Earlier this evening, while I was driving home thus why this article is a few hours late, 3* C Jakai Clark announced on Twitter he was reopening his recruitment.
I had to do what was best for me‼️ I just hope it all works out pic.twitter.com/SRPLoto4Dz
— B E L L C O W (@J_Clark_55) September 3, 2018
This is Auburn’s 2nd decommit in four days which might seem like a bad thing but these two decommitments are very different. While 2020 4* DL Andy Boykin will no doubt remain a top target for the Tigers, the same can probably not be said for Clark. After taking a visit to Tennessee at the end of July without telling the coaching staff, there were some rumors that Clark’s status might be on shaky ground. I suspect that this parting of ways is similar to Cordale Flott’s decommitment earlier this year.
For what it’s worth, I am still a big fan of Clark. While he won’t scare anybody coming off the bus and he isn’t gonna put up jaw dropping highlight plays on tape, he’s a very good player that will have a chance to make another program really happy in the future. He’s one of the leaders of that loaded Grayson front and always impressed me with how developed he already is as a pass blocker. Clark will play at a Power 5 school somewhere it just won’t be for Auburn. I wish the young man all the best.
As for what Auburn does moving forward, the Tigers hold commitments from two offensive lineman now in 4* OG Keiondre Jones and 3* OT Justin Osborne. The three names to pay attention to in the interior right now are 5* C Clay Webb, 4* OG William Putnam and 3* Kamaar Bell. I like Auburn’s chances of snagging at least one of those three. I suspect some more names will appear on this list in the very near future as well.
One final note, I don’t expect this to have any effect on 5* LB Owen Pappoe’s commitment status. He’s as solid as any in the class right now.
War Eagle!