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JUCO DL returning to Auburn, finally

Defensive lineman Daquan Newkirk will be in Auburn Thursday for what will be his first visit to the Plains in almost two years.

Two years too long.

“It’s been a while,” Newkirk said. “I haven’t been since I was in high school, so I’m looking forward to getting back up there.”

Newkirk committed to Auburn as a member of the 2016 class, but failed to qualify out of First Academy in Orlando, Fla. He enrolled at Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston, Miss., where he redshirted last fall. Newkirk’s last visit to Auburn was in November 2015.

“It’s been too long,” Newkirk said. “I’m ready.”

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Newkirk plans to get the most out of his visit. He’ll arrive Thursday afternoon and stay through the weekend.

“I’m coming with Coach (Curt) Cramer from First Academy,” Newkirk said. “We’re driving up from Orlando and will stay for five days.”

Newkirk will attend Auburn’s Big Cat event on Saturday, which will be his second in three years. He also attended Big Cat in 2015.

“I’m looking forward to fellowshipping with the recruits, coaches and players,” Newkirk said. “I want to build bonds with everyone and see (former classmate and Auburn freshman tackle) Calvin Ashley again.”

Newkirk, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 285 pounds, projects to play defensive tackle at Auburn. He communicates regularly with Auburn defensive line coach Rodney Garner.

Newkirk is scheduled to graduate from Gulf Coast in December and hopes to enroll at Auburn in January. He would have three years to play three at Auburn.

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