Unexpected Auburn offer for Florida cornerback

Tavyn Jackson wasn’t expecting anything from Auburn this week. The corneback, from Rickards High in Tallahassee, Fla., didn’t have any reason to.

“I’d never gotten any mail from Auburn,” Jackson said. “I’d never talked to Auburn.”

Until Wednesday.

Jackson, who received an offer from Oregon State Wednesday morning, received an offer from Auburn Wednesday night. He learned the news during a conversation with Tigers secondary coach Wesley McGriff.

“I got Coach Crime Dog’s (McGriff) number and called and talked to him,” Jackson said. “He called me ‘Lockdown Tavyn’ and said he really liked my film. He said they loved me, how I play and wanted to offer me a scholarship.”

It was a good, first conversation between the coach and recruit.

“I didn’t expect him to offer me a scholarship,” Jackson said. “It was surprising. I’ve always liked Auburn and always liked watching them play.”

Jackson always watches the Iron Bowl, Auburn’s annual clash with in-state Alabama. It’s a game he looks forward to watching, but with the new offer, he now has the option to play in it.

“Playing in that game would be amazing,” Jackson said. “That’s such a big game. It’s my favorite game to watch and I always loved how Auburn plays. I love how their confidence is high as soon as they step onto the field against Alabama. They know they can win.”

Jackson has not visited Auburn, but hopes to soon.

“Oh, I have to visit,” Jackson said. “I have to get up there and check it out. Auburn is definitely in the mix. I will think a lot about that offer.”

Jackson now claims offers from Auburn, Oregon State, Clemson, Florida, Indiana and Troy, among others. He believes hometown Florida State could be close to offering. Jackson is visiting FSU on Thursday. He also plans to visit Florida for its spring game on March 19.

“I plan on committing in July,” Jackson said. “But I could do it earlier, like in April.”

Jackson recorded 58 tackles, including 46 solos, and 15 pass break-ups as a junior.