How Auburn football became favorite for 4-star DL Xzavier McLeod

Continuing the hard recruiting work that has been going on from the Plains, Auburn football hosted more visitors on campus this weekend. One of those prospects was 4-star defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and 324 pounds, McLeod is ranked as the #145 overall prospect and the #22 defensive lineman in the recruiting class of 2023 in addition to being the #2 recruit out of the state of South Carolina. With nearly 20 offers on McLeod’s list, the Tigers will be battling much of the SEC for the DT including Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.

The Camden, SC, native spent last Friday on the Plains, getting the chance to have an inside look at the campus and facilities in addition to watching practice and having the opportunity to sit down with the Auburn football coaching staff.

McLeod noted that “the visit was great” and that he really got to see Auburn football in a new light. By the end of his Plains visit, McLeod noted that the Tigers are definitely at the top of his list, per Auburn Live:

"“Auburn definitely stands as one of my favorite schools,” McLeod said. “I most definitely will be back.”"

What made Auburn stand out so much to the defensive tackle? Jeffrey Lee reports in the same article that watching the defensive line practice and getting to know D-Line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh had a big effect on the 4-star prospect:

"“One thing that stood out was how good the d-line practice and how Coach Brumbaugh coaches them,” McLeod said. “Coach Brumbaugh is a great coach. I really felt the love from him.”"

Coach Brumbaugh and the rest of the Tigers’ staff made sure that McLeod knew he is a top priority for the program, and it was enough to make McLeod confirm a return trip to the Plains sometime soon.