Whitaker chooses Auburn

Hey everyone. Defensive tackle Jeffrey Whitaker of Warner Robins, Ga., has decided to sign with Auburn on National Signing Day.

On why he chose Auburn: ``It just felt comfortable. There was no question. I couldn't turn away from it. It just felt like home."

On what he wants to do on the field: ``I'm going to be that three technique so hopefully I can move some guys out of my way and make my way to the quarterback or running back."

On his relationship with other Auburn recruits: ``The class that's coming in -- there's a pretty big bond. We've been keeping in touch for quite some time. They've been keeping me on the radar."

On the decision-making process: It wasn't tough. It was aggravating. Everybody was calling you and this and that. When I was little, I said I wanted to be a rock star celebrity. After this, I just want to be a simple person. It wasn't tough. Pressure is whatever you make of it. There wasn't any pressure. It was just aggravating from time to time."

On his training regimen: ``I've got to run. I've been eating, but I've got to run now. You just made me go from happy to sad. I don't even know what to say anymore! I have to run, train, sweat, hydrate. Same 'ol, same 'ol."

On living the dream: ``It's a dream that I probably never though would happen. We came up hard. We didn't have the Nike brands. I can remember a day coming home and having holes in my shoes. I'd look in my closet and there were like four outfits. My mom, I wish she was here. About five and a half years ago, she passed. It's a dream, but I'm not done. I'm looking to keep getting better. Hopefully one day, when it's all said and done, then I can evaluate myself as a player."

On the effect of Tracy Rocker on his decision: ``It was a big one. That's the main thing when you're making a decision like that -- who you're going to be around a lot. The head coach is nice and everything. Your position coach is going to be like your head coach, you'll spend time with him, learn a lot from. I think he's a guy who's going to have my back 100 percent."

On his plans for 2010: ``I always say when you get the redshirt, it's determined by how hard you work during the offseason. If I came in and 340 and overweight, yeah, I think I'd be redshirted. I'm pretty comfortable. I'll come in and make an immediate impact because I'll work my butt off and come in looking to do some great things."