SIGNEE: Elijah Stove
Elijah Stove knew a long time ago that he wanted to play football at Auburn. He committed last summer and locked up shop. Auburn is searching for play-makers on offense and it may have found one in this Florida wideout.
THE PLAYER: In the recruiting world, drama is the story. That's what grabs headlines -- secret commits, recruits who release Top 30 lists via Instagram, decommits. You know the stories. Guys who eschew the drama often fly under the radar and largely are forgotten. Stove doesn't deserve that kind of marginalization. He reminds me of a more athletic and quicker version of Emory Blake, who caught 128 passes for 2,000 yards during his Auburn career. Blake was a smooth player; an aware receiver who knew where to be, how to shape his body into tight windows downfield, when to jump, when to cut. It all came so easy. Stove has all that plus an extra helping of acceleration and top-end speed. A lack of height is the only thing that keeps him from being discussed as an elite prospect, but it's not like he'll be pigeonholed as a slot receiver. He's comfortable playing outside. He's a complete receiver -- and a focused, introspective kid as well. There's really no downside.
THE FUTURE: Auburn took a hit at receiver with Ricardo Louis, Melvin Ray and Duke Williams all playing their final snaps during the 2015 season. Stove is the most refined and game-ready guy among a very strong crop of receivers Auburn has signed this year. Stove probably will begin his career as a flanker, but he also could become that end-around guy much like Ricardo Louis.
ARRIVAL DATE: If Stove already was enrolled, he'd be a sure thing to contribute in 2016. Since he won't arrive until May, however, it's unclear just how quickly he'll be able to acclimate to the Tigers' offense. Players like Stove who spent their prep careers being lauded for awareness and a high football IQ generally contribute earlier in their careers.
THE BUNKER VIEW (as told by @wardamneagle21): "Very high character kid who comes from a great family. Absolutely electric athlete who is very dynamic and smooth in his routes. His "foot fire" at the line is second to none and he has grown to show a lot of creativity in stemming routes to get open. Very "heady" player and you never have to repeat anything to him. Scary Tidbit: Eli could be an All-SEC and NFL cornerback."