Huge first offer for Pitts

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AUBURN, Ala. | Derrek Pitts's recruitment is just getting started but the 2017 standout from South Charleston (W.Va.) High took a big step Monday when he received his first offer from Auburn.

"This is huge for me and my family and also my school and the coaching staff, especially coming from a big SEC school that plays for national titles," Pitts said. "It's always been a dream to get an offer from any SEC school, especially Auburn. I really like Auburn a lot, the coaching staff, and I really like the jerseys."

Pitts spoke to Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp about the offer.

"He told me he had great interest in me and we have had a good talk about stuff," Pitts said. "He said he likes the way I play up to the ball, my size and the way I can change speed.

"I like the way his defenses get to the ball, how they scheme for the best players and just have fun on the field."

Pitts said Auburn plans to visit his school in May for a spring practice. He plans to return the favor this summer for a camp. It will be the first time he's stepped on Auburn's campus.

"I know Auburn has some really good recruits coming in this year, I was looking at that," Pitts said. "The head coach and the coaching staff is good and it's a good school overall, nice campus.

"I've been looking at it on-line, Auburn is nine hours from where I live but I don't mind. It's not that far and I know my mom would be down there a lot so I'd feel just like I was at home."

Pitts is hearing from a number of other schools including West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma and Clemson.

"I'm just looking for a school where I can become a better player and a better person," he said.

Pitts, 6-foot-2 and 187 pounds, has played cornerback, safety and outside linebacker on defense, and running back and wide receiver on offense. He prefers to play defense on the next level.

"I like defense. Defense wins games," he said.