Auburn adds ex-Illinois LB T.J. Neal as grad transfer
Auburn has added a big-time transfer to its defense.
Former Illinois linebacker T.J. Neal announced Tuesday that he will play for Auburn for his final season of college football. Neal was a two-year starter for the Illini and compiled 109 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and two sacks last season. He announced his decision to leave Illinois late last month.
As a graduate transfer, the 6-foot-1, 235-pound Neal will be able to suit up for the Tigers immediately. He fills a big need, too. Both Cassanova McKinzy and Kris Frost graduated, so Neal has a chance to move right into the starting lineup at middle linebacker.
Overall in his career at Illinois, Neal appeared in 38 games and made 25 starts, totaling 245 tackles and 21.5 tackles for loss. He is on track to graduate in May.
Auburn went 7-6 in 2015.
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