Wando's Gimel President commits to Auburn

Wando football standout Gimel President wrapped up a whirlwind week of college visits by committing to Auburn on Thursday.

President, a 6-4, 250-pound defensive end, spent last weekend at Auburn, then headed to Chapel Hill to visit North Carolina from Sunday to Wednesday. He followed that up with a trip to the South Carolina campus on Wednesday before making his decision.

"Auburn feels like family," said President, who had 14 scholarship offers. "The players made me feel like I was at home.

"The coaches and the people who worked in the office made me feel like I was at home."

President was a first-team All-Lowcountry selection last year after recording 72 tackles, including 39 solo stops, as a junior. He also had six sacks.

He visited North Carolina twice and was in Chapel Hill on Wednesday when Butch Davis was fired as head coach.

"That affected my decision a lot," he said. "I like (South Carolina assistant) coach Steve Spurrier Jr. and (South Carolina head) coach (Steve) Spurrier -- they're cool people. I liked their facilities, too. But it's about football players and Auburn had totally different players. They make you feel like you're at home."

Follow Philip M. Bowman on Twitter: @pandcphil.