Cam'Ron Kelly.

AUBURN, Alabama—An early enrollee that much was expected of, four-star 2019 defensive back signee Cam'Ron Kelly announced on Wednesday that he plans to return closer to home to play his college football because of situations involving his family. Playing quarterback in high school, but transitioning to cornerback at Auburn since arriving on campus in January, Kelly's departure is one that he didn't take lightly.

One of eight early enrollees at Auburn, Kelly had a special message for the guys he came in with in January.

"To my teammates, this was one of the hardest decisions of my life," Kelly said. "But I know in my heart it was the right decision. I deeply pray that you guys understand the love I have for you all, especially the eight freshman classmates I came in with. You guys will be in my heart for the rest of my life."

With Kelly no longer on the roster the Tigers are still in good shape at the cornerback position with senior starter Javaris Davis and junior starter Noah Igbinoghene both returning with experience. True sophomore Roger McCreary has made improvements since last season as well and is line to become a key contributor for the Tigers. With Christian Tutt working at the nickel position the next man up is redshirt sophomore Devan Barrett.

Signing with Auburn out of Tampa (Fla.) Catholic as a running back, Barrett made the move to defense during the fall and has taken his game to another level early in spring practices. Also working at cornerback is redshirt sophomore Traivon Leonard, who saw action as a true freshman in 2017.

Kelly, a nationally-recruited prospect was is rated four stars as an “athlete” by 247Sports, after lining up at quarterback as a senior. Kelly accounted for 38 touchdowns in 2018 and 1,966 total yards. He also lettered in track and field competing in the long jump, triple jump, 200 meters, 400 meters and shot put as a high school standout.

He chose Auburn over Virginia Tech, Virginia, Oklahoma, Penn State and more than 40 other colleges. A 4.0 student in high school and an early graduate who enrolled at Auburn in January, he is rated as the No. 6 overall prospect in Virgina by 247Sports and No. 7 by ESPN, which also rates him as the No. 20 cornerback in the country.

As a junior Kelly totaled 1,661 yards while playing quarterback, running back and receiver. He scored 13 touchdowns on offense and added another on a 100-yard interception return in the state playoffs on the way to being named Tidewater Player of the Year. He was a first team All-State pick on both offense and defense as a junior, and was a first team All-State pick on defense as a senior. He played in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Bowl in Mexico in December. Kelly was also a baseball letterman in high school.

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