The Auburn Tigers won an important recruiting victory over in-state SEC rival Alabama, securing a commitment from four-star dual-threat quarterback Ervin "Woody" Barrett.
ESPN rated Barrett four stars out of five and ranked him the third-best dual-threat QB and the 80th overall in his class. As ESPN reported, Barrett was considering schools like Oregon, Alabama and more.
As a dual-threat QB, Barrett is a natural fit for Gus Malzahn's run-heavy spread offense. Barrett's commitment also comes shortly after Auburn secured one from four-star wide receiver Eli Stove.
"He's got a really big body and great frame," Bob Head, Barrett's high school football coach, told AL.com. "He doesn't have any fat on him. He reminds me of a Steve McNair or Vince Young type-body, he looks like a linebacker. He's really naturally strong and runs the ball like a running back. We're working on his accuracy, but he's really tough and plays with a reckless abandon and it brings the best out of his natural instincts. He's very dynamic."
At six-foot-two and 215 pounds, Barrett's size would suggest he will be able to stay durable, but it also bodes well for him as a passer adjusting to the college game and beyond. ESPN's evaluators also believe he has a good mental makeup and an advanced feel for the nuances of the position.
"I got a real good vibe," Barrett told AuburnSports.com of his March visit to Auburn. "The team bond, I saw how the team connected with each other and how the coaches got along. Everybody had one team goal and it was to win another national championship."
