Illinois transfer LB visiting Auburn, 'good chance' he becomes a Tiger

Auburn may have found immediate help at linebacker.

Illinois graduate transfer T.J. Neal, who finished with 109 tackles in 2015, will take an official visit to Auburn, and hopes its the first of many.

"I'll be at Auburn Feb. 15," Neal said."It'll be a mid-week visit."

Neal scheduled the visit during a telephone conversation with Auburn coach Gus Malzahn.

"He said he really wanted me to come down there and visit," Neal said.

Neal understands why.

"I did my research and they only have one guy (at linebacker) returning that played a little bit," Neal said. "They graduated three or four seniors last year so they have a big need at linebacker. It's definitely a great opportunity."

Neal is taking an official visit to West Virginia on Feb. 8-10. He hopes to make a decision on where he'll transfer soon.

"I want to make it by the end of the month, probably after I take my visit to Auburn," Neal said. "I want to know where I'm going."

Auburn hasn't offered Neal, but the linebacker hopes that changes before he visits.

"I really like the thought of going to Auburn," Neal said. "That's why I can't wait to get down there. I'm so excited to get down there and visit, get around everyone and get a feel for it.

"If Auburn offers, there's a good chance I'll go there and play football for the Tigers."

As a junior in '15, Neal had 109 tackles, 43 solos, 14 tackles-for-loss and two sacks. He has one year of eligibility.