landing a talent like Deal the week before ain’t a bad way to generate some buzz. I am not sure if you will see many commitments at the event, there usually aren’t, but it could set up some big time booms this summer. Bottom line, Auburn’s 2019 recruiting class is shaping up to be something special
War Eagle Luke!