Five Star Offensive Tackle Calvin Ashley Signs With Auburn

It has been quite the ride for Auburn’s longest committed prospect of the 2017 recruiting class, but 5* Offensive Tackle Calvin Ashley is now officially a Tiger. Ashley joined the class during the 2015 Big Cat Weekend - much to the chagrin of teams like Florida State, who felt they were likely to land him.

Ashley’s recruitment wasn’t without drama, though. After moving to Maryland, the Terps went hard and fast after him and there were rumors of a flip coming to the home state team. Ashley shut that down after his final visit to Auburn two weekends ago when he shut down his recruitment for good.

Ashley will have a real chance to take over a starting tackle job this fall. The offensive line is in flux with Robert Leff and Alex Kozan having departed. There is quality depth on the line to replace them, but Ashley’s talent could get him in the rotation quickly. There’s a chance he redshirts, but I would be shocked.

Were this last year’s offense, I would say it’s a guarantee that Ashley gets in at least at the “6th offensive lineman” position. That has been the testing ground for new tackles at Auburn since Gus Malzahn’s arrival. Chip Lindsey isn’t as prone to using a 6th OL, though, instead relying more on a traditional TE/H-back to fill the role.

Keeping Ashley in this class is was a huge win for Gus Malzahn & Company. You can bet he and Herb Hand are beyond thrilled at closing this one.