Tre Lamar Reveals Top 3: Which Schools Hold the Edge for 4-Star LB?

Linebacker Tre Lamar has narrowed his college choices to three southern options, a trio that have spent plenty of time with the 4-star Georgia prospect.

"These three schools offer the qualities I'm looking for," Lamar said of Alabama, Auburn and Clemson, per Wesley Sinor of AL.com.

According to Sinor, Lamar has visited Clemson five times—with another trip scheduled there for the July 17 "All-In Cookout"—and been to both Alabama and Auburn four times. They are three of the 36 schools that have offered the 6'4", 240-pound prospect from Roswell, Georgia.

Rated by 247Sports as the No. 153 overall prospect in the 2016 recruiting class, Lamar is considered the nation's eighth-best inside linebacker and the No. 15 prospect in Georgia.

Lamar had positive things to say about all three finalists, telling Sinor his relationship with Clemson's coaches is very strong. He cited Alabama's tradition of developing inside linebackers, such as C.J. Mosley and Dont'a Hightower, and noted that Auburn's engineering department appeals to his academic interests.

Clemson has the edge in 247Sports' Crystal Ball predictions, collecting 60 percent of the 10 projections made so far. Alabama and Auburn are tied at 20 percent. But if Lamar is looking to be the guy at his school, Auburn figures to be his best bet.

Clemson already has a commitment from Rahshaun Smith, the nation's top-rated inside linebacker, while No. 5 ILB prospect Jaquan Yulee has committed to Alabama and is in pursuit of fourth-rated Dontavious Jackson. Auburn hasn't landed an inside 'backer yet, and Lamar is considered the Tigers' top target at that position.

Alabama could lose junior Reuben Foster to the NFL draft after this season, but the Crimson Tide have plenty of depth at the position and signed three linebackers in the 2015 class. Auburn doesn't have as much behind senior Kris Frost, while Clemson has a pair of freshmen who redshirted in 2014 and are waiting to step in for senior B.J. Goodson.

Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.