DAPHNE, Ala. — Daphne standout running back T.J Yeldon committed this week to play for the 2012 Auburn Tigers.

Rated the top prospect in the state by Scout.com, Yeldon (6-2, 200) will begin his senior season with the Trojans August 1, joining teammate Ryan Anderson (6-3, 250) who committed to Alabama in April.

Daphne coach Glenn Vickery said Yeldon is gifted with much more than athletic talent and would represent DHS well wherever he chose to go.

"We are very proud for T.J. and his family on his decision to commit to the Auburn Tigers," he added. "Auburn has picked up one of the best players in the country."

Yeldon rushed for 1,112 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in 2010. He had five touchdown catches (34 total) for 504 yards receiving as Daphne went 15-0 to win the Class 6A state championship last season.

Among the other major programs vying for Yeldon's nod were Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Oregon. Rivals.com lists him as the No. 5, 4-Star running back in the country.

Yeldon said he wants to focus on repeating the 6A title.

“We want to go back and win it again,” he said.

Yeldon, along with defensive ends Anderson and Eric Lee, defensive back Torren McGaster and offensive lineman Jeremy Sparks have been invited to play in the 2011 Max Emfinger All-American Bowl Classic Dec. 31 at Doug Williams Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.

Down the road in Fairhope, Pirate offensive linemen Kyron Samuels and Charles Carter have also been invited to the game.

In addition, Yeldon has been selected to play in the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January.