Auburn got a measure of revenge against its state rival, landing Cyrus Kouandjio, the top-ranked offensive tackle recruit in the country.

The 6-foot-7, 325-pound Kouadnjio, who is Scout's No. 2 overall recruit, ESPN's No. 3 and Rivals' No. 4, announced his decision to attend Auburn on ESPNU on Wednesday morning.

His brother, Arie, just finished his first season at Alabama.

"There was a lot of thinking that I had to go through to get to this result," he said. "I talked to my brother and he said, 'Cyrus, just go where your heart tells you to go. ... My heart just told me to go to Auburn."

Kouandjio, from DeMatha High in Hyattsville, Md., had long been considered a heavy Alabama lean, although Auburn made a late push. He visited the Plains last weekend.

The scouting services think he has all the physical tools to be a star at the college level. With Auburn overhauling nearly its entire offensive line, he could step in and play immediately.

Kouandjio said one of the reasons he chose Auburn was because he bonded with the Tigers' other offensive linemen at All-American games.

• Committed: Feb. 2, 2011
• Recruited by: Trooper Taylor, Jeff Grimes
• Also considered: Alabama, Iowa, New Mexico
• Rivals: 4 overall, 1 position, 1 state
• Scout: 1 position
• ESPN: 3 overall, 1 position

Here's a scouting report by Rivals:

• On the Hoof: Massive, athletic body with wide shoulders and barrel chest. Kouandjio also has very long, muscular limbs and resembles a cross between a giant tight end and WWE wrestler. He is similar to Virginia native and Ole Miss lineman Bobby Massie, but leaner.
• Needs Improvement: He will be making the change from right offensive tackle to left offensive tackle during his senior season. Until now a majority of his blocking experience has been on a run-dominated team so getting more reps as a pass blocker is a must. Kouandjio needs to be consistent with his pad level because he will surely be taller than almost every defender he will face at the next level.
• Most Impressive: Does a nice job of using his long arms by getting full extension while run blocking. He also runs his feet after contact, making it nearly impossible for defensive linemen to counter. Kouandjio is also light on his feet and has the ability to get downfield and throw blocks. His size is daunting, making it hard for defenders to run around him on passing plays.
• Conclusion: Even though his size and athletic ability make him a rare commodity, the best option would be to redshirt. He has all the tools to end up a multiple all-conference performer.

Here's a scouting report by Scout's Bob Lichtenfels:

Kouandjio has an incredible wing-span and frame. Not many kids can walk around at 280-plus pounds and look skinny, once he fills out his frame the sky is the limit. Kouandjio plays the game with a mean streak and he finishes blocks. He is a dominant run blocker and is outstanding in pass protection. Shows outstanding feet while playing in space he can stop big run stuffers or speed rushers.