Linebacker commit impressed with AU linebackers

AUBURN | It was easy for Tadarian Moultry to notice the difference in the Auburn defense he saw in the spring and the one he watched during a visit Saturday.

“They looked really good in the scrimmage (Saturday),” Moultry said. “They were a lot better than before, especially the linebackers.”

Moultry, a Rivals100 linebacker recruit and Auburn commitment from Jackson-Olin, was impressed with two of Auburn’s linebackers.

“Deshaun Davis and Richard McBryde stood out to me,” Moultry said. “They were hitting hard. All the linebackers looked good, the guy from Illinois (T.J. Neal) did good, too, but Deshaun and Richard caught my eye.”

So did first-year linebackers coach Travis Williams.

“I watched him, too, and I like the way he coaches,” Moultry said. “He’s got his own style and does it his own way. The defensive line also did good, especially No. 1 (Montravius Adams) and No. 3 (Marlon Davidson).”

Two of Moultry's teammates at Jackson-Olin, senior linebacker Mackell Pippen and junior defensive lineman Coynis Miller, also made the trip from Birmingham. The three watched practice and attended team and position meetings on Saturday and stayed until Sunday.

The visit gave Moultry a glimpse at what he could expect next year as a player.

“It was great,” Moultry said. “I liked being able to see what it’s like. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Moultry will get a head start. He plans to be in Auburn for a multi-day visit in March.

“I’m going to spend my whole spring break at Auburn,” Moultry said. “I want to spend the week down there and learn the plays so it won’t be as hard when I get there in the summer.”

Moultry also will be at several of Auburn’s home games in the fall, including the opener against Clemson. He’ll take his official visit to Auburn after the season. As for official visits to other schools, Moultry would like to take a few, but only for the experiences that go with them.

“I’d like to take some official visits, like to Cal and Missouri, just to experience it with my family,” Moultry said. “But I’ll only do it if Coach T-Will is OK with it. He knows once I committed that I’m going to sign with Auburn, but I’d like to visit just to experience it if he’s OK with it.”

Moultry already knows of one trip he’ll take after the season, although it won’t be to a college. He recently accepted an invitation to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 7.

“I never thought I’d get to play in that game,” Moultry said. “I’m really looking forward to it. I’m really blessed and very grateful for the opportunity. I can’t wait for it.”

Rivals ranks Moultry, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 220 pounds, the No. 8 outside linebacker in the class and No. 100 overall player.

Jackson-Olin begins the season against Woodlawn on Aug. 19.