5-Star Marlon Davidson's Decision to Remain with Auburn Huge Victory for Tigers

Auburn firmed things up with 5-star defensive tackle Marlon Davidson on Wednesday morning, securing a premier playmaker for whoever inherits the Tigers' vacant defensive coordinator position.

Davidson, a 6'4", 260-pound senior at Greenville High School in Alabama, initially pledged to Auburn in September. Despite months of speculation about interest elsewhere and the recent departure of defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, he announced intentions to stick with his plan:

Rated No. 2 nationally among strong-side defensive ends and No. 16 overall in 2016 composite rankings, Davidson is considered the top pledge in Auburn's recruiting class. He is one of just two Tigers defensive commits—along with cornerback John Broussard—graded higher than a 3-star prospect. 

Davidson is set to graduate early from Greenville and enroll on campus next month. He planned to sign his financial-aid agreement with the university Wednesday, according to Drew Champlin of AL.com.

That signature ensures unlimited access between him and Auburn coaches during an NCAA recruiting dead period that can test prospect-staff relationships. The Tigers, carrying a 2016 class rated No. 11 overall, seem to have cleared any obstacles that may have stood in the way of his arrival. 

Though Davidson never backed off his verbal pledge to the program, plenty of discussions centered on whether or not Auburn would seal the deal late. He referred to a "75 percent" commitment during the season, leaving the door open for other schools to make inroads.

"I still want to get out to other schools. You never know, any school can change my mind," Davidson told Champlin in October.

When Muschamp bolted for South Carolina's head-coaching position last week, doubt increasingly crept in about his commitment. However, Davidson never truly seemed to pull the trigger on ardently pursuing alternative opportunities.

Florida, Florida State, Alabama and Georgia were among those primed to possibly enter the picture, but he ultimately took just one official visit—to Auburn.

The Tigers land an elite defensive lineman for the second straight cycle. Auburn swiped 5-star end Byron Cowart away from the Sunshine State last signing day, so head coach Gus Malzahn continues to establish a stockpile of young, promising playmakers up front.

Credit: 247Sports

The point of emphasis at Auburn will be to gain consistency and cohesion on the defensive coaching staff. Muschamp, hired last offseason, took Tigers secondary coach Travaris Robinson to South Carolina, and first-year linebackers coach Lance Thompson will serve as interim coordinator against Memphis in the Birmingham Bowl.

Davidson's older brother, Kenneth Carter, won a national title as an Auburn player and now serves on the team's staff. It remains to be seen whether the incoming standout will be counted on for early reps or allotted time to progress at his own pace, an issue that developed for Cowart as a freshman.

Davidson recorded 69 tackles and nine sacks last season while competing at Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama. A strong senior season included several multi-sack performances, providing further evidence of the immense importance his affirmed commitment means to Auburn.

Tyler Donohue is a Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst . All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter @TDsTake.