Auburn snatched Keldric Faulk at the last possible moment during the previous cycle. It was the biggest heist of Hugh Freeze's (initial) return to SEC recruiting — and one that will begin paying proverbial dividends right away. Keldric will be in the rotation at DE and, let's be real, the dude is a player.
We've all known for a long time that Jakaleb, Keldric's younger brother, was going to be a major-caliber recruit.
Yet this wasn't a two-for-one deal. Not at all. Auburn strengthened its position, and ultimately got the job done, by doing every single thing it promised Keldric, Jakaleb and their mother over the past nine months. These early days of NIL Life are messy damn near beyond comprehension. A shockingly large percentage of kids signed these past two years are frustrated with the promises made — some financial, some associated with playing time — from coaches all over. They'll say anything to gain an advantage. They'll promise anything.
Yes, I know this is nothing new. It's just that these dealings are (mostly) above board now and players/parents/families/friends expect more legitimacy. More truth. They're not always getting that.
Hugh Freeze and his staff have prioritized those things. And this case, the Faulk brothers from Highland Home, turned out well for Auburn because these coaches kept their word. Keldric was the state's No. 1 player last season. Surely there was temptation for Freeze to promise the universe to the Faulk family. He promised Keldric that he'd be looked after, cared for, given every chance to make the most of this chance assuming he'd hold up his end by working diligently to become a better player. Auburn did that. Keldric did that.
That synergy is why Auburn now has another outstanding defender in the system. Jakaleb committed to Auburn today.
It doesn't work this way everywhere. The Faulks were watching and listening.
Mom is happy. Mom feels like Auburn cares about her boys.
NIL is about money, but every decision isn't solely about money. Keeping your word still carries weight. Trust still matters.
W.
We've all known for a long time that Jakaleb, Keldric's younger brother, was going to be a major-caliber recruit.
Yet this wasn't a two-for-one deal. Not at all. Auburn strengthened its position, and ultimately got the job done, by doing every single thing it promised Keldric, Jakaleb and their mother over the past nine months. These early days of NIL Life are messy damn near beyond comprehension. A shockingly large percentage of kids signed these past two years are frustrated with the promises made — some financial, some associated with playing time — from coaches all over. They'll say anything to gain an advantage. They'll promise anything.
Yes, I know this is nothing new. It's just that these dealings are (mostly) above board now and players/parents/families/friends expect more legitimacy. More truth. They're not always getting that.
Hugh Freeze and his staff have prioritized those things. And this case, the Faulk brothers from Highland Home, turned out well for Auburn because these coaches kept their word. Keldric was the state's No. 1 player last season. Surely there was temptation for Freeze to promise the universe to the Faulk family. He promised Keldric that he'd be looked after, cared for, given every chance to make the most of this chance assuming he'd hold up his end by working diligently to become a better player. Auburn did that. Keldric did that.
That synergy is why Auburn now has another outstanding defender in the system. Jakaleb committed to Auburn today.
It doesn't work this way everywhere. The Faulks were watching and listening.
Mom is happy. Mom feels like Auburn cares about her boys.
NIL is about money, but every decision isn't solely about money. Keeping your word still carries weight. Trust still matters.
W.
