The hard work Auburn is putting in to rebuild its backfield depth continues to pay off.

Tampa Catholic running back Devan Barrett became the third player at the position in the 2017 Class to verbally commit joining junior college transfer Octvaius Matthews and Southside running back Alaric Williams.

Barrett announced his decision from the Brighthouse Sports Network studio during the station’s 6 p.m. news broadcast on Thursday, revealing his choice by putting on a new Auburn visor.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder, who is ranked as the 17th running back in the country by 247 Sports, had 40-plus scholarship offers from an array of power five schools including North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame and Ohio State.

SIGN UP

Barrett’s decision will reunite him with former Tampa Catholic teammate Nate Craig-Myers. Craig-Myers picked Auburn over North Carolina during ESPN’s coverage of national signing day.

Craig-Myers shared his reaction to the news shortly after the announcement.

“Welcome to the family,” Craig-Myers tweeted. “The dynamic duo will reunite.”

Barrett had a breakout season as a junior rushing for 1,891 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also caught 15 passes for 218 yards with two touchdowns.

The back’s most effective stretch came midway through the season when he rushed for more than 160 yards in four straight games and scored nine touchdowns. He finished the season rushing for more than 100-yards in nine games.