Markell Boston Commits to Auburn: Tigers Land Versatile Athlete

After finishing second-to-last in the SEC in pass defense in 2013, bolstering the secondary was a clear priority for the Auburn Tigers on the recruiting trail.

According to Kipp Adams of 247Sports.com (subscription required), Gus Malzahn's club has done just that, adding another piece to its defensive backfield with the verbal commitment of composite 3-star safety/athlete Markell Boston.

Boston, a former East Carolina commit, is just the No. 101 athlete in the nation, but the 6'1", 200-pound senior has seen his recruitment heat up of late.

The Newnan, Ga., native saw an influx of attention from Alabama, Nebraska, Central Florida and Auburn late in the recruiting process, but he received his offer from the Tigers Monday and committed immediately. 

After a January without a commitment, Boston is the first new addition for the Tigers in the 2014 calendar year.

He boasted offers from several small programs, but Nebraska, Indiana, Auburn and Mississippi State were his only listed offers from AQ conferences.

The Tigers have several talented prospects set to join their secondary in 2014, including the No. 1 junior college safety, 4-star Derrick Moncreif, who is already enrolled. Boston is the only other safety in the class.

Auburn claims verbal commitments from a trio of 4-star cornerbacks: Nick Ruffin, Kalvaraz Bessent and Stephen Roberts—ranked the No. 10, 11 and 12 cornerbacks respectively in 247Sports composite rankings.

Two days from national signing day (Feb. 5), Auburn's 2014 class is close to being set.

Two big fish remain for the Tigers: 5-star linebacker Rashaan Evans and 4-star offensive guard Braden Smith.

Auburn's class currently ranks No. 7 nationally, with room to improve as the recruiting season comes to a close.