5-star WR Perry Thompson flips from Alabama to Auburn: 'I can go build that legacy at Auburn'

Foley (Ala.) five-star wide receiver Perry Thompson announced his pledge to Alabama last June. That commitment never stopped in-state rival Auburn from trying to flip Thompson away from his pledge to the Crimson Tide.

Hugh Freeze entered the mix for Auburn late in 2022. Freeze and his staff only upped the push for Thompson the moment they first stepped on campus.

That consistency and love shown from the Tigers ultimately worked in their favor as Thompson has flipped his commitment from Alabama to Auburn.

“I can go build that legacy at Auburn,” Thompson told On3. “I can be someone that helps turn things around and be the guy for the program. It is just the place I feel is the best first for me

…Since Hugh Freeze got to Auburn, he and the staff made me a top priority. Coach Freeze, Coach Marcus Davis, the whole staff and the fan base makes me feel wanted. The feeling for me is just different at Auburn.”

Thompson called Freeze ‘just a good guy’. He noted that he’s one of the most genuine coaches he’s met throughout the process and that is something that really made an impact on him.

Freeze’s history with receivers currently standing out in the NFL also appealed to Thompson.

Thompson called Freeze him a wide receiver junkie and noting his history with guys like DK Metcalf and AJ Brown when they were at Ole Miss.

“Coach Freeze and his offense produces big receivers like me and I like that,” said Thompson, the No. 29 player in the country. “Coach Freeze can turn the program around. He is getting his guys, he knows football and he is going to turn a lot of eyes back on Auburn football.

…Auburn is recruiting top players and Coach Freeze knows how to win. Other top players are coming so Coach Freeze is going to get Auburn back.”