Anniston (Ala.) 2024 defensive back Jayden Lewis has always held Auburn in high regard throughout his recruiting process, even more so now with Hugh Freeze in charge of the Tigers.
A return trip The Plains this past weekend was enough to convince the Rivals250 to give his verbal pledge to Tigers and become Auburn's second verbal commitment in the 2024 class, joining Moody (Ala.) four-star defensive back A'Mon Lane.
Lewis, the No. 22 cornerback and No. 238 player in the country class, goes in-depth on his weekend visit and decision to become a Tiger.
- On biggest reasons for choosing Auburn:
"Me and Coach (Zac) Etheridge have built a two-year relationship and he's shown me a lot of love. It's not about where I want to go, but I'm going where I'm wanted. Every time I go there it's a family feeling. It's real love and a home feeling every time I step on campus. They re-offered me when Coach (Hugh) Freeze got there and that meant a lot to me and they've got everything I want in terms of academics."
- On the importance of Zac Etheridge being retained on Hugh Freeze's staff:
"It was real big. I actually told me I was going to commit with him and Hugh Freeze in the same room along with my family and coach. Coach Freeze jumped up out of his seat and ran up out of the room. Coach Etheridge, you could see on his face he was relieved, like that's what he had been waiting on. I've known where I wanted to go, I just had to find the right time to do it."
- On his impressions of Hugh Freeze:
"He's a super-cool dude. He's really laid back and we've had great conversations. I love his offensive schemes. He knows how to put a lot of points on the board and I feel like I can be that defensive player that can help stop the other teams while we're putting points on the board. He just keeps everything real with you. He doesn't try to sugarcoat anything."
- On what Auburn likes about his overall skill set:
"They really just like my versatility. I can play nickel. I can play corner. I can play safety. Whatever you need, I can get it done. They also really like my speed and my technique."
- On his relationships with any current players on the team:
"Some of the players are really cool. Every time I go, they show me love and trying to get me there with them. The main two I know the most are Bradyn Joiner and Tony Hunley, we're from the same city, so that's real big."
- On his role as a recruiter for Auburn moving forward:
"Coach Freeze was reminding me of those back-to-back Ole Miss classes he had. He said, at Auburn, that's what we're going to have to do to make it great. Those first two classes are critical. In the 2025 class, I'm trying to get Anquon Fegans to commit. Then, you've got Grayshaun Swain on my team. There are some 2024 guys I'm going to start reaching out to as well."
