Avery Young Signs with Auburn over Miami: What It Means for Both Schools

The Auburn Tigers picked up one of the biggest commitments of the day when offensive tackle Avery Young announced that he would sign with the Tigers at 1 p.m. CT on ESPNU.

Auburn has missed on a few of their top targets in this class, but Young is one that was a must-get for the Tigers.

Both Auburn and Miami are in need of big offensive tackle talent. The Tigers return some experience on the line next season, but there aren’t many that are considered to be shoo-ins to return and start. Miami has much of the same situation. They return some linemen, but bringing in a guy like Young could have opened up a competition for playing time.

Looking at the impact that Young will bring, here is what the Tigers can expect to gain and what the Hurricanes are expecting to lose in Avery Young.

Instant Impact Talent

Avery Young is rated as the No. 9 offensive tackle by Rivals.com and the No. 8 offensive tackle by ESPN.com. Young has been very good at the high school level and shows elite talent and size for his position.

Young is extremely aggressive at the point of attack and could use that talent immediately at Auburn.

Young has a lengthy reach and is very athletic, not allowing defenders to make it around the end very easily. As the Tigers are looking to find an instant impact-type lineman for 2012, Young decided to sign with Auburn. It looks to be a very good fit for both.

Young was a big miss for Miami, as they could have used the instant impact at the line position in this year’s class.

Premier Anchor at Tackle for the Tigers

With the departure of Lee Ziemba from Auburn’s roster after the 2010 season, the Tigers have been looking for an elite tackle to step up. No one player has stood out at the left tackle position so far, and the Tigers hope may be that Avery Young could fill that role.

The Tigers are looking to change offensive systems this season as Gene Chizik has tabbed Scot Loeffler as the new offensive coordinator. The Tigers are going to run the ball just as much, if not more than they have in the past.

The new offense will need a powerful tackle to anchor the left side. 

Loss of Big Local Elite Talent

Miami is used to pulling Palm Beach Gardens talent consistently to the “U.” That area is a pipeline of sorts for the Hurricanes, so losing out on a major talent that is from their backyard is not something that will settle well.

Young had Miami among his finalists and staying close to home would have been a good scenario for him. In the end, it was the small-town feel of Auburn that drew him, something that Miami may not offer quite as well. Coral Gables is not as busy as downtown South Beach, but it’s no Auburn.

Young will leave his local team and head to Auburn, ending the tradition of pipeline production for the Canes out of Palm Beach Gardens.

Closes Elite Offensive Line Class

Auburn has built a very formidable offensive line lineup in the 2012 class. The Tigers landed Avery Young, Robert Leff, Patrick Miller, Shane Callahan and Will Adams. The Tigers are also waiting on the final word from Alex Kozan and Jordan Diamond. Diamond will decide on February 3.

The Tigers expected to finish this recruiting season with five to six offensive linemen and look well in range of that as today draws to a close. Avery Young will be one of the headliners of a great offensive line class for Auburn in 2012.

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