The Auburn Tigers 2019 recruiting class got a big bump on Friday night as three-star Greenwood, S.C. tight end Luke Deal made his pledge to the school over a national list of offers that included Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan and Clemson. Deal made the announcement at his church, surrounded by his football teammates as well as friends and family.

He told Rivals.com earlier in the week that the Tigers family atmosphere was one of the main reasons for including the school in his finalists. As it turns out, it also had a major part in his final decision.

“Auburn has a real family feel all around campus," Deal said. "I love Coach Malzahn and their staff. It’s a real comfortable environment and about family.”

Deal spent the spring taking advantage of the new NCAA rules allowing early official visits and made a number of trips in April, with the last stop being on The Plains at Auburn.

Deal joins Tyler Fromm, currently ranked as a wide receiver as tight ends commits in the Tigers 2019 class and is the first commitment from outside the state of Georgia or Alabama to commit to the school this cycle. With the addition of Deal, Auburn jumps to No. 18 in the Rivals.com Team Rankings.

Assuming Deal signs with the Tigers later this year he will become the program's first signee from South Carolina since three-star defensive end Gimel President in 2012.