JUCO commits

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AUBURN, Ala. | Auburn added a commitment Saturday from one of the top junior college pass rushers.

Copiah-Lincoln (Wesson, Miss.) defensive end Paul James III informed Auburn coaches he plans to play for the Tigers next season. James was in attendance for Auburn's 56-34 win over Idaho.

"I'm coming to Auburn," James said. "I love it at Auburn. I love the coaches and how everybody treats you like family."

James, who is 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, visited Auburn this weekend on an official visit. It was his second visit to Auburn this season, and one more than actually needed.

"I knew when I first came over (for the AU-Ole Miss game) that I loved it," James said. "Growing up I always looked at Auburn as a great football school. I loved watching the Auburn-Alabama game. That was the one game I always looked forward to watching and now I'll get to play in it. I can't wait for that."

James signed with Illinois out of Miami (Fla.) Norland High School in 2013, but transferred to Copiah-Lincoln after a redshirt season. He will reunite with close friend and former high school teammate Carlton Davis, Auburn's freshman starting cornerback.

"Carlton being there is big to me," James said. "We grew up playing ball and are really close. He has shown me during my visits how things are around there, how I can make my life better at Auburn."

Auburn is recruiting James to play the Buck linebacker/rush end position, the position currently occupied by senior Cassanova McKinzy.

"Coach (Will) Muschamp told me the spot is there, that it will be open after this season and they need me," James said. "I know they need my help and that's another big reason I want to come to Auburn. I know I can help them."

His stats back him up.

James recorded 47 tackles and 14 sacks this season at Copiah-Lincoln. The 14 sacks were fifth best in the country.

In James' final junior college game, a 17-14 win over Jones County on Oct. 30, the sophomore was named the MAJCC Defensive Player of the Week after recording 8.5 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, three quarterback hurries and three sacks.

"I'm looking forward to doing it at Auburn next year," James said. "I'm looking forward to playing for Coach Muschamp at Auburn. I love his intensity. I know we are going to click because I'm intense, too."

James is scheduled to graduate from Copiah-Lincoln in December with two years of eligibility. He is Auburn's 15th commitment and one of nine commitments scheduled to enroll in January. The Tigers' other early enrollees are running back/athlete Malik Miller, quarterback Woody Barrett, tight end Landon Rice, defensive end Marlon Davidson, cornerback John Broussard, quarterback/athlete John Franklin III, defensive tackle Tashawn Manning and linebacker Tre Threat.

James Video Highlights