Auburn was among the first schools to pursue Rice graduate transfer offensive tackle Calvin Anderson but since his (second) recruitment has begun, Texas A&M has since jumped into the competition for his services.

After initially hoping to make the trip down to Auburn last weekend, Anderson is expected to make the journey to The Plains this weekend. While that would seem to give the Tigers an advantage over the Aggies, Anderson’s response to his recent Texas A&M offer suggests Jimbo Fisher’s program is more involved with the massive 6-foot-5, 302-pound prospect than some would have thought last week.

Here’s what Sports Illustrated’s Bruce Feldman recently had to say about the latest on the recruitment of the three-year starter from Rice:

(Update: As Anderson got ready to fly out to Auburn on the Friday after National Signing Day, he told SI that it’s plausible that Texas A&M could rise above TCU into his top five after he talks with the Aggies staff following the Auburn trip. A&M had offered Anderson earlier in the week.)

If the NFL is something that interests Anderson, the Aggies would appear to be an attractive destination. Hard to suggest otherwise, given the photo he attached announcing the Aggies had offered him a scholarship:

The talented lineman isn’t a lock to play in the SEC next season, by any means, as Texas, Michigan, and TCU are all actively recruiting him; but given the need up front for both Auburn and Texas A&M — and the fact they both recruited Jarrett Stidham as a transfer before he picked the Tigers — this recruitment is one to keep an eye on heading into spring football.