Avery eyeing 2 as decision nears
MONTGOMERY | Grenada (Miss.) safety C.J. Avery is set to announce his commitment Dec. 14, and as of Monday, his choice likely will be one of two schools.
“I think it will be between Auburn and Louisville,” Avery said at check-in for the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game. “I don’t think either of them has an edge right now.”
Avery still is considering Ole Miss and Mississippi State, but it will be difficult for the two in-state schools to trump the two out-of-state leaders before next Wednesday.
“They could get back in it,” Avery said. “I’ve been talking to Coach (Hugh) Freeze and Coach (Dan) Mullen a lot, but right now it’s Auburn and Louisville.”
Avery has taken official visits to Auburn and Louisville. He visited Auburn in September and Louisville last weekend for the Kentucky game. There are several reasons why Avery is high on the Tigers and Cardinals.
“My Louisville visit went well, and they are a little short at the safety spot right now,” Avery said. “I went and watched the UK game and you can really tell that they need some help. That’s a big factor because you want to get in your freshman year and play as quickly as you can.”
Avery’s relationship with Auburn defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff is an asset for the Tigers. There is history between the two as McGriff coached Avery’s father at Kentucky State.
“Me and Coach McGriff have a great relationship,” Avery said. “With him having coached my dad, that’s big for me.”
McGriff isn’t the only reason for Avery’s high interest in Auburn.
“There are some great people at Auburn,” Avery said. “It’s a great fan base. They have some of the best fans in the country. They treated me well on my official visit. The program is nice. Coach (Gus) Malzahn is doing a great job over there. It’s just a good place to be.”
Avery also sees Auburn’s defense as a good fit.
“I think I fit well in the Auburn defense,” Avery said. “I watched (safety) Tray Matthews a lot and the way he plays the game; that’s the way I see myself playing in their defense.”
Avery, who Rivals ranks the No. 32 safety in the 2017 class, plans to announce his decision live on the High School Football Network at 5:30 p.m. CT.
