Just when you thought signing day was in the books, one of the nation's top prospects has a new twist.
DeMatha All-Met offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio was on ESPNU just after noon Wednesday to say he was going to Auburn. But Kouandjio has yet to sign a binding National Letter-of-Intent to make the commitment official and clearly is having second thoughts about the decision, according to a source familiar with the situation.
"I don't know what to say," DeMatha Coach Bill McGregor said. "I don't know if it's a lot of drama about nothing or if he wants to change his mind."
Even this morning, Kouandjio had yet to decide between Auburn and Alabama, where his older brother, Arie, redshirted this past season. McGregor said he advised Kouandjio of the need to reach a decision that he was happy with. "Whatever you want to do, follow your gut and you'll be okay," McGregor said.
Part of Kouandjio's hesitation with Alabama might be a reluctance to compete with his brother to be the Crimson Tide's left tackle. That was a key point of Alabama's recruitment of both players, the opportunity to play the cornerstone position of the offensive line. That worry, though, might be unnecessary, McGregor said.
"I wouldn't be surprised if Arie becomes a center or guard because of his size," McGregor said. "The one who is most likely to be left tackle is Cyrus because of his size. And there is no guarantee he is going to be the left tackle. They all have to compete for Alabama or Auburn."
McGregor plans to revisit the situation with Cyrus Kouandjio later this afternoon, after the lineman retreated to the International House of Pancakes with his teammates who did sign the NLIs.
"I'm as surprised as anyone else right now there are second thoughts," McGregor said while ordering from the drive-thru window at Wendy's. "Once a kid says it [in front of the camera on signing day], that's usually it. It's signing day, I've never had this happen before. You say you're going there, that's where you're going and everybody is happy."
