AU making case for LB
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AUBURN, Ala. | Santaluces (Lantana, Fla.) outside linebacker Zach McCloud could sign with Miami, as he's been planning to do since November, but Auburn isn't going away until pen meets paper. The Tigers want the 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker.
Gus Malzahn, Will Muschamp and Scott Fountain all made that clear during McCloud's visit to Auburn on Wednesday.
"They really want me," McCloud said. "They want me a lot. We talked about how I would fit into the scheme if I came here. They said they called me a 'thumper.' That's their nickname for me."
Auburn's heavy interest could pay off in the fall. That's when McCloud likely returns for an official visit.
"Getting an offer from Auburn and seeing how much they value me has always been a huge deal to me," McCloud said. "Right now, Auburn is the only one in there (besides Miami)."
McCloud's visit was his second of the summer to Auburn. He previously visited June 9. Today, he brought his parents and sister.
"I wanted to bring my family up to let them see what I've seen, and also to make a better connection with the coaches," McCloud said. "Auburn is a great place, and opportunity and development are the two things that come to my mind.
"They are losing five linebackers next year so it's a great position for me to be in. And development, it's Auburn. It's a great place to be, a great environment. I like it here."
McCloud, who has a six-feet nine-inch wingspan, will visit Georgia on Thursday. He also plans to take official visits to schools he wasn't able to visit this summer.
Right now, however, it's Miami and Auburn.
"Anything could happen," McCloud said. "And Auburn is definitely in my mind."
McCloud is scheduled to graduate in December and enroll in college in January.
As a junior, McCloud had 120 total tackles, 68 solos, 20 tackles-for-loss, six sacks and five fumble recoveries.
Rivals ranks McCloud the No. 53 outside linebacker and No. 90 overall player in Florida's 2016 class.
McCloud's Junior Highlights
