Three-star H-back/linebacker Walton impressed, “dead even” between AU and USC

AUBURN — Jonathan Walton thought he knew where he was going to play college football, then he visited Auburn. The Bayside Academy (Daphne, Ala.) H-back and linebacker came to the Plains thinking South Carolina was his clear-cut choice but this weekend’s visit to Auburn left him undecided.

“Came up here thinking one thing then completely got another because I came in with South Carolina leading and I’m leaving with something I’m trying to balance out right here,” Walton said. “It changed me a lot. I’m thinking about it. I had (a decision), I can’t say I have one now. I’m definitely going to think about that on the ride home.

“I’m definitely considering, it’s between Auburn and South Carolina. I’m going to try to make my choice some time this week. That’s been the plan, still is the plan just don’t know who yet. … I can say it’s dead even right now.”

The 6-1, 225-pound Walton said he had a good visit and enjoyed speaking with coach Gus Malzahn, who recruited him previously while at Arkansas State. While South Carolina is recruiting him to be a linebacker, Walton said he may be on the offensive side if he chooses Auburn.

“They went over what they want me to do at H-back, went over what they want me to do at linebacker,” he said. “I feel comfortable doing both, they want me to see which one I feel comfortable with.”

As for what factors will weigh in Walton’s choice between the Gamecocks and Tigers, he said “Auburn is a little bit closer to home.”