QB commit building bond with new OC
AUBURN | Auburn quarterback commitment Joey Gatewood had a strong relationship with former offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, and wants to have the same type bond with the Tigers’ new playcaller, Chip Lindsey.
Saturday was a good start.
Gatewood was in Auburn for Junior Day and spent a lot of time with Lindsey.
“He’s a great guy,” Gatewood said. “It was really nice to spend the day with him. We bonded. It went real good.”
Gatewood, from Bartram Trail in Jacksonville, Fla., watched Auburn’s first full-pad practice of the spring. He got to see Lindsey’s coaching methods, as well as glimpses of tweaks in the offense. Gatewood and Lindsey both believe the quarterback remains a good fit at Auburn.
“He likes the fact that I can run it and throw it,” Gatewood said. “He also likes that I have a big arm.”
Gatewood plans to return to Auburn in April for the spring game. He’ll continue building on the bond formed Saturday with Lindsey.
“He’s a really nice person, a great guy,” Gatewood said. “I can’t wait to get to know him even more.”
Gatewood remains committed to Auburn and is working to help strengthen the Tigers’ 2018 class. He is aiding in the recruitments of five-star wide receiver Justyn Ross and four-star receiver Jacob Copeland.
Ross joined Gatewood in Auburn on Saturday. Copeland visited Auburn in January.
“I texted (Ross) to meet me (at Auburn),” Gatewood said. “I want him to be my wide receiver, him and Jacob Copeland. Those are my main two right now.”
Rivals ranks Gatewood, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 225 pounds, the No. 7 dual-threat quarterback in the class and No. 118 in the Rivals250.
Gatewood split reps at quarterback, running back and wide receiver last season as a junior. He finished with 1,784 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns.
Gatewood completed 59-of-87 passes (68%) for 716 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. He rushed for 753 yards and 11 touchdowns on 93 carries (8.1 avg.), and had 25 receptions for 315 yards (12.6 avg.) and six scores. He also returned 15 kickoffs for 408 yards (27.2 avg.).
