Auburn early leader for 2013 CB

In Brian Walker's opinion, there is no doubt he has greatly improved his game since 2010.

"I think I'm way better now that I've got some experience on the varsity level," said Walker, a junior cornerback at state power Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek. "I think my coverage has improved, and just being able to control the receiver."

Through six games, the 5-feet-10, 175-pound Walker has one interception. As a varsity backup, he recorded two picks during his sophomore season.

Apparently, colleges like what they have seen. Two of them - Auburn and South Carolina - offered this summer. According to Walker, he also is hearing from Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Notre Dame and Vanderbilt.

"I would have to say Auburn [leads] by a little bit," Walker said. "But it's not by that much. South Carolina would be real close. I could see myself playing with [Auburn]. I like the team. I saw them play when they played Clemson. I was checking out both sides. I just like [Auburn assistant Tommy Thigpen] and the system he runs."

Who might be next to offer?

"I'm not really sure," Walker said. "I'm thinking maybe Clemson or Florida. I have a pretty good relationship with Clemson. We stay in contact a lot. I hear from Florida, too. I was supposed to go to a game there with [Mallard Creek five-star offensive tackle and Gators commit] D.J. Humphries, but I wasn't able to make it. The only place I've been so far is Clemson."

Walker will visit Tennessee this weekend to see the Vols play host to Georgia.

Keith Niebuhr can be reached at kneebs01@aol.com. You can follow him on Twitter @KeithRIVALS.