Calvin Ashley – Noteworthy
The news came as not much of a surprise, which might be the most troubling part of all. Auburn’s Calvin Ashley, a former 5-star offensive tackle recruit, announced plans to transfer away on Monday. His departure came after two years in which he made little to no impact for the Tigers. Ashley is the third 5-star recruit to transfer away from the Tigers in the last four years, joining running back Roc Thomas (who left for Jacksonville State) in 2016 and defensive end Byron Cowart (Maryland) in 2017. Not counting 2019 signees Owen Pappoe and Bo Nix, three of the seven 5-stars who have signed with Auburn under Gus Malzahn have now left the program for other schools before completing their eligibility. That Ashley was unable to make an impact is especially curious, given the trouble the Tigers had on the offensive line in 2018. You had to figure Ashley could have started at any of the five offensive line positions last season if he had lived up to his potential. – Creg Stephenson, AL.com
