From AU Rivals -
Auburn's disappointing season has shocked most, if not all consistent observers of the program. But Somerville, N.J. four-star defensive end and Tigers' commit Tashawn Bower has chosen to take a different approach when assessing what has transpired this fall.
"I know every team has that season where things don't go there way," Bower said. "But Auburn is still a special place and that's why the class is so good. These kids see that the program has always been great and will click again."
Residing nearly 1,000 miles from the Plains, Bower said he isn't focused on any negative talk he hears surrounding Auburn's season.
"I don't really hear them much, but I know there are upset fans and media try and make predictions," Bower said. "I'm not really focused on that, I don't think about that. I think about the positives and focus on my academics. I worry about things I can control, not things I can't."
Bower speaks with Auburn defensive line coach Mike Pelton nearly every week since he committed in June. After his official visit to Auburn on October 5, Bower said he had 'no doubts'. He credits the current staff for how they sold Auburn, and insists his pledge goes beyond one coach or one season.
"The atmosphere and the school is why I committed to Auburn, I tried not to bring the coaches to much into it because coaches come and go," he said. "I chose Auburn because I like it and I can get a good education there. Of course I enjoy the coaching staff, but it was mostly because of the school and the way they portrayed it. I feel like I can be successful for five years there."
Rutgers and LSU continue to recruit Bower, he said, having visited Rutgers twice this fall with family.
"Them and LSU are probably after me the hardest, but I'm an Auburn Tiger," Bower said. "I'm not decommitting, I'm solid to Auburn. I think the other schools get it, but they are still recruiting me. But I'm not swapping."
Bower and his Immaculata teammates start the playoffs on Friday as the No. 1 seed in Group 2 against Gloucester Catholic. Less than a month after being slammed by Hurricane Sandy and having 80 percent of the city without power for days, a state title would mean the world.
"We haven't been good past years, and this year we have a chance," he said. "We're still recovering, and this Friday we begin our journey to a championship."