Ignont narrows focus, plans to make commitment soon

AUBURN | Will Ignont plans to make a commitment sooner rather than later.

The four-star linebacker recruit from Buckhorn named a top three of Auburn, UCLA and LSU at the end of August, but now has narrowed the list to two schools and could commit to one in the coming weeks.

“Auburn and UCLA are definitely standing out,” Ignont said. “They are on top.”

Ignont, who Rivals ranks the No. 11 inside linebacker in the 2017 class, named Auburn and UCLA his top two after attending the Tigers’ season opener Saturday night against Clemson.

Auburn lost the game, 19-13, but the Tigers’ defense, which contained Clemson’s Heisman-contending quarterback Deshaun Watson for much of the game, impressed Ignont.

“I’m not going to say I was surprised because I knew they had a lot of potential when I watched them in the spring,” Ignont said. “But they were much better than last year and I am proud of the way they played. They looked really good on every level.”

Ignont credited Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and linebackers coach Travis Williams. Both Steele and Williams are in their first years as Auburn coaches.

“Coach Steele is obviously doing an excellent job,” Ignont said. “And Coach T-Will is doing a great job with the linebackers. He’s got the right guys out there and they did really good. They played really hard.”

Ignont is familiar with Steele and Williams, and has developed strong bonds with both.

“I look up to them like father figures,” Ignont said. “And it doesn’t really get any better than that. They are great guys and great coaches.”

Steele and Williams are two of the main reasons Ignont remains high on Auburn.

“Auburn has been with me since the jump,” Ignont said. “That’s the biggest thing for me. Auburn has stuck with me and is still the school that is recruiting me the hardest. I really like it at Auburn and really like the coaching staff.”

Ignont plans to return to Auburn for multiple visits this season and will take an official visit to UCLA, but has not set a date. Visits to Mississippi State and Ole Miss are possibilities, but his primary focus is on the Tigers and Bruins.

“I’m taking an official visit to UCLA and then I’ll be pretty much done,” Ignont said.

A commitment could be made by the end of September.

“I’m hoping to make a decision in the next couple of weeks,” Ignont said.