Rivals250 safety flips to Auburn
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AUBURN | Auburn's recruiting momentum continued late Saturday afternoon as Trinity Christian (Fla.) Rivals250 safety Ben EdwardsClick Here to view this Link. flipped his commitment from Ohio State to Auburn.
Edwards, the nation's No. 6 safety and No. 162 overall prospect, visited for the Tigers' spring game and made the decision shortly after leaving.
"Today was nice, the coaches showed me love and I enjoyed my visit. It's one of the best visits I've been on," Edwards told AuburnSports.com. "I'm a Tiger. The coaches showed me love, they expressed their need for me. I can help this team on defense.
"We love the family atmosphere. The coaches are Christian coaches and cool coaches. Every time I come I feel at home. I feel comfortable. It feels right, that's why I'm a Tiger. I had to do it, I couldn't wait anymore.
"Words can't explain. I grew up loving and watching Auburn football. It's a dream come true and I can't wait to play here. I'm overwhelmed."
The decision to depart from his Ohio State commitment, after naming Auburn his leader much earlier in the process, wasn't that difficult, Edwards said.
"Ohio State came at me hard, but Auburn's where I wanted to be. I got off track and I wasn't thinking all the way. They're a great school, but Auburn is right."
Auburn made a big impression on Edwards' parents.
"They showed my parents a lot of love, they were the first school to really do that and my parents really appreciated that," said Edwards.
"Coach (Charlie) Harbison, Coach (Rodney) Garner, all of them."
Edwards' plan was to return home on Saturday night and talk to his parents more about the decision, but he couldn't wait until Sunday. Edwards' parents played a big role in his decision to flip.
"My parents wanted me to go to Auburn," he said. "They love the coaches, the atmosphere, the school, the team, and it's closer to home. It's big, I listen to them a lot. I want them to be able to come to my games."
Edwards said quarterback commit Tyler Queen and linebacker commit Montavious Atkinson both recruited him to the Plains.
The 6-foot, 196-pound Edwards feels his skill-set is a perfect fit within the Tigers' defense.
"I watched the safeties close," Edwards said. "They have a field safety and boundary safety and I'll play field. I'll fit in good."
Edwards' teammate, Rivals100 linebacker Jeffery Holland, named the Tigers his leader after his Saturday visit. Edwards said he's already started recruiting Holland to the Plains.
"I have to get Jeff," he said. "Jeff and I are cool and we do lots of stuff together. He gets to the quarterbacks and I'll get picks."
Edwards said his decision is final.
"This is home," he said.