Auburn 'like home away from home' for 4-star RB
AUBURN | Bainbridge (Ga.) running back Dameon Pierce’s comfort level at Auburn continues to grow.
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The four-star recruit visited Auburn on Saturday, which was his second trip to the Plains this summer, and already plans to return twice more before making a commitment.
“I had a great experience (Saturday),” Pierce said. “I really enjoyed myself. I had a chance to play some games and stuff. It was just had a fun experience overall. I love it at Auburn. I feel very comfortable at Auburn. It feels like I’ve been coming here for years, but I’ve only visited twice.”
Pierce was one of approximately 20 recruits in Auburn for the Tigers’ annual cookout. He was joined by his stepfather and mother, Shameeka Rodgers, who on Saturday made her first college visit beyond the Georgia border.
“My mom loved it," Pierce said. "And to see how good of a time she had, it really impacts me a lot. To see my mom have fun outside the state of Georgia made it a great day overall.”
Pierce spent time with Auburn running backs coach Tim Horton. The two have developed a strong bond, one they were able to build upon Saturday.
“Coach Horton, that’s my main guy right there,” Pierce said. “He’s a great coach, and I love to be around him.”
Pierce plans to return to Auburn for a game in the fall, most likely the Iron Bowl on Nov. 25, and again after the season for an official visit.
Auburn, Georgia, Florida and LSU make up Pierce’s top group of schools. He said each school would receive an official visit after the season.
“I’ll definitely be back to Auburn,” Pierce said. “They have great coaches, and it feels like a home away from home. Anybody would be glad to be at Auburn. I also want to visit LSU and get back up to Georgia, too.”
As for a commitment, the former Alabama pledge plans to take his time.
“I’m not in a hurry,” Pierce said. “I will commit sometime after the season, whenever it feels right.”
Pierce has the option to graduate high school in December and enroll in college in January.
“But it depends on when I make my (college) decision,” Pierce said. “If I make my decision before the second semester of school, of course I will be an early enrollee.”
Pierce rushed for more than 250 yards in three games last season, including two where he rushed for 300-plus. He finished his junior season with 243 carries for 1,686 yards (6.9 avg.) and 20 touchdowns.
Rivals ranks Pierce, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 210 pounds, the No. 14 running back in the 2018 class.
