Auburn compares Joiner to NFL TE/H-back

AUBURN | Harold Joiner was a versatile athlete at Mountain Brook (Ala.) High and Auburn sees the four-star running back continuing that versatility in college.

Joiner committed to the Tigers Sunday following an official visit.

"They said my primary position would be running back, but they would put me out in the slot a little bit to run some sweeps and things," Joiner said.

Joiner said the Auburn coaches want to use him similar to Charles Clay, who was a standout H-back, tight end and fullback at Tulsa when Gus Malzahn was there as an offensive coordinator. Clay is a seven-year NFL veteran currently playing tight end and H-back for the Buffalo Bills.

In four years at Tulsa, Clay caught 189 passes for 2,544 yards and 28 touchdown and had 179 carries for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.

"He showed me clips of him," Joiner said.

Clay is listed as 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds. Joiner is 6-foot-3 and 220 with a frame to put on plenty of more weight in college.

Joiner said his final decision came down to SEC West rivals Auburn and LSU.

"It was great. It was everything I expected," said Joiner of the Auburn visit. "It's been a decision I've been wanting to make between LSU and Auburn. It's the decision I've always wanted to make for about two years.

"I decided that today was the day."

Joiner said he probably won't visit any other schools before Signing Day on Feb. 7.

"It's the home-state team," Joiner said. "Great players. I love the players. I know a few players. It's a family team, they get along. The chemistry is already good with me and the players. It fits me perfectly."

Joiner is rated the No. 6 recruit in the state of Alabama.