No. 9 OLB commits to AU

Zakoby McClain has committed to Auburn.

McClain, who is ranked the No. 9 outside linebacker in the 2018 class, announced his decision on Twitter Tuesday night, choosing Auburn over his two other finalists: LSU and West Virginia.

“I love Auburn because it’s like a big family over there,” McClain said. “I like the coaches, the players, the facilities … I like everything. It feels like home to me.”

McClain, from Valdosta, Ga., actually made his decision Saturday while attending Auburn’s 26-14 win over No. 1 Alabama. He informed the Tigers’ coaching staff, including linebackers coach and primary recruiter Travis Williams, in the locker room after the game.

“It was great,” McClain said of the game and visit. “I loved it.”

Williams is a big reason McClain committed to Auburn. The two have developed a close bond since Williams began recruiting McClain.

“T-Will and I have gotten close,” McClain said. “He is like a father-figure to me. We have a great relationship. He has fun with his linebackers. He makes it fun to play and he is someone who I can trust. He’s cool. He’s nice and laid back. He keeps it real with you and doesn’t sugarcoat anything.”

McClain is the fourth four-star recruit to commit to Auburn in the past 14 days. Cornerback Christian Tutt announced his commitment to the Tigers Nov. 14. Richard Jibunor and wide receiver Seth Williams both committed on Thanksgiving.

Auburn now has 18 commitments in its 2018 class with 13 of the 18 ranked four-star recruits by Rivals.com. The Tigers’ class will move into the top 10 of Rivals.com’s team rankings. The class was No. 11 before McClain’s commitment.

Rivals ranks McClain, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 200 pounds, the No. 15 player in Georgia and No. 137 in the Rivals250. He is the seventh player from Georgia to commit to Auburn.