Horton: ‘Everybody just treats you like family’

AUBURN | Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, Ga., is home to four top prospects in the 2023 class.

Auburn has already landed one, and the three others were on campus this weekend for official visits including defensive lineman Joshua Horton.

“It was really cool. I enjoyed myself. Speaking with all the coaches and getting to hang out with them and find out who they really are,” said Horton. “The town is a college town. The location is more college-based than other schools.

“The food was great. I’ve got to throw that in there. Everything, hibachi, full breakfasts everyday. Everybody just treats you like family.”

Horton, 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, spent a lot of time with AU defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh. He likes his approach to building relationships along with AU’s plans to use him.

“That matters a lot,” said Horton. “You don’t want to come somewhere and let somebody take care of you and they are not even who they tell you they are.

“They play hybrid so I could come and play anywhere on the d-line — 0 to 5.”

His teammates, tight end Jelani Thurman and offensive lineman Johnathan Hughley, a current Georgia commit, joined Horton on his visit.

Four-star safety Terrance Love, who committed to Auburn in April, also came along on an unofficial visit and made sure he was in Horton’s ear about joining him in the Tigers’ class.

“He’s always, ‘You might as well just commit. You might as well.’ I’m like, ‘Chill.’ Still got a lot of time,” said Horton.

Horton has over 20 offers but mentioned Auburn, UCF, North Carolina and Tennessee as for of the schools he’s most interested in at the moment. He has an official visit set up to UNC June 24.

Horton plans to return to Auburn for at least one game this season. He doesn’t have a timeline on making a decision.