On Thursday, the Auburn coaching staff made an offer to 2023 linebacker K’Vion Thunderbird. The linebacker job will likely be a priority in the class going forward, with Owen Pappoe likely turning pro after the season is over.

Thunderbird is from Chicago, Illinois. He is listed at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds according to 247Sports. Their recruiting ranking lists Thunderbird as a three-star. Several non-Power Five programs have offered Thunderbird, such as Akron, Central Michigan, and Buffalo. The list of Power Five schools includes state of michiganMissouri, Nebraska, Oregonand Tennessee.

With his size, he’ll likely be asked to beef up if he intends to play inside linebacker. The coaching staff may view Thunderbird as an outside linebacker. Most of the time the player has their preference but the coaching staff will have their own personal opinion as to what position they would play. The Tigers could lose Eugene Asante, Owen Pappoe and Cam Riley after this season. If so, the linebacker room has a huge void to fill.

The Tigers coaching staff offered 24 linebackers. Several players to watch are Eric Muse, Phil Picciotti and Dee Crayton. It will also be interesting to see if staff can get Thunderbird on campus during summer practices and possibly for a return visit in the fall.

After an amazing conversation with @ZacEtheridge4I am extremely blessed and thrilled to say that I have received an offer from Auburn University!! @AllenTrieu @EDGYTIM @Rivals_Clint @SWiltfong247 @SinqueTurner @Levi_bradley312 @CoachRoc #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/4PzRUe7oMK

— K’Vion Thunderbird (@KvionTbird05) May 19, 2022