Making The Case: Colby Wooden

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The 2019 class is on the clock and several of the nation’s top players have begun to cut their lists in advance of a commitment announcement before the season kicks off.

Today, experts from the Rivals.com network examine where three-star defensive end Colby Wooden might end up playing his college football. The candidates are Auburn and Clemson.

Wooden announced last month that he would commit to Auburn or Clemson on Aug. 16, one day before his season-opener. He has visited each program numerous times and has complimented their atmosphere and how he would fit in with each team. Will he play for the Tigers in the ACC or the SEC? That is the only question that remains. With a decision coming into focus we asked our team experts to state the case for their respective programs and let National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell issue a verdict.

“Wooden has visited Auburn six times and was one of only a few uncommitted recruits to attend both of Auburn’s premiere recruiting events of the summer – Big Cat in June and the BBQ in July. He has developed close bonds with several of Auburn’s coaches, most notably area recruiter Travis Williams and defensive line coach Rodney Garner, and is familiar with the campus. Auburn and Clemson have been atop Wooden’s list of favorites since the spring and remain that way at the close of the summer. Clemson beat Auburn in a head-to-head battle for Wooden’s teammate, Andrew Booth, but Auburn appears primed to even the score.” — Jeffrey Lee, AuburnSports.com

“The writing is on the wall here for Auburn. Wooden last visited Clemson for its spring game, and he’s since gone to Auburn’s Big Cat Weekend and eschewed Clemson’s cookout for Auburn’s late in July. Clemson’s only real hope would seem to be that it has a commitment from Wooden’s star teammate, corner Andrew Booth, and are likely to land safety teammate Jalyn Phillips four days after Wooden’s announcement. But that’s grasping at straws.” – Paul Strelow, TigerIllustrated.com

“I think Colby Wooden is headed to Auburn. It’s a program he’s familiar with, they recruit Georgia very well and he has a comfort level with the staff. He also sees a great opportunity.” – Mike Farrell, Rivals.com National Director of Recruiting