AUBURN, ALABAMA (EETV) Over the course of this early signing period, Auburn has shot up in the rankings from 26th to 14th, 6th in the SEC. A lot of that can be attributed to the in-state recruiting that Harsin has been up to in that time.
After losing the commitment of three star offensive linemen Drew Bobo — son of former Auburn offensive coordinator Mike Bobo — Harsin still managed to ink two prospects out of his backyard from Auburn High School in 3-stars Eston Harris Jr. (OT) and Powell Gordon (LB).
"You got players that can play at this level and they are right there," said Harsin, "I mean you want those guys to be a part of what you're doing. I think for them too, it's not just about us, think about that opportunity for them to play for a program like Auburn that's just down the road. That means something family and friends, you know you're going to have that support."'
Auburn was able to sign five recruits from the state of Alabama today, one being four star linebacker Robert Woodyard, who flipped from Alabama to Auburn.
"We got great players in this state," Harsin said. "It's important that we build those relationships and we connect and when we find the right fit, I want every player in this state to feel like Auburn is a destination that they want to be."
The first-year head coach is very much aware that there will still be decisions recruits must make; however, he is optimistic that players within the state will continue to see an opportunity on the Plains.
"They'll have to make decisions and they're gonna have other opportunities, but when you start to think about that just being right here in the state of Alabama and having a place like Auburn to spend the next three to four years of your life and to have a career as a football player as a student-athlete and to be a part of that program and to be linked to that right there in your home state to me that's an opportunity and an advantage for those guys and certainly that's where it starts for us. You know I'm excited about that."
The Tigers now turn their focus to the second National Signing Day for the class of 2022 on Feb. 2; however, will need to get past their upcoming matchup with Houston in the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl on Dec. 28 at 11:00 a.m. CST.
