Auburn recruiting: Big 2013 DT Ben Bradley chooses Tigers

With running back Cameron Atris-Payne and offensive lineman Devonte Danzey already signed to enroll early, Auburn added another top JUCO talent Monday, as four-star defensive tackle Ben Bradley committed to play for Gus Malzahn's Tigers.

Bradley visited Auburn and Kentucky over the weekend and chose the Tigers over the Wildcats. He also had offers from Arkansas, Georgia, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas A&M, among others.

Bradley said he knew his choice Sunday evening and announced Monday it via Twitter.

I KNOW NOW THROUGH THIS LONG JOURNEY WHERE I BELONG AND THE PLACE I'M SPENDING MY NEXT 2 YEARS IS THE UNIVERSITY OF AUBURN #WAR EAGLE

— Ben Bradley (@IamAmbition98) January 7, 2013

At 6'3, 315 pounds, Bradley is rated as a four-star player by Rivals, 247Sports and Scout, and a three-star by ESPN. A native of Norcross, Ga., roughly two hours from Auburn, he is transferring from Hutchinson Communty College in Kansas, the same school from which Danzey transferred. Bradley has told reporters he will sign his National Letter of Intent and enroll for the spring semester.

Just as Artis-Payne and Danzey will add provide immediate help at running back and on the offensive line, respectively, Bradley should have an impact right away on the Tigers' defensive line. Defensive tackle was a major weakness for Auburn in 2011 and 2012, so Bradley could find himself competing for a starting job right off the bat.

With Auburn transitioning from one coaching staff to another, attrition is almost certain -- the Tigers have already lost offensive lineman Christian Westerman. The more JUCO talent added in this recruiting cycle, the easier that transition will be.