Richard McBryde verbally commits to continue football career at Auburn

More than 85 miles separate Troy from the Loveliest Village On The Plains, but Richard McBryde feels right at home.

Early Saturday morning, McBryde put all the rumors to rest by verbally committing to sign with Auburn in February.

“ I know Auburn is just the place for me,” McBryde said. “It feels like home, and my mom can come watch me play all the time. I feel like Auburn is where I am supposed to go.”

McBryde, one of the most sought-after players in the South, has offers from nearly two-dozen colleges, including three-quarters of the SEC, but unofficially ended his recruitment Saturday with a simple Tweet.

McBryde tweeted “I am officially committed to Auburn University” accompanied by a photo of himself with Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn.

Earlier in the summer, McBryde said he wasn’t in a hurry to commit to a school, but went ahead and made a decision prior to his senior season at Charles Henderson.

“I want to play as well as I can in my senior year, and get back to the championship,” McBryde said. “Now, I can concentrate on playing ball here and not worry about college stuff. I am ready for the season.”

How will McBryde fit in at Auburn? Find out HERE.

Moments after McBryde sent his announcement tweet, his Twitter feed blew up with Auburn fans welcoming him to the family.

He said he enjoyed that very much.

McBryde led the Trojans to the 2013 AHSAA 4A State Championship Game, and was named 4A Lineman of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

The soft-spoken linebacker finished the season with 163 tackles, 37.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles.

Auburn has been at the top of McBryde’s short list for some time, but the Tigers pulled away from the pack following Big Cat Weekend in late May

The two days McBryde spent on campus are some of his favorite of his recruiting visits for a very specific weekend: there was no talk of football.

“It is always so relaxed when I am up there,” McBryde said. “We don’t talk about football much. Coach Malzahn wants to know who you are, not just how you play.”

On the gridiron, McBryde is excited about playing for Auburn. He mentioned his excitement about playing for renowned defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, and the possibility of playing a variety of positions on The Plains.

“I like that they are interested in me playing inside and outside backer,” McBryde said. “I have played outside before, so I look forward to the challenge. I just want to contribute and help win a title.”

If he signs, McBryde will become the third Charles Henderson defensive player to ink with the Tigers in less than a decade. Zacheus Etheridge starred as corner for Auburn and Jawara “RahRah” White played linebacker and special teams.

The orange-and-blue pipeline is alive and well.

“I guess there is a little something there,” McBryde said. “They were great ball players, but I want to be the best to ever come from Charles Henderson.”

A verbal commitment is not set in stone, and players are free to withdraw it at anytime.

National Signing Day is set for Wednesday Feb. 4, 2015.