Top in-state LB chooses Tigers
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Auburn picked up their seventh commitment for the class of 2012 on Saturday, as Huntsville (Ala.) linebacker Cameron Toney pledged to coach Gene Chizik's program.
"I let them know I wanted to be an Auburn Tiger," Toney told AuburnSports.com. "I told coach (Brian) VanGorder, he said he's having the best day of his life."
A big reason Toney committed to the Tigers was the relationship he has built with new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder.
"I talked to coach VanGorder for like an hour today and everything went well. I just had this feeling that I'm ready to pull the trigger. I've known since the first time I visited, last year for the Mississippi State game.
"Coach says I'm going to be an impact player, come in and be physical running to the ball and he thinks I'm a great fit in the defense."
As a junior, Toney tallied 100-plus tackles, eight tackles for loss, and three sacks.
Toney, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound outside linebacker, chose Auburn over offers from Tennessee, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Alabama, and a others. Saturday was Toney's third visit to Auburn this spring alone, as Toney cited the comfort level and the family atmosphere for his decision to pull the trigger.
"I'm very excited, words can't explain," Toney said. "Now I"m going to recruit and try and get guys on board, I'm going to get them to join the family."
Toney grew up an admitted Alabama fan, but never let that sway what his decision would be. Instead, he focused on what was in the best interests for his future.
"I look at how everything is a family at Auburn and me being an Alabama fan isn't going to separate it. I feel like I can come and play and enjoy myself here," said Toney.
Toney said he is, "100 percent" committed to Auburn and hasn't made the decision if he will continue to make visits this summer and next fall. The addition of Toney adds to Auburn's already stellar crop of defensive prospects committed in Rivals100 linebacker Trey Johnson, Rivals100 defensive lineman Dee Liner, and corner Kamryn Melton.