From the beginning

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AUBURN, Ala. | Rodney Wells knew he had something special the first time he saw a tall, burly ninth-grader stroll into Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Fla.

And it wasn't long before Calvin Ashley was cemented as the team's starting left tackle.

"He was a difference-maker the first day he stepped on campus," said Wells, Dr. Phillips' head coach. "He's been a two-year starter, started every game since he got here. His size is what makes him stand out. He's 6-7, 6-8, over 300 pounds and he's athletic. In addition to that, he's a great kid, a humble kid and a hard worker.

"He finishes blocks. He picks up schemes real well. He started at left tackle the first day he stepped on campus and we play at a high level in football. That's never been done in the 13 years I've been at the school."

Ashley helped Dr. Phillips to a 13-1 record last season, advancing to the Class 8A quarterfinals. before being knocked out by Manatee 24-21.

Ashley is already tabbed as a five-star in the 2017 class. He's a candidate to be the nation's top overall prospect.

"The college coaches I talk to, it's almost unanimous, that he's the best offensive tackle in high school right now," Wells said. "He's physical and he's got the size and length everybody looks for at tackle. His arms are so long and he's real flexible -- good hips, good feet -- that he went through all of last season without giving up a sack.

"He's real good in space. We'll run a screen and he can go out and get a corner or a safety. He moves up to the second level very well, unlike a lot of high school offensive linemen."

Auburn's recruitment of Ashley moved quickly. He visited for the A-Day game April 18 and was back for Big Cat last Saturday, when he announced his commitment.

"He went up there by himself earlier and fell in love with it," Wells said. "He liked the coaches, the players and facilities, everything about it. Then a few weeks later he took his parents up there and his parents fell in love with it too and saw what he saw. I guess he felt like that's really where he wanted to be. He was real excited."

Auburn assistant coach Scott Fountain served as Ashley's lead recruiter.

"He did a great job from the moment he took over the area," Wells said. "I know Calvin will be in good hands."