BREAKING: Indiana transfer DT Philip Blidi commits to Auburn
Auburn has picked up a huge commitment from Indiana transfer defensive tackle Philip Blidi.
Blidi, who has one year of eligibility remaining, announced his decision Sunday on social media. His decision comes just a few days after an official visit to Auburn.
“It was an amazing visit,” he said. “It was a complete visit. I love the people. I love the coaches. Everybody was welcoming and I loved that about them. They really care about their guys, and it’s so obvious to me. It’s really a family atmosphere there.
“Auburn is a very special place. There is something special going on at Auburn and those coaches are special coaches. Those guys are on the up. Auburn is on the up.”
Blidi chose Auburn over LSU, Washington, Oklahoma and Missouri, among many others.
Vontrell King-Williams big factor in Blidi’s decision
During his visit, Blidi met extensively with defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams. The first-year Auburn position coach made a big impression on Blidi.
“I love Coach V,” he said. “He expressed how he could really change my game. We watched two hours of film and he showed me how he could improve my technique, little tweaks he could make and how he could help me be the player I want to be. That’s what I’m looking for. I feel like Coach V could get me (to the NFL).
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“And Coach (Hugh) Freeze, I left with a lot of confidence in him and a lot of confidence in Coach V.”
The family atmosphere at Auburn also played a big factor in his decision. Blidi is married with two children.
“That is very important to me,” he said. “I got to know some of the guys there and they shared their experiences with me. Some of the former players that have kids shared about how Auburn cares about family and how they could bring their family around to practices and into the building. That really spoke to me. It says a lot about this coaching staff and how they feel about family.”
Last season at Indiana, Blidi had 30 tackles, four tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup. He spent the 2020-22 seasons at Texas Tech where he had 39 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks.
Blidi feels like he can have success at Auburn.
“I love their defense,” he said. “It’s one of my favorite defenses that I’ve seen so far.”
