Auburn got a commitment from a versatile, speedy running back Saturday when Alaric Williams pledged to the Tigers.

The 6-foot, 195-pound Williams (Ashville, Ala.) chose Auburn ahead of Alabama and Georgia, making the announcement while attending the school’s recruiting cookout on Saturday.

Listed as an athlete, Williams also is adept at catching passes out of the backfield. As a member of the 2017 recruiting class, he ranks as the nation’s ninth-best athlete and the 87th-best player overall, according to the 247Sports composite.

He’ll be part of the next generation of Tigers running backs, replacing a group that includes Jovon Robinson and Roc Thomas.

Williams cited his relationship with Auburn running backs coach Tim Horton as a major factor in his decision.

“He’s just a cool person to talk to,” Williams said, according to 247Sports. “He’s a good Christian man and that means a lot to me. He doesn’t really talk much about football. He talks about personal stuff. I think that’s just real cool for a coach. Not everything is about football. It’s more about life.”

Auburn now holds two commitments in the ’17 class, both of them outstanding talents. The other, five-star offensive tackle Calvin Ashley (Orlando, Fla.), rates as the No. 2 player in the nation and the best at his position in the class.