Auburn adds TE commitment

AUBURN | Auburn has added a high school tight end to its 2017 recruiting class.

John Samuel Shenker, a standout from Colquitt County High in Moultrie, Ga., committed to the Tigers on Sunday.

"Coach (Gus) Malzahn was pumped," Shenker said. "He's ready to get to work and for me to come in May and get it going."

Shenker earned an offer from Auburn early last week, the first offer issued by newly-hired offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey. Shenker then spent the weekend in Auburn on an official visit before informing the Tigers of his decision.

"I thought on Friday that (Auburn) was the place for me, but I wanted to come here and be sure," Shenker said. "When I got here, I knew this was the place to be."

Shenker already was familiar with Auburn. He has attended games at Auburn since he was two years old, and at one time was committed to play baseball for the Tigers. Shenker later decided he wanted to pursue football in college, and he'll now do it at the same place his college baseball career would have started.

Shenker will concentrate solely on football at Auburn.

Shenker played his senior season at Colquitt County under Rush Propst. Lindsey and Propst have history together. Lindsey was Propt’s offensive coordinator at Hoover in 2007.

"That helped so much," Shenker said. "Coach Lindsey will use me the same way Coach Propst did, so it really fits me."

Shenker, who is 6-foot-3 and weighs 238 pounds, had 30 receptions for 451 yards and two touchdowns as a senior. He is Auburn’s 19th commitment and second tight end. Sal Cannella, a tight end from Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College, is enrolled at Auburn for the spring semester.