Versatile athlete high on Auburn

AUBURN | Athens (Ga.) Christian School’s Richard Jibunor isn’t ready to list all of his top schools, but he knows Auburn will be one of them when he does.

“I’m definitely looking at Auburn,” Jibunor said. “There’s something about Auburn that I just like. My relationship with the coaches has been great ever since I came to camp (last summer). They talk to me every time I visit, and they have visited me at school. They always make sure I’m doing great.”

Jibunor had another opportunity to meet with Auburn’s coaches during a visit for the Tigers’ Junior Day on March 6. He spoke with Gus Malzahn, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, defensive line coach Rodney Garner and linebackers coach Travis Williams.

Jibunor and Williams have developed a strong bond since Auburn offered last summer. Auburn is recruiting Jibunor primarily to play the Buck linebacker position.

“The most wonderful thing about (Williams) is he addresses you as a human being, not just as a football player,” Jibunor said. “He’s really like a big brother to every athlete he talks to. He’s a good example of what a coach should be like. He talks to you like someone who really wants the best for you.”

During Jibunor’s visit, he also watched the Tigers’ first full-pad practice of the spring. He was impressed with the leadership and the optimism of the players.

“It was awesome. I really liked what I saw,” Jibunor said. “The players were competing, and that’s what I wanted to see. It shows that the players are ready for a new season.”

Jibunor plans to return to Auburn before he makes a commitment. Auburn, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, among others, all are heavily recruiting him.

“Auburn is a really good school. I really like it,” Jibunor said. “I have a very good relationship with the head coach, the assistant coaches and most of the players.”

Rivals ranks Jibunor, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 206 pounds, the No. 64 player in Georgia.