Top linebacker in the country announces commitment to Auburn

With a choice between two prominent SEC programs in front of him, Grayson High School (Loganville, Ga.) linebacker Owen Pappoe decided that heading west was best.

Pappoe committed to Auburn on Tuesday evening. The commitments of the five-star linebacker gives the Tigers’ six commits in the Class of 2019.

Getting the 6-foot-1, 209-pound Pappoe represents a huge recruiting win for Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn in the state of Georgia.

Pappoe, who is considered the No. 1 outside linebacker in the upcoming class, was considered by many to be down to the Tigers and Georgia. Unofficial visits to Auburn on March 4 and April 2 helped the Tigers make their way up Pappoe’s list of schools, ultimately leading to Tuesday’s big announcement.

Per 247Sports’ Composite ranking, Pappoe has become the Tigers’ top Class of 2019 commit.

Pappoe was one of four Grayson players to commit Tuesday. Four-star offensive lineman Wanya Morris, who had Auburn in his mix, committed to Tennessee. Four-star defensive end Kevin Harris committed to Alabama, and four-star safety Kenyatta Watson committed to Texas.

This story was originally published May 1, 2018 at 7:11 PM with the headline "Top linebacker in the country announces commitment to Auburn."