NIKE sleeper favors two in SEC

Oakland (Fla.) Northeast linebacker/defensive end Audie Augustine has two schools he's favoring. Who are they and what does he like about them?

Augustine has received interest from Pittsburgh, Wyoming, Akron and Wisconsin among others, but his two favorites are Florida and Auburn.

"I like Florida's campus, it's really big and has a great atmosphere and it's away from everybody. The people out there are great too," he said. "I think the coaching staff has turned out really good. Urban Meyer knows his offense and he's a brilliant coach and I think they can go somewhere. I also like the way they run their defense.

"I like many of the same things at Auburn. I haven't been to their campus, but their defense is always crazy. Their coaching staff is one of the best, if they can make them go 13-0, they must be great."

Augustine has yet to visit any schools for junior days and doesn't have any coming up. The athlete also just recently attended the Miami Nike Camp on April 10th.

"It went pretty good, I'm satisfied with how I did at the camp," he said. "You can always do better though."

Augustine was one of the sleepers of the NIKE Camp, dominating one-on-one drills. Two schools Augustine is hoping will notice are Miami and Tennessee.

"Miami's defense is always in the top 10 every year and I'm a defensive type of person. Also they always send people to the NFL," he said. "I just like the way Tennessee plays. I don't know too much else about them right now."

Right now, Augustine is training in his free time, weight lifting and getting in shape for spring ball which starts on May 1st.

"I can tell my strength has improved and I'm more explosive and my agility increased," he said. "I think it's due to all the hard work in the weight room and track which helps with my takeoffs. I'm also doing the discus and shot put and that helps a lot with my balance and footwork."

With all the work he's putting in this spring, what is Augustine hoping for next year?

"I'm hoping to make it to state, expectations are pretty high, but I think we have a better chance than last year," he said. "We have more heart and I think we're willing to fight for four quarters, that's what I like about this team."

Last season Augustine recorded 73 tackles, eight for loss, nine and a half sacks, two forced fumbles and one recovered as he was named honorable mention all-district.