Melton talks decision, coach praises ability

Kamryn Melton received an offer from Auburn last week and it didn't take long for the Dothan, Ala. cornerback to give his commitment to the Tigers'.

Melton visited Auburn for Junior Day this past weekend, and returned on Monday for an in-depth conversation with head coach Gene Chizik, defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder, and defensive backs coach Willie Martinez.

Melton made his commitment official after speaking with Chizik. He chose Auburn over offers from Vanderbilt, Kentucky and others.

"I felt like I was part of the family and when I met with coach Chizik, it sealed the deal. This is where I need to be," Melton said. "A beautiful campus, this is my home. I'm not going to switch. I was very excited. I'm stress free, now I can focus on my work and trying to win a state championship for my team."

Melton's high school coach, Kelvis White, said Mississippi State, Alabama, Southern Cal and a host of other schools were close to extending an offer. White believes Auburn landed a prospect on the verge of seeing his recruitment skyrocket.

"He's a combine kid, he would have ran the 4.4, he would have tested well and Auburn got a good player and they got him early, that's good," White said.

Melton visited Auburn on Monday with his family, including his mother. Melton's mother, and family, are Auburn fans. Needless to say Melton had a happy family on Monday afternoon after his decision.

"My mom is excited, she's an Auburn fan. Actually my whole family is excited. I'm proud to be a part of the family, War Eagle," he said.

The 5-foot-11, 174-pound Melton said he knew Auburn was his future home after lunch on Saturday. His interaction with the people around the Auburn program gave him a sense of belonging that made him feel comfortable.

"They want you to be a part of their family," said Melton. "I was like, 'whoa', this is where I need to be."

Melton was impressed with Martinez and VanGorder. Melton said the pair of defensive coaches said he would be used as an "in and out" corner, playing both nickel and outside corner positions. Melton's ability to support the run was also praised by VanGorder and Martinez.

"We bonded quickly, coach Martinez is goofy," Melton said. "I talked with coach VanGorder. We bonded too and talked about plays. They know my character. I'm very versatile, I can play man-to-man with any receiver."

White agrees with Melton's self-assessment, saying one word best describes Melton's skill-set.

"Speed," White said. "He's long and rangy. He's got great ball skills and as a cornerback that's what you need. He can put on a a lot more weight and he's not afraid to stick his nose in there either. As far as a football player, they are getting a great player."

Melton is a three-year starter at Dothan as he prepares for his senior season next fall. Dothan moved him up as a freshman and Melton was a starter in 6A football in Alabama in an extremely tough region. White credits Melton for Dothan's recent success.

Melton's ability to play both sides of the ball helped Dothan go 6-4 this past season falling to McGill-Toolen in the 6A state playoffs.

"He's helped turn Dothan around," White said. "He's a great athlete, he's a leader, and he's a great character kid. He's going to get his degree and get in their and contribute. He's going to do everything the coaches ask him to do."

Melton recorded five or six interceptions his sophomore season. Melton was in on 53 tackles (36 solos, 17 assists) and had seven pass break-ups and an interception last season.

At the Alabama VTO Combine last summer, Melton, listed at 5-foot-10, 155 pounds, ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, a 4.56-second 20-yard shuttle and had a 33-inch vertical leap.