Fact or Fiction: Caylin Newton will make an impact at Auburn
National recruiting director Mike Farrell and national recruiting analyst Adam Gorney tackle three topics daily and determine whether they believe the statements or not.
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1. Caylin Newton will make an impact at Auburn.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. It’s exciting to see Cam Newton’s younger brother heading to Auburn after some success at the FCS level, but to think he can make an impact is a stretch. He’s not going to affect the quarterback room, and I don’t think he’s athletic enough to make an impact elsewhere. Luckily, the expectations aren’t there, which is great because following in the footsteps of Cam is hard.
Gorney’s take: FACT. Caylin Newton is in an impossible situation, because wherever he goes he’s Cam Newton’s brother and that carries a lot of challenges, just like it does for Taulia Tagovailoa being Tua’s brother. But Caylin was impactful at Howard not only as a passer but also running the football. Bo Nix is and will be the starter at Auburn, but if coach Gus Malzahn wants a different look, or some Wildcat options, Newton could be a nice change-of-pace player. He’s not winning the Heisman and leading Auburn to the national title, but Newton can play an important role in Auburn’s offense.
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2. Miami will turn it around this season and win its division.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. I have UNC winning the Coastal because the Tar Heels are loaded on offense. I feel Miami will rebound from an awful season, but it doesn't have the guns on offense to win enough. D’Eriq King is a great addition, but the Hurricanes lack dynamic players at running back and wide receiver and the offense has disappointed. I love the Miami defense, but UNC will score on anyone.
Gorney’s take: FACT. Miami cratered down the stretch last season, and if the Hurricanes didn’t completely tank – or showed any interest in those games – then a 9-4 season was not out of the realm of possibility. And that was with a horrible quarterback situation that never got figured out. Now, King, a Houston transfer, is running the show, there is talent across the board and the defensive line could be devastating. Miami lost at North Carolina in the closing minute last year with all of the above considerations. North Carolina should be better, but Miami will be way, way better and if the Canes don’t win the Coastal it’s a major problem.
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3. Players transferring to rival schools will become more commonplace.
Farrell’s take: FACT. Jarrian Jones actually trolled Ole Miss when he chose Mississippi State out of high school, but now the talented defensive back will be playing for the Rebels. It’s somewhat rare for a player to head from one rival to another, but it will happen more as the transfer portal becomes more popular. And it will make games even more fun when you see former Ohio State players at Michigan or former Alabama players at Auburn. Jones will be fun to watch.
Gorney’s take: FICTION. I just don’t see a reason why this would become more common. Let’s not forget Jones’ position coach at Mississippi State, Terrell Buckley, is now on the Ole Miss staff, also a rare in-state move. I’m not suggesting any sort of tampering, but Jones was clearly comfortable with Buckley and playing for him again was a big draw to the Rebels. A lot of times when kids enter the transfer portal they’re looking for a fresh start, where they can get an opportunity to play and their past is in the rear-view mirror. Fans care about rivalries for the most part. Players care about being on the field and maximizing exposure.