In-state OL wants to 'physically and mentally destroy' opponents
Hunter Brannon was a standout at Auburn’s camp as he works toward his first SEC offer.
AUBURN | You’ve got to be big, strong and reasonably athletic to play on the offensive line. But you’ve got to be mentally tough and aggressive to really standout.
Whether he was just born that way or learned it in his years growing up playing football, Hunter Brannon certainly has the mentality college coaches are looking when it comes to playing in the trenches.
“I'm just a real grinding worker,” said Brannon, who plays right tackle for Cullman (Ala.) High. “I just like to hurt people on the defense. Throw them down. Physically and mentally destroy people, that's kind of my game plan on the offensive line.”
Brannon, 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds, showed that competitiveness at Auburn’s camp Saturday, especially when it came to the 1-on-1 competition against the defensive line.
“I had a great time at camp,” Brannon said. “Coach (Herb) Hand was with my the entire time. He really likes me a lot and I busted it a lot today throwing people on the ground in 1-on-1s. It was a fun time.”
Brannon has close to 20 offers including Minnesota, Memphis, Southern Miss, Western Kentucky, Troy, UAB, Tulane, Middle Tennessee and Arkansas State. He’s hearing from a number of top schools including Auburn, Alabama, South Carolina, Clemson and Vanderbilt.
Hand, Auburn’s offensive line coach, and Gus Malzahn talked with Brannon about recruiting during his visit.
“They told me you're just a hard worker, you're fast, got good feet, we really like you and it's all about the numbers,” Brannon said. “I think they've got two or three offers out there and they're fighting for their guy but if that doesn't work out, Coach Hand says he's going to come to me.”
Most schools including Auburn are recruiting Brannon to play center or guard on the next level, and he’s very open to a movie inside.
A December graduate, Brannon plans to camp or visit Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Alabama this week. He’s visited Auburn several times previously and plans to return this fall.
“We’ve been to some games. I've talked to Malzahn a lot. Been to a lot of camps here,” he said. “I really like Auburn. Coach Hand has been great. It's a great fit here.”