Malcolm Askew to Auburn: Tigers Land 4-Star Athlete Prospect

Malcolm Askew, one of the top athlete prospects in the class of 2017, is headed to the Auburn Tigers after developing into a force at McAdory High School in McCalla, Alabama. 

Rivals.com's Jeffrey Lee first reported the news of Askew's decision. 

"It’s just the relationships I have with the coaches," Askew said of choosing Auburn, per Lee. "I've talked to Coach (Gus) Malzahn, Coach [Kevin] Steele and Coach [Wesley] McGriff numerous times now on campus and on the phone. The relationships are getting stronger and they talk to me about family. It’s a great family feel there, too."

The 4-star speedster is the 202nd-ranked player in 247Sports' composite rankings, and he graded out 10th among all athlete prospects in the class of 2017. Among recruits in the state of Alabama, Askew clocked in at No. 11 overall. 

The big question now is which position the 5'10 ½", 183-pound athlete will play in college after spending time at receiver and cornerback in high school. 

"I’m leaning more toward DB because of the longevity," Askew told Bleacher Report's Sanjay Kirpalani in March. "Defensive players usually last longer playing the game in comparison to offensive players, and that’s why I’m leaning toward defense right now."

Askew elaborated on that stance in a separate conversation with Bleacher Report's Tyler Donohue. 

"The NFL loves guys who can play man-to-man coverage, play on an island," he said. "I feel like I can be that type of guy. I think my best credentials will be on defense in the future."

With aspirations of one day lining up as a shutdown cornerback at the professional level, Askew appears motivated to parlay his athletic prowess into being one of the nation's most dangerous defenders when he suits up for Auburn. 

Recruit rankings courtesy of 247Sports.com.