Troxell picks Auburn over Bama

AUBURN | Auburn won a key in-state battle Saturday when four-star offensive tackle Austin Troxell chose the Tigers over Alabama.

The standout from Madison (Ala.) Academy announced his decision following an unofficial visit with his family.

"I have committed to the University of Auburn," Troxell said. "I'm ready to start my journey of being an Auburn Tiger.

"It's a burden lifted off my shoulders. I finally got my decision made. No looking back now. I'm 100 percent Auburn."

Troxell, 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, grew up an Alabama fan but chose Auburn because of a strong recruiting effort from assistant coaches Tim Horton, Herb Hand and Rhett Lashlee along with head coach Gus Malzahn, and the comfort-level he felt during multiple visits.

"It's just the fit here (at Auburn)," Troxell said. "Just the players. Nothing against any other school, I just fit in here best personally. I fit in here best and that's what made my decision for me.

"It's the coaches, the fit here, the atmosphere, thee people here. Student-wise, everyone seems so friendly and it just fits my personality best."

Troxell is Auburn’s eighth commitment in the 2017 class and second offensive tackle joining five-star Calvin Ashley. The offensive tackle position is one of Auburn’s biggest needs.

"They're not guaranteeing anything but me and Calvin are two of the best offensive tackles in the country," Troxell said.. "They said they've got two of the best here and they're set for the a couple of years with us. That's big right there."

Troxell will make the third-straight top prospect the Tigers have landed out of Madison Academy. Running back Kerryon Johnson signed with AU in 2015 and running back Malik Miller in 2016.

Troxell said he won't be visiting any other schools.

"This is it. Auburn only, 100 percent," he said.

In addition to Auburn and Alabama, Troxell had close to 20 other offers including Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, Miami, Notre Dame, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Mississippi State.