Hugh Freeze shares excitement level over flipping recruits

In today’s modern college football, recruitments are never truly over. Prospects who have been committed for months are always candidates to flip elsewhere, with programs recruiting through the whistle. Auburn was one of the best at it this year, with Hugh Freeze hoping relationships won out in the end.

Freeze was asked to describe the emotions of flipping a recruit, with the reporter wondering if it’s an exciting moment.

“It’s more of a relief,” Freeze said. “You’re excited when you’re watching and you’re like ‘Thank you, Lord.’ Because some of them, they go quiet on you sometimes and you wonder.”

Auburn was able to pull off a flip on National Signing Day, taking Amaris Williams away from Florida right at the buzzer. One of the top edge rushers in the class, adding somebody of Williams’ capability is a huge gain for the Tigers.

“I mean, to get Amaris… that’s pretty big,” Freeze said. “I think he’s one heck of an athlete and loved getting to know him. My in-home visit with him and his Mom was incredible. We were behind, obviously, but Coach Garrett did a great job staying in it, staying in it, staying in it. That’s a difference-maker type of kid.”

Williams was just the latest prospect Auburn was able to flip throughout the 2024 cycles. Cam Coleman was a Texas A&M commit at one time. But once Jimbo Fisher was fired, the On3 Industry Rankings No. 4 overall player decided to play for the Tigers.

Perry Thompson and Demarcus Riddick were huge for Auburn as well, flipping from the program’s two biggest rivals — Alabama and Georgia — during the summer. Jamonta Waller was another one Freeze took away from Billy Napier, rounding out the flips.

Auburn experiences rough side of recruiting and being unable to pull off flip

Unfortunately, National Signing Day did not go 100% to plan for Freeze. While they were on the right side of flipping Williams, there was a flip opportunity that went away from Auburn. Freeze thought the prospect was locked up but recruiting can be chaotic at times.

“At the same time, you think you’ve done all to flip another one,” Freeze said. “And then, all of a sudden, he goes another direction. Those, you just take them in stride. You gave it your best, really. Two days ago, was told ‘I’m coming, I’m coming.’ And then today, it changes. Those are always disappointing because you put in great effort.”

Freeze was not allowed to specifically name the recruit he was talking about but is likely referencing Five-Star Plus+ safety KJ Bolden. He was a Florida State commit at the time but wound up signing with the hometown Georgia Bulldogs. Auburn was in there, fighting until the end for Bolden’s signature.