Tai Buster, versatile offensive lineman, signs with Auburn
Offensive lineman Tai Buster of Kannapolis (NC) A L Brown signed with Auburn on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.
The Buster File
Position: Interior offensive line
Height/Weight: 6-foot-5 / 260 pounds
Notable trait/Auburn fit: Buster is highly versatile. He can play any position along the offensive line and has the athleticism to project at offensive tackle in the future.
On3 Industry Ranking: (88.79) No. 452 overall, No. 38 interior offensive lineman, No. 13 in North Carolina
Commitment date: March 22, 2024
Chose Auburn over: NC State, North Carolina
Time of enrollment: January
Notable: Buster was an early find for Auburn. The staff thinks his potential is through the roof. Several other big programs turned the heat up with Buster after the Tigers offered and got him committed. Buster was appreciative that Auburn found him early and stayed with his lengthy commitment.
Quoteworthy:
“I really enjoyed (watching practice). I liked the tempo they played at, and I liked the energy and the brotherhood, I loved it there. Liked everything about Auburn; loved meeting with the coaches. They made me feel like Auburn could be my home.”
Film Breakdown
***Film breakdown written by Auburn Live Analyst Cole Pinkston
— Buster is not the biggest offensive lineman right around 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds. He has long arms and a frame to add some weight.
— Yes, Buster finishes most of his blocks on his highlight tape, but it’s not because of pure nastiness like some offensive linemen. His feet are usually so much further ahead of his opponents. He has great feet.
— Buster is considered a “swing” guy. While he does not have the prototypical tackle frame, he does have great length. Buster can play both tackle and guard on the next level.
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— Looking toward the future, it seems guard would be the best fit for Buster. He is built more like a Dillon Wade and probably has a similar skillset. Wade more than held his own as Auburn’s left tackle, but probably fits better at guard and has more value there. We see a similar outlook for Buster.
— Buster has been able to execute some zone combos in high school. When he is having to overtake a down lineman, his ability to work his body to the aiming point while getting his feet under him is very good. He shows a good level of football IQ when working a combo block.
— Pad level is a coachable fix, but he is still trying to understand leverage as an offensive lineman. If Buster is a guard on the next level, he will have to learn that pad level will fix his ability to drive in the run game. He has the raw power to win single matchups and get push in doubles, but pad level hinders him at times on tape in high school.
— Buster is an interesting case because his best football is ahead of him, but he plays with the right mentality already. He will have to add some mass and bulk to his frame when he arrives in college as well. Buster has the feet to make an early impact. It may take a year in the weight room to be ready to play guard in the SEC. Being that he is a swing guy who could contribute at tackle, his early playing time capability probably rises some.
