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North Carolina LB Eugene Asante transferring to Auburn

Jeffrey Leeby: Jeffrey Lee01/19/22JLeeAUSports
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Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Auburn has added another defender from the transfer portal.

Former North Carolina linebacker Eugene Asante, a four-star recruit in the 2019 class, will transfer to Auburn, he announced on Tuesday.

“I’m excited,” Asante said. “I love Auburn. It’s a great fit for me. It’s a blend of being able to play at the highest level with family-oriented players and coaches. And not only play, but excel.”

Asante, who entered the transfer portal in December, chose Auburn over Maryland. He visited both schools before making his decision, including an official visit to Auburn back in December.

“I really gelled with the team,” Asante said. “I got to meet the linebacker room. I got to meet ‘OP’ (Owen Pappoe). He was my host and he showed me around. We talked ball and talked about the system and the fit. A lot of the guys are family-oriented guys. It’s a tight-knit group at Auburn.”

That includes the coaches, specifically linebackers coach Jeff Schmedding.

“I have a good relationship with Coach Schmedding,” Asante said. “Coach Schmedding is a really good dude. I got to talk ball with him and meet his family. The way he has a great relationship with the players. He’s a family guy and that is important to me.”

Asante hopes to replace McClain

Asante said he will be competing for the starting spot opposite of Pappoe, a spot formerly held by Zakoby McClain.

Asante is the third transfer for Auburn on defense and fifth total, joining defensive back D.J. James, defensive lineman Jayson Jones and quarterbacks Robby Ashford and Zach Calzada.

Asante, originally from Chantilly, Va., was the No. 236 overall recruit in the 2019 class, No. 26 linebacker and No. 7 overall in Virginia, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally-weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Asante recorded 23 tackles in seven games during the 2021 season. He has two years of eligibility remaining and plans to enroll immediately at Auburn.

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