**Auburn Makes a Move for Texas TE Commit**
**AUBURN, Alabama—** Four-star tight end Emaree Winston, currently committed to Texas, visited Auburn this weekend for the first time since he attended a camp there as an eighth-grader. After his official visit, Winston left with a strong impression of Hugh Freeze’s program. Although still committed to the Longhorns, Winston indicated that Auburn has made significant progress in their recruitment efforts and plans to return for another visit.
“Given that I hadn’t communicated with them until Coach Ben (Aigamaua) came to my spring practice, I had closed off my recruitment,” Winston said. “Auburn has made a big impact. We hadn’t spoken before, but now we talk daily. I receive a Bible verse every morning, which my mom and I both appreciate. It means a lot because it shows they’re putting God first.”
Winston praised Coach Ben, saying, “He’s got great energy and a coaching style I really like. We’ve built a good relationship.”
During his visit, Winston spent time with the coaches, explored the campus, and learned more about the program. He was particularly impressed by Auburn’s focus on involving tight ends in their offense, as demonstrated by last season’s use of Rivaldo Fairweather.
“Seeing the development of tight ends was crucial,” Winston noted. “Coach Ben showed me how they use their tight ends, especially number 13 (Fairweather), who stands out and does the same things I do.”
Winston, who initially committed based on tight end development, now sees Auburn’s proximity to his home—just over two hours away—as a potential factor in his decision. “Originally, distance wasn’t a consideration, but now I see a place that utilizes tight ends. My family would attend every game, whether I’m at Texas or here.”
Another factor in Auburn’s favor is Ryan Ghea, Winston’s close friend and a fellow tight end commit for Auburn. “I met Ryan in ninth grade at a Georgia camp, and we’ve been close ever since,” Winston said. “We talk almost every day. Even though I committed to Texas, he still wanted me to come to Auburn. We’ve got a good relationship.”
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