There have been rumors swirling around top 2017 OT prospect Calvin Ashley ever since he first pledged to Auburn back in May of 2015.

He thoroughly considered other schools. Originally a Florida native, Ashley moved with his family to Washington D.C. for his senior season. Unsurprisingly so, Maryland has a major player in his recruitment. Ashley officially visited the Terrapins on Dec. 9.

With all of this said, Ashley made a powerful statement Thursday on social media:

Keeping Ashley in the fold is huge. The 6-foot-6, 310-pound 5-star is talented enough to come in right away and instantly make the two-deep. There’s even a good chance for Ashley to start as a true freshman.

After announcing this news on Twitter, Auburn OL coach Herb Hand cryptically professed his joy over the announcement: