Four-star OT ‘felt that’ at Auburn
AUBURN | One down, four to go.
Connor Stroh, a 4-star offensive tackle from Lakeland in Frisco, Texas, went on the first of five official visits to Auburn this weekend.
And the Tigers showed him exactly what he’s looking for in a college.
“Everything on all these visits is going to be important,” said Stroh. “I want to see how players act. If their love for the coach is real or if they’re just trying to get me to come here.
“Here, I felt that. I talked to some of the players and they’re really happy here. So that encourages me.”
Stroh, 6-foot-7 and 345 pounds, spent a lot of time with current AU offensive linemen Tate Johnson and E.J. Harris. It was the same with AU's coaching staff including head coach Bryan Harsin, offensive line coach Will Friend and offensive analyst Joe Bernardi.
“I had a really good time. All the coaches made a great habit of just spending as much time as they could around me,” said Stroh. “So I got to spend a lot of time talking to them, getting to know them. I also spent some time with Coach Friend and Coach Bernardi in the film room. Just having them walk me through their offense. It was great.
“Then I had a great meeting with Coach Harsin and he told me a lot about their program and what they’d expect from me if I come here.”
The staff made it clear to Stroh that the offensive line is a major area of need.
“They’re losing a lot of linemen after this year so they have to make up for that with some new guys. They said that it’s a possibility I could start early,” he said.
This weekend was Stroh’s second visit to AU this year. He attended a practice this spring.
“It’s a great town, very pretty town. Also the fans are very loyal and very passionate about this team,” he said. “I think the culture here is great. Even Harsin said it’s better than last year too. Him being here, they’re all pulling together."
Stroh will visit Florida June 3, Arkansas June 10, Texas A&M June 17 and Texas June 24. A decision could come shortly thereafter.
“It’ll probably be towards the end of June, like right before the dead period. I don’t have a date yet,” he said. “It might not be then. I might get there and not be ready. But for now, that’s the plan.”
Stroh was joined on his AU visit by his mom, dad and sister. Both of his parents attended Texas A&M.