How 4-Star Tim Irvin's Flip from Texas to Auburn Impacts Recruiting Landscape

Auburn added one of the nation's most dynamic defensive backs to its 2015 recruiting class Sunday, securing a commitment from former Texas pledge Tim Irvin:

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This What. Number I'll Be Wearing At Auburn #WarEagle  pic.twitter.com/IpjBEkA9pa

— Timothy Irvin II (@T_irvin2) January 18, 2015"

The Miami prospect flipped to the Tigers during an official visit just two weeks after announcing his intentions to play for Charlie Strong in Austin. He committed to the Longhorns on national television while competing at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Irvin, rated 19th nationally among "athletes" in 247Sports' composite rankings, has the potential to play cornerback or safety and contribute on special teams as a kick returner.

Former Florida coaches Will Muschamp and Travaris Robinson played a pivotal role in luring him to Auburn. Both developed a strong rapport with Irvin as an underclassman while recruiting the Westminster Christian School star to Gainesville.

"It was just Coach Muschamp and T-Rob and the relationship I had with those guys," Irvin told Wesley Sinor of AL.com. "They were like a dad to me. During my recruiting process I talked to them almost every day. They've been with me since Day 1 and that's why I want to play for those guys."

Meanwhile, Texas is left to look for a replacement. Leading candidates to end up in Austin include in-state standouts Holton Hill and Kris Boyd, though competition remains in place for both of those pursuits.

Irvin, so recently viewed as a significant addition for Texas' new regime, is no longer part of the equation.

The 4-star recruit enrolls at Auburn this week, arriving on campus with a chance to compete for early opportunities on a defense in transition. 

"Coach (Gus) Malzahn was telling me he asked (Muschamp) 'Who do you want?' and he said 'I've got to get Tim Irvin.' When he told me that, I felt like I can be an impact in the defense," Irvin told Sinor. 

His decision was accompanied by a touch of drama, courtesy of Snapchat.

Shortly after committing to Auburn, Irvin posted a photo of what appears to be a hefty stack of $20 bills:

The image fueled speculation of foul play from folks across social media, which led Irvin to clarify that the money came from family members for his graduation.

Given the fact he is the nephew of NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin, it's fair to say that a family celebration could indeed net him a significant amount of cash. Still, expect opposing fans to point to the picture during his time at Auburn.

Irvin is the fourth defensive back to join this Tigers class. He adds to a haul that already features fellow 4-star prospects Jordan Colbert and Kerryon Johnson, who could spend time on both sides of the ball.

He may be the first of several key commitments for coach Gus Malzahn from the Sunshine State during this final stretch toward national signing day.

Irvin was joined on campus this past weekend by an impressive collection of fellow high-profile Florida products. The guest list included offensive tackle Martez Ivey, defensive end Byron Cowart, defensive end CeCe Jefferson and quarterback Torrance Gibson. 

Gibson, a 4-star talent with raw passing skills and intriguing athleticism, seemed nearly as impressed by the visit as Irvin. Despite a commitment to Ohio State, he admitted Auburn sparked his imagination.

"Coach Malzahn told me I'm his guy and he wants me to play quarterback and that I'd get a fair opportunity to play quarterback. That's what he told me and I believe it," Gibson told Justin Hokanson of 247Sports. "What he did with Cam Newton and Nick Marshall in one or two (seasons), imagine what he could do with me in three."

The busy weekend could ultimately result in a slew of blockbuster signings next month.

Irvin already sounds prepared to do his part during the final push. Longhorns fans won't like it, but he plans to tempt Texas cornerback commit Davante Davis during his visit to Auburn just days before signing day:

Irvin isn't the marquee member of this Auburn class, but there's a chance he'll be remembered as the first domino to fall during a frenzied late recruiting effort in Florida.

The Tigers now hold 21 commitments in a class that rates 10th in 247Sports' composite rankings. A strong finish in the Sunshine State would set the stage for a potential top-five class and reload a championship-caliber roster.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.