Auburn makes big move for No. 1 outside linebacker

AUBURN | Auburn made a move for Owen Pappoe on Saturday. A big move.

Pappoe, who is ranked the No. 1 outside linebacker in the 2019 class and No. 15 overall, lists Auburn in his top three after visiting Saturday for the Tigers’ Junior Day.

“I'd say Auburn, Georgia and Clemson,” Pappoe said of his top schools. “(The visit) had a big effect. Auburn is most definitely in it now. After this visit, my head's just spinning. Just getting to talk to the players, getting to talk to coach (Travis Williams) more in-depth out of any time I've visited Auburn.”

Pappoe, from Grayson High in Loganville, Ga., spent a lot of time with Williams as well as senior linebacker Deshaun Davis.

“(Davis) was just telling me how it is to be a player over here, the inside scoop of how coach T-Will is when you're actually here,” Pappoe said. “He told me coach T-Will, he's going to keep it real with me the whole time. Some coaches just boost you up when they're recruiting you, but he told me (Williams) is the real deal.”

Pappoe had visited Auburn before, but hadn’t spent as much time on campus as he did Saturday. The longevity of the visit proved to be beneficial for both Auburn and Pappoe.

“It was the longest time I’ve been here,” Pappoe said. “I spent a lot of time one-on-one with Coach T-Will. Even at a junior day with a bunch of people here, he still made enough time for me. That made a big impact.”

So did the depth chart at linebacker.

“By the time when I’m signing they’re going to have five linebackers,” Pappoe said. ““That’s big because I’m going to have the opportunity to come in, if I work hard and do whatever, I’m going to have the opportunity to play.”

Pappoe plans to return to Auburn in the spring. He also plans to visit Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan in the spring. He doesn’t plan to make an early commitment.

“Most likely before my senior season,” Pappoe said.