BEFORE AUBURN: Spent five seasons at South Florida, the final three under head coach Alex Golesh … played in 39 games with 23 starts (20 at center, three at left guard) … started his final 20 games at USF at center … third team All-American Conference honoree … started all 13 games at center in 2025 … helped block for the No. 3 offense in FBS (488.7 ypg) … played in all 13 games with 10 starts in 2024 … started final seven games at center … also made three starts at left guard … Saw action in 11 games in 2023 at both guard and center … played in only two games in 2022 … redshirted in 2021… attended Trinity Prep in Winter Park, Fla. … as a senior in 2020, helped his team advance to the Class 3A, Region 2 quarterfinals… played on both sides of the ball in his prep career and earned Co-MVP honors at HotBed Recruiting’s Orlando Showcase

PERSONAL: Born March 20 … son of Richard and Elizabeth Best … has one sister, Victoria