By Gary Lloyd
Pinson Valley linebacker Zach Cunningham today committed to Vanderbilt
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He chose the Commodores over Auburn, Tennessee and Oregon.
“It feels great,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham, wearing a gold vest and bow tie, selected from four hats.
Watch Cunningham choose Vanderbilt here.
Cunningham spoke with Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin shortly after making the announcement. Cunningham will likely start his career at outside linebacker but could move to inside linebacker.
“He’s a very versatile guy,” Pinson Valley head coach Matt Glover said.
Cunningham said that two weeks ago he was going to choose Auburn, but when he was told Auburn’s only linebacker scholarship was left for Reuben Foster, who signed with Alabama today, he decided to go in another direction. He said that rubbed him the wrong way.
“At one point they (Auburn) were my first choice, but I wanted to make all my visits before I made my decision,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham said he looks forward to being a part of a growing football program at Vanderbilt.
“The best part of the process was finally making my decision,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham was named the Class 5A Lineman of the Year this season by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. He racked up 194 tackles and 41 tackles for loss as a senior. He also blocked four punts and intercepted a pass, which he returned for a touchdown.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.