Auburn makes move for Herbert during visit

AUBURN | Kai-Leon Herbert is still committed to Michigan, but that could change before Signing Day.

The offensive lineman from American Heritage in Plantation, Fla., is considering other schools. Herbert is set to visit Miami and Florida over the next two weeks. He was in Auburn this weekend.

“Auburn is definitely up there for me,” Herbert said. “Florida and Miami are, too, and Michigan. I’m definitely going to commit sometime before Signing Day, or reaffirm my commitment if I choose Michigan.”

Herbert was not heavily considering Auburn before his official visit.

“I’m definitely considering Auburn much more than before the visit,” Herbert said. “It was a really good visit. It really opened me and my parents’ eyes. My entire family loves it and I love it.”

Herbert met extensively with Auburn offensive line coach Herb Hand during his visit.

“He is a really good coach,” Herbert said. “I can tell he’s someone that not only looks out for you not only in football, but life, too.”

Herbert also spent time with Auburn freshmen Brodarious Hamm and Derrick Brown, as well as coach Gus Malzahn.

“I was with Brodarious and Derek and the whole weekend was a family-type feel,” Herbert said. “We went to Coach Malzahn’s house, which is a beautiful house, and played games and fished in his lake.”

Herbert will visit Miami Jan. 20-22 and Florida Jan. 27-29. He hopes the Gators will have a new offensive line coach hired before he visits. Mike Summers left Gainesville for Louisville on Saturday. Summers was Herbert’s primary recruiter to Florida.

“I didn’t know about it until someone texted me about it, and I was shocked,” Herbert said. “He was my guy over there. But Coach (Jim McElwain) called me (Saturday) and told me they are bringing in someone that I would like.”

Rivals ranks Herbert, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 280 pounds, the No. 26 tackle in the 2017 class.