Running back Mike Blakely, who signed with Florida in February but was released from his scholarship earlier this month, has transferred to Auburn.
AuburnSports.com, Inside the Auburn Tigers and AuburnUndercover.com reported the news first.
Blakely, a four-star running back from the 2011 class, will begin classes at Auburn immediately. He will have to sit out the 2011 season but will have four years of eligibility starting in 2012.
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Blakely committed to the Gators under former coach Urban Meyer. He enrolled early but had to sit out spring drills after undergoing shoulder surgery. According to reports, he didn’t feel like he fit into new coach Will Muschamp‘s preferred pro-style offense.
The 5-foot-9, 198-pound back was highly ranked by all the scouting services last year. Rivals had him as the No. 6 running back nationally, ESPN 7th and Scout 10th. Auburn was one of his original finalists in the recruiting process.
Blakely ran for more than 1,400 yards and 23 touchdowns as a junior at Manatee High in Bradenton, Fla. He ran for 1,323 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior despite an ankle injury.
Although he’ll have to sit out next year, Blakely adds depth to a running back roster lacking in that department. Mike Dyer, Onterio McCalebb and converted cornerback Anthony Morgan were the only scholarship tailbacks on the roster this spring. Tre Mason and Quan Bray will begin practice in August.
Here’s a brief (free) scouting report from Rivals’ Barry Every:
On the Hoof: This thick-necked runner possesses a very muscular upper body with flexible hips. He physically is similar to Ole Miss sophomore Rodney Scott.
Needs Improvement: Most of his effective moves are done while running to the right side of the field. Would like to see him work on cutting left, thus making him more unpredictable for the defense. Blakely could add some lower-body size and strength, which will help him break more ankle tackles.
Most Impressive: This multi-talented back is dangerous as a runner and receiver. Blakely does a nice job of sticking his foot into the ground and making precise cuts that leave the defender corkscrewed into the field. Blakely also does a nice job of running behind his pads, inflicting the blow on the defender while falling forward for yardage.
Conclusion: A versatile back could always see early playing time if he is willing to pass protect. Look for him to get looks as a third-down option early in his career as he works his way into the starting lineup by year two.