Elijah Sullivan Commits to Auburn: What the Versatile Recruit Brings to Tigers

Auburn added to its 2015 recruiting class Saturday, securing a verbal commitment from Georgia prospect Elijah Sullivan. The Tucker High School standout, who excels at linebacker and running back, notified the Tigers' coaching staff of his decision during a Junior Day event on campus.

"I felt very good about coming here, and my mom liked it to so I went ahead and committed," Sullivan told 247Sports.com's Kipp Adams.

The 6'1", 215-pound prospect is rated a 3-star recruit in 247Sports' composite rankings. He chose Auburn over offers from Florida, Georgia Tech and Marshall.

Sullivan is the fourth player to commit to Gus Malzahn and company during this recruiting cycle. The Tigers landed fellow Peach State product Tyler Queen, a 4-star quarterback, last July.

The latest 2015 recruiting class addition instantly gives Auburn options and flexibility. Sullivan is a capable contributor on both sides of the ball.

He accounted for 13 offensive touchdowns while taking snaps at running back and proved himself to be a capable receiver out of the backfield. Sullivan was a key offensive threat throughout his team's run to a league title and state championship game.

Sullivan is a strong runner who delivers physical blows to defenders upon contact. He incorporates a classic north-south rushing style and can break away downfield after bouncing off tacklers.

247Sports indicates that Sullivan was clocked at 4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He certainly has the makings of a powerful short-yardage back at the next level.

Early indications point to linebacker as Sullivan's likely landing spot at Auburn. He tallied 48 tackles and eight sacks as a junior, displaying outstanding tenacity.

Sullivan told Rivals.com's Justin Hokanson that the Tigers view him as an ideal fit at the "Star" position. The hybrid role routinely blends outside linebacker and safety duties, commanding elite athleticism and range in coverage.

"I get to move around the field and cover players, it's like what I do in high school," Sullivan told Hokanson. "I talked to [Auburn defensive coordinator] Ellis Johnson about the position and it's like what I do now. It's very comforting and basically like what I play now."

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Auburn can expect impressive quickness from its new commit. Sullivan shows burst near the line of scrimmage but can also turn his shoulders and make up ground deep in the second level while tracking down a pass target.

The Tigers' 2015 class gains a crucial dose of versatility with Sullivan on board.