In-state LB's first visit to AU has slow start, fast finish

AUBURN | K.J. Britt’s first visit to Auburn didn’t start out like he’d hoped. Oxford’s middle linebacker made the trip Saturday for the Tigers Junior Day and met with Auburn coach Gus Malzahn.

“I thought he was going to offer me,” Britt said. “But he didn’t. I was kind of down.”

That changed a few hours later during a second conversation with Malzahn, who was joined then by linebackers coach Travis Williams and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. Auburn, he learned, had offered.

“It was pretty shocking,” Britt said. “I’m at a loss for words, but I’m really excited.”

Britt, who is listed at 6-foot-1 and 223 pounds, now has 14 offers. Among them include Mississippi State, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, Army, Memphis and Iowa State.

“The Auburn offer will have a big impact,” Britt said. “I love it (at Auburn). I could come down here and play. They play freshmen. They play the best.”

Britt also would play and learn under Williams, a former SEC linebacker at Auburn. The two already have developed a relationship.

“Our relationship is really good,” Britt said. “I believe he could be my best fit. I feel like he could get me to the next level and form me more into a man.

Britt doesn’t have a timetable for making his college choice. He plans to take more visits, including one to Tennessee, and doesn’t current list any leaders.

“All the SEC schools stand out,” Britt said.

Britt recorded 126 tackles as a junior, including 22 for loss. He also forced five fumbles and recovered two, returning one for a touchdown.