Refreshing visit for long-time commit

AUBURN | Nearly two years since he first committed to Auburn, Daquan Newkirk remains firm with his decision as he creeps closer to finally joining the team.

Newkirk, now at Gulf Coast in Perkinston, Miss., originally committed to the Tigers June 18, 2015 out of The First Academy in Orlando, Fla.

“One hundred percent,” said Newkirk of his commitment. “It's just a loving place. I just feel that. Everything that comes with it, it's just love everywhere. It's just great.”

Newkirk is still receiving attention from several other schools but Auburn is the only one the December graduate is planning to visit this summer or fall.

“South Carolina, FAU, pretty much all the schools that recruited me from high school,” Newkirk said. “They're low key with it because they know how committed I am to Auburn.”

Newkirk, 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, has put on about 40 pounds over the last two years but insists he can still be an impact edge pass rusher, the position he’ll play at Gulf Coast this fall after redshirting last year.

“Same thing because I'm still versatile,” Newkirk said. “I still have my speed. I've just gotten a little bigger.

“I can play inside or outside, either one they want me to play.”

Newkirk, who was visiting Auburn for the first time in more than a year, spent a lot of time with defensive line coach Rodney Garner.

“Refreshing,” said Newkirk of finally returning to Auburn. “I haven't been here in forever, 15 months. It feels great to be here.”

Newkirk was wearing cast after undergoing surgery on the middle finger of his right hand, an injury that occurred during spring practice. He expects to be back to 100 percent by later this summer.

“I got it repaired about a week and a half ago,” he said. “I'll be out about three and a half weeks and then I'll get my cast off and I'll do some physical therapy.”

Newkirk plans to report to Auburn in early January and be ready to go through spring practice and compete for a spot in the playing rotation. He’ll be a sophomore with three years to play three.

“I've just got to step up to the plate when I come,” he said.