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AUBURN | 2017 Rivals100 to Watch offensive tackle Austin Troxell visited Auburn on Saturday to watch the Tigers scrimmage.
He expected his attention to be on the Tigers' hurry-up no-huddle offense, or maybe the battle at quarterback to replace Nick Marshall.
"But I couldn't help but watch that defense," Troxell said.
Troxell, 6-foot-8 and 275 pounds, could see a difference in the Tigers' defense under new coordinator Will Muschamp. It was easy to notice.
"It looked really good to me," Troxell said. "They competed really, really hard. (Senior linebacker) Kris Frost stood out to me just how he flew to the ball.
"The defense seems like it has gotten a lot better. The past few years their defenses haven't been the best, but it looks like it will be a lot better with Coach Muschamp. It looked really good Saturday."
Troxell, who was accompanied on the visit by his father, arrived Saturday before the scrimmage and spoke with area recruiter and Auburn running backs coach Tim Horton.
"We then watched them practice and then do walk-throughs," Troxell said. "I talked with (offensive line) coach J.B. Grimes and Coach (Gus) Malzahn and then we went to the stadium for the scrimmage."
The conversations continued.
"I was constantly talking to the coaches throughout the scrimmage," Troxell said. "It was a great experience. They all told me that they really, really wanted me to come to Auburn. Coach Grimes told me how much he would like to coach me in the future."
The opportunity already is there. Grimes and Auburn extended an early offer to the junior from Madison (Ala.) Academy. Troxell expects Auburn to be a late contender when he announces his decision.
"Auburn will definitely be up there near the top of the list when I do release a list," Troxell said. "The atmosphere they have down there, I really like it.
"The coaches are really nice. I talk to Coach Horton and Coach Grimes the most, and I feel like I am building a really good relationship with them and getting to know them more. Coach Grimes is a great coach."
Troxell plans to be in Tuscaloosa on Saturday for Alabama's spring game. The Tide also has offered. Troxell doesn't plan to make a commitment until late next summer.
I had another great visit at Auburn today. War Eagle!!!🐅🐯— Austin Troxell (@austintroxell33) April 11, 2015
Troxell's sophomore game highlights…
