When five-star athlete JaCoby Stevens announced a final seven schools in late May, Auburn made the list along with four other SEC schools (Alabama, Georgia, LSU and Tennessee). AU wasn’t always in contention, but the coaches plans for Stevens helped the Tigers get back in the mix.

Stevens told AL.com’s Drew Champlin that Auburn’s pitch of playing both wide receiver and safety got his attention.

“That’s what they opened up with,” Stevens said. “They said (co-defensive coordinator) Coach (Wesley) McGriff wants to coach you but (offensive coordinator) Coach (Rhett) Lashlee wants to throw you the ball. They have a guy right now that they can do that with. Get me touches is what Coach Lashlee is stressing and get me better is what Coach McGriff is pushing.

“It’s exciting. Some sites list me as No. 1 athlete and these guys are giving me a chance to show that you guys are correct.”

Stevens knows what he’s talking about. 247Sports composite rankings have the Murfreesboro, Tenn. product as the No. 1 athlete in the 2017 class. He’s also ranked by the site as the No. 25 recruit overall and No. 2 prospect from the Volunteer State.

A commitment date has not been set, but Stevens said it will be from the final seven schools which also includes Clemson and Florida State. Recruiting experts have seen it so far as a battle between Georgia, LSU, Tennessee and Clemson. UGA and LSU have also talked about using Stevens on both sides of the ball.

Although Auburn appears to be playing catchup, the Oakland High standout spoke highly of his recent visit to The Plains for Big Cat Weekend, telling Champlin it was “a weekend you could put in the plus column.”

He plans to return to AU and visit Alabama in the near future.