Recruiting Battles Part 1

None of this is inside information of any kind, nor do I have any inside sources. It's simply my view of the recruiting world through my orange-and-blue glasses.

Shon Coleman - OT, Olive Branch, MS

When Coleman committed back on April 18, 2009, few Auburn fans could've guessed what a highly rated and sought after prospect he would become. With Auburn replacing four starting offensive lineman after the 2010 season, OL was one of the biggest needs of this year's class.

With the early editions of guys like Coleman and Chad Slade, some fans wondered why Auburn wasn't able to attract more highly rated lineman, especially with the lure of early playing time giving the coaching staff a distinct advantage.

Jeff Grimes and Trooper Taylor, Coleman's primary recruiters, must have known what they were talking about, because it was after his committment that Coleman began his steady climb up the recruiting rankings. Soon he was moved to a 4-star recruit on Rivals, and the #1 prospect in the state of Mississippi.

After a strong performance in practices and during the Army All-American Game, Coleman reached his personal summit, a 5-star ranking and recognition as the #22 overall prospect in the entire country.

In the past couple weeks, Coleman has reaffirmed his committment to Auburn while at the same time promising to go on five official visits. How someone can firm their committment and soften it at the same time is beyond me.

Visits to Ole Miss and Arkansas have already taken place. Coleman is currently visiting Bama and will head to Miami next. Some Auburn fans have accepted the fact that Coleman is visiting the Crimson and White as a sign he is definitely not headed to Auburn.

In my opinion, it would be very difficult to take a young man who has been committed for 8 months and turn him in the matter of a couple of days. Hopefully Shon remembers which team not only gives him the best chance to play early, but also which one offered him a chance to join their team before he was rated as one of the best linemen in the country.

Right now, Auburn has the nations #1 OL class according to Rivals.com. I look for it to stay that way, and until Coleman himself changes my opinion, I think he'll be sending in a LOI to Auburn next Wednesday.