Jeffery Holland to Auburn: Tigers Land 4-Star LB Prospect

Jeffery Holland, the star linebacker recruit from Trinity Christian Academy in Florida, will be attending Auburn.  

Holland announced his decision on signing day, via Keith Niebuhr of 247Sports.com:

One of the best defensive players in the 2015 recruiting class, Holland ranks as a 4-star prospect and No. 8 outside linebacker, according to 247Sports.com. 

Holland had his choice of top programs, with Auburn, Florida and UCLA as the leading contenders. 

Auburn was considered the favorite to land Holland, holding a slight edge over Florida in 247Sports' crystal ball predictions. The linebacker said the week of the Under Armour All-American Game, via Chris Hays of The Orlando Sentinel, that the Tigers' surge involved a decision Will Muschamp being hired by Auburn after being fired from Florida:

"I think Auburn is the leader right now," Holland said. "I'm familiar with the coaches there and I feel at home there. I like Florida and UCLA and I'm going to take my official to UCLA [Jan. 16]."

Hays also wrote that Muschamp began recruiting Holland "early in his high school career" and the defensive star has "grown fond of the former Gators coach."

Whatever led to Holland's decision, he's undoubtedly given it a lot of thought and consideration. He's already physically developed at 6'2" and 230 pounds, so it wouldn't be a shock to see him on the field as a true freshman. 

Holland brings speed and athleticism to a defense, as well as an intimidation factor because he moves all over the field and makes hard hits. He's a special talent who can transform the edge of any defense in 2015.