BREAKING: 4-star LB Joseph Phillips commits to Auburn over Georgia

Four-star linebacker Joseph Phillips, one of the top overall recruits in the country, has committed to Auburn football.

Phillips, from Booker T. Washington in Tuskegee, Ala., announced his decision Thursday on social media. He chose Auburn over Georgia, Clemson, Tennessee and Texas A&M.

“The family feel of it is why I chose Auburn,” he told Auburn Live. “Also, it being so close to home. My people can get up there and see games. And I’m not forcing it at Auburn. I can build my own legacy, do my own thing.”

Phillips on Wednesday informed Auburn coach Hugh Freeze and linebackers coach Josh Aldridge.

“I told Coach Freeze and Coach A (Aldridge),” he said. “Coach A didn’t know. I surprised him. He was shocked. Coach Freeze kind of already knew. He knew I was going to do it in the next 2-3 weeks, but he didn’t know I was going to do it this soon. He was definitely excited.”

Roller coaster recruitment for Phillips

Committing to Auburn and Freeze on Wednesday was a big change in plans and change of heart for Phillips. Less than 24 hours before, he was planning to head to the SEC East.

“I was about to commit to Georgia (on Tuesday),” he said.

Phillips had been high on the Bulldogs since an official visit on June 2-4. He even told Freeze during an unofficial visit to Auburn last week.

“(Freeze) knew what was up when I came up to visit last week,” he said. “I told him I was leaning towards Georgia. I didn’t sugarcoat it. We have a good relationship, so I can tell him anything and I told him what’s up. I told him UGA is where my head was at.”

So Auburn turned up the heat.

“They did a good job of rebuilding and restoring things,” he said. “We weren’t ever off, but I did feel like they were slacking a little bit.”

Auburn on Wednesday completed the restoration and secured his commitment.

“It feels great,” he said. “People will try and persuade me throughout the season because nothing is official until I sign the papers, but I feel good about Auburn. I’ve always felt good about Auburn.”

Phillips is on pace to graduate in December and enroll at Auburn in January. He does not have any other visits planned at this time.

Phillips, who is listed at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, is the No. 133 overall prospect in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also ranks as the country’s No. 12 linebacker and the No. 9 recruit in Alabama.

On3 Scouting Summary

Long, big-framed linebacker with the versatility to create disruption as a pass rusher and be a physical presence as a run defender. Measured in at 6-foot-1.5, 235 pounds prior to his senior season. Has outstanding length, registering a 6-foot-10 wing-span – among the best we’ve seen from 2024 linebacker prospects.

Primarily played as a standup pass rusher as a junior, but looks to be primed for more of an off-ball inside linebacker role as a senior. Uses his quickness and length to create disruption off the edge. Heavy-handed and powerful. Plays with leverage and gets off of blocks. Shows dogged effort and pursuit speed in tracking down plays from the back side.

As an off-ball linebacker, projects as a thumper against the run. A talented, big athlete who also sees time as a pass catcher on Friday nights. Finished his junior season with 75 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 9 sacks.

Also plays basketball, where he’s shown some above-the-rim bounce. Will need to settle in to playing in space. His pure speed looks to be more notable as a pass rusher than an off-ball linebacker, relative to his peers at each spot. Will need to continue improving in coverage and adding consistency as a tackler.