Big Cat commits - Askew to AU

McAdory standout says he'll play college ball on the Plains

AUBURN | The No. 2-ranked player in the state has committed to Auburn.

Malcolm Askew, a do-it-all athlete and all-state player for McAdory, announced Saturday his intentions to sign with the Tigers.

“I’m very excited," Askew said. "It’s stress relief. It has been crazy for me, but I felt at home this week."

Askew, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 175 pounds, made his decision after spending the past week in Auburn. The Rivals250 recruit arrived on campus Monday and ended his five-night visit by attending the Tigers’ BIG CAT event Saturday.

"Coming this week and getting a feel for the campus and walking around and hanging with the players, basically meeting everyone on the team, basically that just confirmed everything I needed to know," Askew said. "Just spending this whole week with the Auburn staff was great. That confirmed what I needed to know.”

Auburn had been the leader for Askew since he attended the A-Day game in the spring. Askew reiterated his high interest last week by continuing to list Auburn No. 1 in an updated version of his top schools.

One of the main reasons for his high interest in Auburn is the Tigers' coaching staff, particularly the new guard on defense. Askew has developed close relationships with both first-year defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and first-year secondary coach Wesley "Crime Dawg" McGriff.

“It’s just the relationships I have with the coaches,” Askew said. “I’ve talked to Coach (Gus) Malzahn, Coach Steele and Coach 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."

Askew chose Auburn after narrowing his list to 10 -- Auburn, Clemson, Ole Miss, TCU, Alabama, Florida, Cal, Oklahoma, Miami and Oregon. He feels confident in his decision, but does plan to take five official visits.

"I’ll still take them," Askew said. "I’ll probably visit Oregon, TCU, Miami, Cal, Oklahoma. No SEC schools.”

Askew is Auburn’s sixth commitment in the 2017 class and second defensive back. Stephenson (Stone Mountain, Ga.) safety Carlito Gonzalez also is committed. The Tigers now have commitments from Askew, Gonzalez, offensive tackle Calvin Ashley, linebackers Tadarian Moultry and Chandler Wooten and athlete/running back Alaric Williams.

Askew plans to help aide in the Tigers' recruiting efforts.

“I’m excited because I know a lot of guys have been waiting to see where I was going to go," Askew said. "Talking with everybody I feel like we’re going to land some big targets.”

Askew, playing mainly at wide receiver and defensive back, had 35 receptions for more than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior. He also had 35 tackles, eight pass break-ups and one interception on defense.

Askew is scheduled to graduate in December and enroll at Auburn in January.