Auburn grabs early lead for Georgia DE

THE LATEST: It was a big spring and summer for 2020 defensive end Andy Boykin. Auburn is the last school to offer and that came after Boykin camped on the Plains in the middle of June. Before that, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Syracuse, Tennessee and some others offered the 6-foot-4, 230 pound sophomore out of Lagrange (Ga.) Troup County.

The Auburn campus is less than an hour from the Boykin home and despite growing up a fan of the in-state Bulldogs, the Tigers sit on top of his list.

IN HIS OWN WORDS: "Auburn is No. 1 for me right now," said Boykin. "It is a great atmosphere there and it really feels like family. I have visited there about 10 times already and I was there five times this summer. It is a great school, it feels like family there and that is why they are on top."

HIGH ON GARNER: "Coach Garner has coached a lot of great players and I feel he could really make me better. He has put a lot of guys into the NFL, his players like him and he has really shown me a lot of attention. He is a great coach, he is a great person and he wants the best for his players. I like how he pushes his players, and even though he likes his guys, he is going to work them hard, push them and try to get the most out of them."

THE ATMOSPHERE STANDS OUT: "Auburn just feels like home. The coaches are great guys and it is nice to just be there and hang out. It is like one big family there and that is what gets me. It is an easy feel and I just like being there."

RIVALS REACTION: It is early in Boykin's recruitment, but Auburn has done an excellent job with him this first year or so. They have made him feel welcome, and that is very important to him. More offers are going to come in, Boykin is going to take many visits and new relationships will be developed before he commits to a school, but expect Auburn to be in this race until the end.