Tennessee LB has family ties to Auburn
Cordova (Tenn.) linebacker Matthew LeFlore has been to Auburn only once, but has heard plenty about the Tigers.
The information comes easy for him. His cousin is Auburn safety Daren Bates.
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"We talk every night," said the 6-foot-3, 215-pound LeFlore. "He tells me a lot of good things about Auburn.
"He loves it at Auburn. He loves the experience at Auburn."
LeFlore got to experience Auburn himself in November when he made the trip down for the Iron Bowl. Auburn made a very good first impression that day, one that has lasted into February.
"That was really nice," he said. "The atmosphere was crazy. It was really exciting. I liked it a lot.
"I like the campus. I like the tradition at Auburn, and I really like the coaches."
LeFlore is being recruited to Auburn by Trooper Taylor.
"That's my guy," said LeFlore. "He's a real fun guy. I really like him. I like all of the coaches at Auburn."
LeFlore's visit to Auburn, along with his relationship with Bates, has the Tigers high on his early list of favorites. He lists Auburn, Tennessee and Louisville as his current top three.
He doesn't have any offers, but is receiving heavy interest from the Tigers, Volunteers and Cardinals. Ole Miss and Memphis are also recruiting him.
"I like all of those schools, but I'm looking mainly at Auburn right now," he said. "I want to go in and make an impact and I feel like I could do that at Auburn."
Having a close friend and family member already on campus only helps, LeFlore said.
"Daren said it would be nice for us to play college ball together," said LeFlore. "He loves it there and we have the same type of mindset. We like the same things.
"If he loves it at Auburn, I'm sure I would."
Although the Tigers currently sit atop his list of favorites, a decision of any kind isn't expected anytime soon.
"I don't plan on making my decision before my senior season," LeFlore said. "I like Auburn, but I'm going to take my time, take some visits and see some schools."
He plans to be back in Auburn for an unofficial visit for the Tigers' A-Day Game.
LeFlore, who claims a 4.65-second 40-yard dash, is also a standout in basketball. He and his Cordova teammates play Wednesday night for the city championship.