Auburn DL commit in the 2024 class talks recent visit to Alabama

A trio of in-state Auburn commitments in the Class of 2024 made their way up to Alabama this past Saturday. Among that group was Malik Blocton, a 6-foot-3, 255-pound defensive lineman out of Pike Road High School. Blocton announced his commitment to the Tigers back on July 8.

Blocton says that a couple of recent conversations with Bama d-line coach Freddie Roach led to his visit to Tuscaloosa for the Texas game.

“I got there late, so I couldn’t talk with the staff before the game, but I talked with Coach Roach after,” Blocton told BamaOnLine. “He was telling me that he’s going to try to see me play… we also got on the phone twice last week.”

As for the game itself, the Tide did not generate a significant pass rush on Saturday. Blocton did, however, take notice of how the group limited Texas’ rushing attack.

“I was really watching both d-lines the whole time,” Blocton said. “Both defensive lines were stopping the run… [Alabama’s] defensive line stopped the run the whole night. I don’t think Texas had that many rushing yards the whole game, which was big.”

Blocton, who has been to T-Town multiple times in the past, enjoyed returning to Alabama’s campus.

“They’ve got really good facilities,” Blocton said. “The campus is really good. I feel like they’ve got a really good fan base. They’re a really good program. That’s why they’re a championship program.”

Could another visit to Alabama this season be in store?

This may not be the last time that Malik Blocton visits Alabama for a game day this season.

The top-40 d-lineman in this class is considering a return for the Tennessee game on Oct. 21. He’ll either attend this matchup, or be at Auburn’s game versus Ole Miss that same day.

Blocton considers himself a strong Auburn pledge, but shared his thoughts on Nick Saban‘s program and his interest in Bama.

“They’ve got a really good history of putting out great defensive linemen,” Blocton said. “That’s a plus. Another plus is they’re always in the conversation for national championships and the playoffs. They’re a championship program.”

“He’s the most proven coach in college football, ever,” Blocton said of Saban. “It would be a privilege if I got to play for him.”

Blocton says that Alabama and Auburn are the main schools currently maintaining contact with him. He cited an opportunity to contribute early and the coaching style in Auburn as the reasons why he’s been solid in his commitment to the Tigers.

In three games this season, Blocton has recorded 32 total tackles and four sacks, and is on pace to eclipse his 12 sacks from last year. You can watch his Week Two highlights down below.

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