4-star in-state running back J'Marion Burnette commits to Auburn
Four-star running back J’Marion Burnette has committed to Auburn.
Burnette, from Andalusia, Ala., announced his decision on Friday. His announcement comes less than two months after spending the day in Auburn for the Tigers’ big Junior Day.
He chose the Tigers over offers from Arkansas, Ole Miss, Florida State, Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, Texas A&M, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee and Penn State, among others.
Burnette, listed at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, is ranked the No. 2 running back in the state in ’24 and No. 11 overall recruit, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, an industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Over his sophomore and junior seasons, he rushed for 3,745 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Carnell Williams a big part of Burnette’s decision
Auburn running backs coach Carnell Williams played a major role in Burnette choosing the Tigers.
The two have built a strong bond throughout Burnette’s recruitment, which dates back to the running back’s sophomore season.
“I can see him coaching me in the future,” he said last summer.
Proximity to home also played a factor. Auburn is a two-hour drive from Andalusia.
“I mean, it’s in-state, close to home,” he said. “It’s always going to be a home.”
Burnette is the Tigers’ fourth commitment in the 2024 class, joining quarterback Walker White and defensive backs Jayden Lewis and A’Mon Lane. All four commitments are four-star recruits, according to the On3 Industry Ranking
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Burnette is the first running back to commit to Auburn in the ’24 class, but he isn’t expected to be the only one. The Tigers appear set to sign two running backs in this class.
Some of the other top targets are Tuscaloosa County (Northport, Ala.) four-star Kevin Riley, Meridian (Miss.) four-star Daniel Hill, West Point (Miss.) four-star Kahnen Daniels and Mountain Pointe (Phoenix, Ariz.) four-star Christian Clark.
Another running back to keep an eye on is Gulf Shores (Ala.) four-star Ronnie Royal III. Auburn has yet to offer, but is keeping close tabs on the in-state back. As a junior, Royal rushed for 1,147 yards and 24 touchdowns on 129 carries. He averaged nearly nine yards per carry. As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,350 yards.
Over his sophomore and junior seasons, Royal rushed for a total of 2,497 yards and 43 touchdowns. He is ranked the No. 19 athlete in the country and No. 16 recruit in Alabama, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.
