Image Courtesy-@JTbigdreams6
Justin Thornton (Mobile, Al. Vigor) is ready to commit to the college of his choice May 12. He will choose from a trio of SEC schools with Texas A&M, LSU and Auburn all standing on equal footing according to Thornton.
I’m changing my commitment to next sunday…… LSU-TexaaA&M-Auburn. …… all teams have ac hance…. there is no leader
— Justin Thornton #4 (@JTbigdreams6) May 5, 2013
Thornton, a four-star defensive end is the No. 3 player at his position and No. 66 player overall according to the 247Sports.com composite rankings, visited Auburn on May 4 which prompted him to declare that he will be announcing the following week and not Aug. 4 as he originally planned.
This development leads me to believe that the Auburn Tigers have the slight lead over the Tigers from LSU with Texas A&M finishing in third for the 6’5’’, 222-pound Thornton who had seven sacks last season.
LSU was the early leader for Thornton after being turned down by his favorite team, Florida, but I think Auburn has done enough in recent weeks to receive his commitment on Sunday after a successful visit earlier this month and the commitment of his high school teammate Deshaun Davis.
Thornton had these comments to Bryan Matthews of Auburn Undercover: “They’re the team on the rise. A lot of people are sleeping on Auburn but these visits helped out a lot…It makes me feel like family. That’s the key thing. It makes me feel like family.”
The overriding reason in my opinion Auburn has overtaken LSU is Dameyune Craig, whom Thornton called a father-figure, and Rodney Garner who have done a great job recruiting Thornton after being in fifth place when the recruit named his leaders on Apr. 24 to being on the threshold of potentially receiving his commitment.
Auburn loaded up on their front four this winter and the potential addition of Thornton will add to the Tigers’ ferocious front four. He would join the team he feels is on the rise and makes him feel like a part of the family.
Patrick’s a college football writer for Rant Sports and radio host on Sportstownchicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickASchmidt and add him to your Google network.
