When Darius Slayton was a highly touted prospect in the 2015 recruiting cycle, he received offers from some of the biggest programs in college football, including Georgia. The Bulldogs were considered by some to be the favorite to land the four-star wide receiver.
However, over the course of his recruitment, he built a bond with Auburn wide receiver coach Dameyune Craig, who had served as Auburn's receiver coach under Gus Malzahn for the past two seasons.
By the end of National Signing Day, Craig's charisma, experience and football knowledge had won Slayton over. Slayton officially joined the Auburn football program.
Slayton was given a redshirt his freshman year, giving him time to grow as a receiver and as a college student. He continued to bond with Craig over the course of the 2015 season, and saw his coach as someone he could depend on.
“He was a very emotional leader," Slayton said. "Like if somebody was going through something or had a problem or something, I feel like he did a really good job of just helping us stay focused on football and school and keeping you here and not focusing on things going on outside you or possibly back home or something.”
But just over a year after wooing Slayton to The Plains, Craig accepted an offer to become the wide receiver coach for Les Miles' LSU Tigers.
“Honestly, I was surprised at first," Slayton said. "It just kind of happened."
Craig's departure was a significant change for Auburn's program and Slayton's college experience. Now, fewer than eight months later, it will be difficult for Slayton to look across the field and see his recruiter on the opposite sideline.
"Obviously, you build that bond through recruiting," Slayton said. "So, obviously, it was a little sad when he left."
Despite only being coached by Craig for one season, Slayton feels no animosity toward the former Auburn quarterback. In fact, he's looking forward to the reunion.
"I wish him the best of luck," Slayton said. "When I see him Saturday, I'll shake his hand and say what's up. It'll be like old times. It was sad to see him go, but I'm happy for him."
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