2014 QB impressed with Auburn
Among the nation's top 2012 and 2013 prospects that attended Auburn's second summer mini camp in July, a rising sophomore quarterback was also in attendance attempting to earn some early attention.
Oviedo (Fla.) 2014 quarterback Anthony Siciliano is already garnering interest from an impressive list of schools, with his first visit to Auburn being an eye opener.
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"The camp was great, I love the facilities, I love the school and what they stand for, and really just how they run their program," Siciliano said.
"Auburn is definitely a top five school for me, and a school that I will definitely consider because of both athletics, but academics and how the stress family and faith."
The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Siciliano had seen the Tigers' on television, and knew some about the Auburn program. Expectations aren't always met after a first visit, but for Siciliano, they were.
"I had high expectations just seeing them on T.V. and seeing what type players they have, and it was everything I expected," said Siciliano.
Siciliano said while there's always room for improvement following a camp performance, he was pleased with his showing at the Tigers' camp in front of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.
"I felt like I did really well," said Siciliano. "There is improvement that can be made, but I completed a lot of passes and learned a lot under coach Malzahn."
Getting tutelage from Malzahn was a highlight for the young signal caller as well.
"Malzahn is a great coach, he has great knowledge of the game, and definitely someone I would love to play for," Siciliano said.
For Siciliano though, he is already very familiar with what Malzahn brings to the table as a coach, because Siciliano's favorite player just won the Heisman Trophy under Malzahn's watchful eye.
"I'm a big fan of Cam Newton," Siciliano said. "I was a big fan when he went to Florida, then I heard he went to Blinn, and then when I heard he went to Auburn I just took it from there.
"He did a great job last year, keeping himself composed and silenced the critics."
Siciliano said he believes his game will translate into a spread or a pro-style type offense in college, and would actually like to play in an offense that does both at the next level.
"Probably a spread, with some pro-style in there, but I'd like to play in the spread," Siciliano said.
Coaches can't contact freshman or sophomores this early in the recruiting process, but Siciliano still receives plenty of mail inviting him to campus, with top programs wanting an early look.
"I've received a whole lot of division one camp invites and questionnaires early one, lot of schools showing interest right now," Siciliano said. "I know it's still early and coaches can't talk to me this early, but the mail is rolling in."
Siciliano said he only camped at Auburn this summer, but is planning on hitting 10-12 camps next summer, including Auburn.