Tadarian Moultry to Auburn: Tigers Land 4-Star ILB Prospect

In what most viewed as a battle between Alabama monoliths, 4-star linebacker Tadarian Moultry chose to attend Auburn on Friday.

"They felt like family," Moultry said, per Drew Champlin of AL.com. "They kept in touch with me, and I wanted to stay in-state... I'm just blessed."

Alabama and Auburn heavily pursued Moultry, the ninth-ranked inside linebacker in the country. 247Sports ranked him the 12th-best player in the state of Alabama and No. 238 overall player nationally. Eighty percent of experts polled thought Moultry was headed to Auburn.

Still, a bit of a late bloomer, Moultry got the full-court press from teams as his high school career progressed. Offers from Alabama, Clemson and a number of other high-profile programs joined Auburn's. 

"I see how people look at me and see I'm better than I thought," Moultry told Scout's John Garcia Jr. "I'm loving it, though, because a lot of coaches see something in me. They all want me at linebacker; that's what they like my size for."

Of course, Moultry had reasons to be a bit behind the curve. He had to sit out the 2014 season after suffering a gunshot wound. His return in 2015 sets up what should be a big senior year, and the Crimson Tide taking notice meant a lot.

"Alabama and Clemson offered coming off of a national championship," Moultry said. "I've been an Alabama fan since '09; I like the linebackers that come out of there. Alabama and Auburn are like my first choice, together."

Listed at 6'2" and 225 pounds, Moultry will have to grow a bit more into his frame. He's more lean than big right now, and Moultry will need another 20 or more pounds before he can withstand the rigors of the inside linebacker spot. 

For now, though, he's a solid prospect who should grow into something more as a senior. 

Recruit ratings and info courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.