After decommitting from Wake Forest, QB Gary Chatman commits to Auburn: ‘I’m shutting it down’

Gary Chatman didn’t need much time after reopening his recruitment — he already had his answer.

The quarterback out of Snellville (Ga.) Brookwood backed off his pledge to Wake Forest earlier this week after being committed for about six weeks. Shortly after, he made the call for Auburn.

Auburn didn’t waste time making its move.

The Tigers began showing serious interest in late March, got him on campus April 16, then extended an offer April 22. He returned to The Plains on May 1 — and that trip sealed it.

“When I went back up there for my second visit, I just loved everything about it,” Chatman told Rivals. “I loved the coaches and the environment… that’s what led to my decision. I knew when I left that visit that I was going to commit to Auburn.”

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Relationships drove the decision.

Chatman quickly built a strong bond with the staff, especially quarterbacks coach Joel Gordon, who made him a priority from the start.

“He’s a great guy, and you can tell he loves football. Coach Gordon has been around some great players, he has developed some great quarterbacks, and he knows how to teach and develop. He has been around Brock Purdy and Byrum Brown — that is elite talent. He came out to see me in April, then again in May, and we are developing a great relationship.”