AUBURN, Ala. – Before Gus Malzahn had a chance to finish his first cup of coffee – okay, let’s be honest, no-sleep Gus probably doesn’t require java – he was simultaneously shaking his head while pumping his fist.
A half hour after east-coast prospects could begin faxing off their signed national letters of intent, Auburn allegedly lost one of its longtime pledges to one SEC rival, but was able to flip another one from an SEC West foe – both defensive ends.
LIVE UPDATES throughout Signing Day chat
Reports from recruiting services dictated 4-star prospect Tashawn Bower from Somerville, N.J. signed with Florida. The 6-foot-5, 241-pounder had been committed since June 12 – but immediately tweeted, “I never signed anywhere so I have no idea where this Florida stuff idle coming from”
Meanwhile, Malzahn tweeted moments later that Elijah Daniel – a 4-star defensive end by Scout, Rivals and ESPN and a 5-star product via 247Sports.com – had flipped to Auburn. Daniel verbally committed to Ole Miss on Jan. 20, and was previously a Clemson pledge.
Also before 8 a.m. ET, Orlando receiver Tony Stevens sent in his letter. His teammate, fellow receiver Dominic Walker, is also verbal to Auburn.