Auburn loses Liner, adds Marshall

AUBURN – Late Monday, Auburn lost one top recruit and landed a fourth junior college commitment.

Five-star defensive lineman Dee Liner, rated the nation’s No. 2 strongside defensive end by Rivals.com and the nation’s No. 10 defensive tackle by 247Sports, de-committed from Auburn Monday night.

“I de-committed from Auburn today,” Liner told Rivals.com. “I’m going to make my decision on signing day. I had to do what’s best for me and I appreciate what Auburn is and has done for me.”

Liner, who committed to Auburn in June 2011, took an official visit to Alabama this past weekend but said his decision to de-commit and no longer consider Auburn had “nothing” to do with his visit to Alabama.

“I just didn’t feel comfortable with the coaching staff,” Liner said according to AuburnSports.com. “I’ve been holding it in, I just had to get it off my shoulders.”

Auburn did land a commitment from junior college quarterback Nick Marshall on Monday. The former Georgia cornerback totaled 4,237 yards passing and rushing and 37 touchdowns in 11 games at Garden City (Kan.) Community College last season.

“I will be taking my talents bac (sic) to the SEC at the University of Auburn,” Marshall tweeted Monday.

Auburn officials have not confirmed Marshall’s commitment, reportedly due to reviewing his grades. Marshall, 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, was dismissed from Georgia in early 2012 following a violation of team rules which reported involved stealing from fellow players.

He would be the fourth junior college commitment for coach Gus Malzahn and Auburn, joining defensive lineman Ben Bradley, offensive lineman Devonte Danzey and Cameron Artis-Payne.