AUBURN | Auburn has received its first commitment for the 2019 class, and it’s a big one.
Hoover four-star wide receiver George Pickens, one of the top juniors in the South, informed Auburn on Friday of his intention to sign with the Tigers in 2019.
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“I had a feeling coming down here that I would commit,” Pickens said. “I knew two weeks ago when I came here for camp that I wanted to commit, but I really wasn’t feeling it that day.”
But Friday?
“I was,” Pickens said. “Definitely. I was ready to commit.”
Pickens informed Gus Malzahn, Chip Lindsey and Kodi Burns after spending the day in Auburn on a visit. The coaches were taken aback by Pickens’ announcement.
“Coach Malzahn was shocked,” Pickens said. “I kind of surprised him when I said it, but he was very happy.”
So was Burns, Auburn’s wide receivers coach and Pickens’ primary recruiter. Burns played a major role in Pickens’ decision.
“Coach Burns is a very nice dude,” Pickens said. “He’s young, so he understands where the young players are coming from. He’s real cool and that made it easier on me.”
As did the family atmosphere at Auburn.
“They really take pride in family, and that’s exactly what they are,” Pickens said. “They made me feel at home more than any other college.”
Auburn now has a commitment from two Hoover wide receivers: Pickens and senior Shedrick Jackson. Pickens is looking forward to playing together again with Jackson in college.
“Shedrick didn’t know I was going to commit,” Pickens said. “But he’ll probably be happy.”
Pickens chose Auburn over several other offers, including Mississippi State.
“I have two more years, but I feel like Auburn is the right school for me,” Pickens said. “It would take a lot to change my mind.”
Pickens, who is 6-foot-5 and weighs 200 pounds, is the second member of his family to be recruited by Malzahn. His older brother, Chris Humes, was recruited to Arkansas State when Malzahn was head coach. Humes signed and played at ASU and now plays for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders.
