Tremendous upside

 

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AUBURN, Ala. | Whether it's on 3rd-and-long or in the red zone, senior D'haquille Williams has proven to be a clutch wide receiver.

Auburn may have found his replacement in Crestview (Fla.) High's Marquis McClain, who committed to the Tigers Saturday.

"He's another big, physical kid that fits into what they've had in the past. I think he'll be another big addition to their receiving corps," said Crestview head coach Tim Hatten, who has 27 years of coaching experience under his belt including an 11-year stint at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Miss.

"He's a big target and anytime you've got a big target you can throw the ball to and they're a load to bring down it's always a plus. He is an explosive leaper that can high-point balls."

McClain, who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds and ran a 4.49 40-yard dash at Auburn's camp in June, can also stretch the field with his speed.

"Yes, yes, yes, he can run. He's a big kid that can run," Hatten said.

Hatten runs a spread, uptempo offense at Crestview, which should allow McClain to pick up Auburn's offense quickly. More importantly, Hatten sees McClain taking a big step forward once he concentrates solely on football.

"He's a basketball player, a multi-sport kid that really hasn't focused on just one sport. I think he has a tremendous amount of upside," he said.

Hatten said McClain is on track to be a full qualifier and should be a standout at Auburn on and off the field.

"He's pretty good academically. He's a smart kid," he said. "He's got a great work ethic. He's going to work his butt off and never do anything to embarrass your program. He's one of those kids I've never had a discipline referral in high school. He's just a good all-around kid."

McClain's Junior Highlights