DB decommits; talks with Malzahn

Could this be a Auburn decision vs. the kids decision?

I know that athletes today are concerned with a lot of different things when it comes to making a decision about their college careers, but it seems there is a tremendous amount of emphasis on a specific coach. I understand the relationship with the coach and the fitting in to a specific plan, but they seem to lose sight of all that goes in to a college career. The environment, their teammates, the fan base, the game day experience, these things don't generally change with coaching changes, but some athletes seem to ignore this when they decommit. I know it is a small percentage of the athletes that make a commitment that decommit, but it is still puzzling to me. Don't coaches "sell" the entire experience when they are recruiting a kid or do they just build a relationship with them (the coach) specifically?

If Harbison was hired primarily for his recruiting, this will be a fairly interesting test to see if he can bring this kid back.

Is there any chance we see Jonathon cook offered now??

He was committed to Auburn, but now he has no favorites? That seems strange to me.

A lot of kids in the past came to Auburn for a lot of different reasons other than just Auburn. Those same kids grew to love Auburn just like the rest of us. Players that I idolized as a kid and players I think about when I think of Auburn football now, at one point, didn't love Auburn when they had to choose Auburn over some other schools. They learned to love Auburn and gave a lot to Auburn. This whole thing of people saying "don't come to Auburn unless you love it" is getting old and is unrealistic and to be honest with you shows a real lack of understanding and faith in Auburn. They don't have to even like Auburn to come play for Auburn as far as I'm concerned because I know that they'll eventually grow to love Auburn the same way I did and the same way so many others did.

One of the issues, I think, is these young kids' unfamiliarity with Ellis Johnson and his reputation. I know from some of the quotes from other prospects (mostly offensive pros) that they weren't familiar with CGM. I find this amazing since he's only been gone from AU for a year, but I guess if you look at it - these kids were only in the 10th grade when won the championship in 2010. Some have done their research and reached out to others who Are familiar with CGM and they like what they hear- shown in our ability to keep most of our offensive recruits together. I'm hoping, once they understand what experience and accomplishments that CEJ brings to the table, we'll be able to keep a good deal of our defensive recruits as well. We have this week to get started and there's a lot of time between Jan 1 and signing day in Feb to work on those who may be wavering.

It was professional of him to speak directly with CGM. Wish him the best in the future.