Starks likes 'vibe' at Auburn

AUBURN | Four-star linebacker Donte Starks visited Auburn for Junior Day Feb. 2. It was Starks’ first visit to Auburn, but he had an idea of what to expect before he arrived.

Auburn linebackers coach Travis Williams made sure of it.

“He said it was going to be a good vibe and he was going to treat you like family,” Starks said.

Williams didn’t lie.

“That’s what it was,” Starks said. “It was great. I liked the vibe. I felt like it was home.”

Starks spent a lot of time with Williams during the visit. He also met and spoke with Auburn senior linebacker Deshaun Davis. Getting a player’s perspective was important for Starks.

“It’s very important,” Starks said. “I learned a lot from (Davis). He’s a smart guy. He knows everything.”

Starks left the visit with Auburn and in-state LSU atop his early list of favorites. He plans to return to Auburn in the fall to attend his first game inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.

“They’re in-between at the top,” Starks said of Auburn and LSU. “I like the vibe (at Auburn) and they treat you like family. At LSU, the same thing. They pretty much they showed a vibe and treated me like family.”

Family is important to Starks and his mother will be an important part in his college decision. Starks isn’t opposed to leaving Louisiana for college. His mother, however, isn’t a fan. At least not yet.

“It really doesn’t matter (to me),” Starks said. “But my mom wants me to stay close.”

Rivals ranks Starks, who is 6-foot-1 and weighs 210 pounds, the No. 7 inside linebacker in the 2019 class and No. 12 overall player in Louisiana.