Coach Hugh Freeze and Auburn boosted their defensive line for future years on Saturday afternoon with a commitment from Pike Road senior Malik Blocton.

The 6-foot-3, 275-pound lineman said he committed to the Tigers over Alabama, Troy, Texas and Florida.

“It feels great,” Blocton told AL.com. “I’m excited to have a chance to play in the SEC. That is what I’ve been wanting to do all my life.”

Blocton is the No. 24 senior recruit in the state according to the 247 composite rankings. He’s No. 25 in the On3 Industry rankings.

With his commitment, the Tigers now have pledges from seven of the top 30 seniors in the 247 Class of 2024 rankings. Blocton joins Booker T. Washington LB Joseph Phillips (No. 8), Andalusia RB J’Marion Burnette (14), Moody DB A’Mon Lane (16), Anniston DB Jayden Lewis (18), Clay-Chalkville LB DJ Barber (25) and Baker WR Bryce Cain (27).

“I think he can be a starter pretty quickly in the SEC,” Pike Road coach Granger Shook said. “He can be a rotational guy very early. What separates the SEC from everyone else is depth up front. Malik is going to add to that for Auburn. Auburn always has had an elite defensive line, and Malik will fit nicely into that. I’m excited for he and his family. It’s a great opportunity.”

The 3-star recruit has nearly 40 offers from across the country. As a junior for Pike Road, he had 54 tackles and 12 sacks. He helped the team to a state title as a sophomore.

Blocton said the plan at Auburn is for him to start his college career on the edge before possibly moving inside later.

“I really don’t care where I play as long as I’m in position to make plays for my team,” he said.

This year, as a senior in high school, Blocton will be a weapon for Shook in his first year as the team’s coach.

“He can play any position in 6A football up front,” he said. “We will move him around defensively because we know a lot of our opponents will call plays predicated on where he is lined up. He has great hands. His hands are as smooth and natural as I’ve seen. He will be able to make a quick impact at Auburn. I firmly believe that.”

Blocton also could see some time on offense in his final year with the Patriots.

“There is a chance he may play some tight end, especially in specific packages,” Shook said. “He’s too good of a player and too smart not to be on the field when we need a play.”

Shook said Blocton also is a leader off the field.

“He was voted on our leadership council by his peers,” he said. “Week 1, that is something I wanted to do to get a temperature of the team. In the season, we will meet weekly. In the offseason, we meet every two weeks or so to gauge the team and where we are. His peers definitely respect him and view him as a leader on our team for sure.”

Blocton and the Patriots will open the 2023 season Aug. 25 at Marist High School outside of Atlanta.