Previewing decision day for 4-star Auburn DL target TJ Lindsey
Here is a quick preview of TJ Lindsey’s commit announcement:
TIME: Saturday, Aug. 12, 2 p.m. CT, 3 p.m. ET via social media
RANKING/RATING: Lindsey, who is listed at 6-foot-3 270 pounds, is the No. 343 overall player, the No. 30 defensive lineman , and the No. 48 player in the state of Florida according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Lindsey holds a 89.56 On3 Industry rating and a 89 rating from On3.
THE 411: Lindsey has a final five of Auburn, Alabama, Miami, Texas, and Texas A&M. Of those schools, Alabama is the lone school Lindsey has not been able to visit. He took official visits to the other four. Lindsey told Auburn Live the Texas and Auburn visits stood out among the rest.
At one time, Texas A&M seemed to have some confidence with Lindsey. That has since shifted. After the official visits, this turned into an Auburn-Texas battle. The Longhorns had a big need for defensive lineman, but have filled a few spots at the position recently.
Lindsey was unable to make it to Auburn’s Big Cat Weekend after scheduling to be there. He had a scheduling conflict with his school, IMG Academy, starting fall practice. Lindsey’s parents took the trip by themselves instead. This was seen as a possible turning point in the recruitment. Since then, Auburn has had the confidence in this one.
Quotes of note
— “It’s about the opportunity at Auburn. They have a new staff, it is a brand new team and Auburn has a new energy. There is a lot of opportunities there.”
— “Coach Garrett is amazing, that’s been my guy,” Lindsey said. “We’ve been close for a minute now, he offered me in January. He talks to me almost every week–real talks, too. We have some genuine long conversations.”
— “They just have everything that I am looking for and that I would want or need. Just the people and the environment. I’ve been everywhere and seen all the fancy things, so it really just comes down to people. I just had a really good time here with everything from the players to the coaches and how they treated me and my family.”
Why it could be Auburn/My pick
RECRUITING PREDICTION MACHINE: The RPM favors Auburn at 84.3 percent. Texas A&M is a distant second at 8.8 percent.
IF AUBURN LANDS HIM: It would give the Tigers commitment No. 16 in the 2024 class and the possibility to jump a few spots. It would be the second defensive line commit for the class.
WHY IT COULD BE AUBURN: The opportunity for early playing time, the need at his position, and the versatility to play multiple spots in Auburn’s defensive scheme.
WHY IT COULD BE SOMEONE ELSE: Texas prioritized Lindsey for a while. Texas A&M had a great chance with him at one time as well. He is from Arkansas, so both of those schools would be closer to his actual home. Alabama came in late with an offer, but it is always smart to keep an eye on the Tide.
MY PICK: Auburn. When his parents made it to Auburn’s Big Cat Weekend when TJ himself could not make it, that was enough for me. The Tigers have been trending for a few weeks. Barring any surprises, Auburn should be the pick.
