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Over the summer, three-star Georgia athlete Malik Willis spent his time playing for Cam Newton's 7-on-7 all-star team. Now, Willis be following in Newton's footsteps by heading to Auburn to play quarterback. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound prospect had been committed to Virginia Tech since the summer, but the chance to play quarterback for the Tigers was too much to pass up.

"Everything at Auburn was just more in line with what I'm looking for," Willis said. "I had to do what's right for me and my family and this is closer for them and it gives me a chance to play the position I love."

Willis was likely going to play defensive back for the Hokies, but now he will be the Tigers' lone quarterback signee in the 2017 class.

"It was important that I got a shot at least because I feel like I can play quarterback at the next level," said Willis, who led Roswell, Ga. to the state championship game in Georgia's highest classification. "I feel like their run-pass option offense is the same as Roswell’s and we run a lot of the same plays. That's what Coach Lashlee likes about my game, he felt my talents fit what they needed."

The connection through Newton extends beyond just 7-on-7, according to Willis, Auburn head coach Guz Malzahn said Newton was one of Willis' strongest advocates over the past few weeks.

"Coach Malzahn told me he talked to Cam and Cam said nothing but good things about me," Willis said. "Coach said he was fired up already after watching me play but after what Cam told him about me being a leader and being the best athlete on the field, that made coach feel even better about offering me and having me as their guy."

Despite not officially visiting Auburn prior to committing, Willis said he plans to enroll early and isn't worried about his lack of time spent on The Plains.

"I was up there for a camp before and I went up there another time so it's not like I've never been," Willis said. "They can show you whatever they want on an official visit but you won't get a real feel for it until you're there as a student. They have the academic program I want and that's engineering, and I can't wait to get there."

Willis is also friends with current Auburn freshman defensive back Marlon Character, as the two spent years training together in Atlanta as part of the iDareU Academy. He said that combined with the proximity to home will also help ease the transition.

"Marlon is already there and I know he loves it," Willis said. "And being close to home was important because I want my family to be able to see my play. I love them and this will makes things much easier for them to be there every week."

On the field Willis said he expects to jump right into the fire, with plans of competing to earn his spot on the depth chart.

"Coach Lashlee told me I will be straight into the competition and being the only high school guy they have high expectations for me," Willis said. "Coach Malzahn views me strictly as a quarterback and I'm ready to get there and learn from both of them."

Willis is commitment No. 18 in the class for the Tigers and the third from the Atlanta area. He joins Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham as the second quarterback addition to the Tigers roster this month.