Daren Bates, a safety from Olive Branch, Miss., committed to Auburn on Thursday, according to AuburnSports.com.

A two-star player, the 5-foot-11, 195-pound Bates was previously committed to Arkansas State. He got an offer from Auburn just recently. Alabama had reportedly also shown interest.

Bates is Auburn's fifth commitment this week.

He brings the Tigers' 2009 class up to 24 members. Auburn has the 19th-ranked class in the country, according to Rivals.com.