BREAKING: North Carolina IOL Tai Buster commits to Auburn
Tai Buster, a big interior offensive lineman from North Carolina, has committed to Auburn.
Buster, who attends A.L. Brown High School in Annapolis, announced his decision Friday on social media. He chose Auburn over Florida, Penn State, Duke, Virginia Tech and Rutgers.
“Auburn just gives me home vibes,” Buster told Auburn Live. “I feel at home at Auburn and I like the coaches. They made me feel welcomed and at home.”
Buster was in Auburn on Saturday. He was one of several top recruits on campus for the Tigers’ big Junior Day. Buster arrived in Auburn early Saturday morning and spent the day touring the campus and facilities, watching practice and meeting with the coaches.
“I really enjoyed (watching practice),” he said. “I liked the tempo they played at, and I liked the energy and the brotherhood.”
Buster knew when he left that a commitment would happen soon.
“I loved it there,” he said. “I liked everything about Auburn; loved meeting with the coaches. They made me feel like Auburn could be my home.”
Jake Thornton big factor in Buster’s decision
Buster likes the familiarity with Jake Thornton. Auburn’s offensive line coach is a big reason for Buster’s decision.
“I really like Coach Thornton,” he said. “He reminds me of my offensive line coach, Coach (Kaleb) Spry. They are a lot alike.”
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Understandably so. Thornton and Spry were college teammates at Western Carolina.
“They have the same philosophy,” Buster said. “They want me to be the best football player that I can be. Coach Spry is one of my favorite coaches I’ve ever had. I really appreciate him and everything he’s done for me. I feel like Coach Thornton will be the same way.”
Buster also likes Auburn coach Hugh Freeze. The two met during Buster’s visit.
“I like how Coach Freeze took individual meetings with us and talked to us,” he said. “He gives cool vibes. I really would enjoy him as a coach.”
And now he will get the chance.
Buster is Auburn’s ninth commitment in the 2025 class and third offensive lineman, joining four-star tackle Tavaris Dice and three-star tackle Spencer Dowland.
He is the No. 534 overall recruit in the country and No. 13 in the state of North Carolina, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also ranks the No. 33 interior offensive lineman.
