Rivals250 safety says role and relationships led him to Auburn

Jamien Sherwood has long since named Auburn as his leader. Tuesday’s commitment to the Tigers was simply the follow through. There weren’t any twists or turns in this third act.

Sherwood’s recruitment ended the way most had expected it would for some time. And is reasons for the choice were just as predictable as the announcement itself. The four-star defensive back is not one for manufactured drama. Instead, he cuts to the chase.

“From my first time going to Auburn I just felt at home and I loved everything about it,” Sherwood said. “I didn't want to leave after my first visit.”

Auburn offers Sherwood familiarity and a level of comfort. It also provides him with a defined role, something for which the 6-foot-2 prospect had long been in search of. From the moment he lands on campus, Sherwood will have defined expectations. This, it seems, was a selling point.

“I'm in the back half of the defense, roaming from sideline to sideline,” Sherwood said. “I’ll be blitzing from the safety position and coming off the edge, too.”

Of course relationships also played a role. Auburn’s recruitment of Sherwood was headed up by Tigers secondary coach Greg Brown. And the credit for making the Florida-based standout feel comfortable with Auburn should, in bulk, belong to him.

After all, Sherwood’s decision to move to Alabama didn’t happen by accident. This was a business decision, sure, but personal connections also played a part.

“Coach Greg Brown is the man who gave me my offer,” Sherwood said. “ He's been coaching DBs forever. He's been to plenty of colleges and coached plenty of pro athletes. To me, he's just a heck of a person and great person to talk to. I like that I'll be coached by him the next few years.”

Sherwood is ranked as the No. 17 safety and the No. 181 overall prospect in the class of 2018. He attends Florida’s Jensen Beach High School.