MORE: Full UA All-America Game coverage | A good day for Auburn at UA All-America

Over the summer, three-star Georgia athlete Malik Willis spent his time playing for Cam Newton's 7-on-7 all-star team. Now, Willis be following in Newton's footsteps by heading to Auburn to play quarterback. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound prospect had been committed to Virginia Tech since the summer, but the chance to play quarterback for the Tigers was too much to pass up.

"Everything at Auburn was just more in line with what I'm looking for," Willis said. "I had to do what's right for me and my family and this is closer for them and it gives me a chance to play the position I love."

Willis was likely going to play defensive back for the Hokies, but now he will be the Tigers' lone quarterback signee in the 2017 class.

"It was important that I got a shot at least because I feel like I can play quarterback at the next level," said Willis, who led Roswell, Ga. to the state championship game in Georgia's highest classification. "I feel like their run-pass option offense is the same as Roswell’s and we run a lot of the same plays. That's what Coach Lashlee likes about my game, he felt my talents fit what they needed."

The connection through Newton extends beyond just 7-on-7, according to Willis, Auburn head coach Guz Malzahn said Newton was one of Willis' strongest advocates over the past few weeks.

"Coach Malzahn told me he talked to Cam and Cam said nothing but good things about me," Willis said. "Coach said he was fired up already after watching me play but after what Cam told him about me being a leader and being the best athlete on the field, that made coach feel even better about offering me and having me as their guy."