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Former Illinois linebacker T.J. Neal is going to play for Auburn in 2016.
He announced his decision on Twitter on Tuesday morning:
Next Chapter in my life. ! !@FootballAU @SEC pic.twitter.com/z0SPhUOMdD
— Tyrone Neal Jr (@Tneal52) February 16, 2016
As a graduate transfer, Neal will be able to impact the Auburn defense immediately.
He recorded 109 tackles, 14 of them for a loss, in 12 games for Illinois in 2015, and likely was a preseason all-conference choice if he had stayed in the Big Ten for the 2016 season.
Neal should slot right into the rotation at outside linebacker for the Tigers in 2016, where he has the potential to be real difference maker in new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele’s scheme.
Don’t fret, Tigers fans. He’ll learn soon enough that it’s “Auburn University” and not the “University of Auburn.”
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
