Amid all the rumored turmoil inside Auburn's immediate football program, the Tigers' recruiting front had its own uncertainty to deal with.
Tennessee has been aggressively courting 5-star linebacker Owen Pappoe, the gem — and leader — of Auburn's 2019 class. But after both teams took an in-home visit with the Grayson (Ga.) product Wednesday, Pappoe's conscience remained orange and blue, according to his Twitter.
The recruitment process for Pappoe won't stop there, however. He is scheduled to take an official visit to Tennessee this weekend, leaving him the following weekend for a fifth and final official visit with the offering school of his choice.
An OV to Auburn would essentially lock things up for the early signing period on Dec. 19. Any other decision would make for an intriguing home stretch.
Pappoe's tweet comes a day after Auburn whiffed in the Kelly Bryant sweepstakes as the former Clemson quarterback chose Missouri over an array of suitors.
Pappoe verbally committed in May. Auburn linebackers coach Travis Williams has been Pappoe's primary recruiter as his position coach and area recruiter.
If the commitment stands, Williams will likely require production out of Pappoe early in his career as the Tigers graduate a trio of linebackers this year in Deshaun Davis, Darrell Williams and Montavious Atkinson. Pappoe is also the sole linebacker currently committed to Auburn's 2019 class.
As a senior at Grayson, Pappoe racked up 112 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, four sacks, two blocked kicks and a pair of forced fumbles. He was named a Georgia High School All-American and was one of five finalists for the High School Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation's top linebacker.
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Nathan King, senior in journalism with a minor in business, is The Plainsman's sports editor.
