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Austin Wiley enrolls early, eligible to play immediately for Auburn

Five-star center Austin Wiley has enrolled early at Auburn and is eligible to play immediately.

Wiley has already started practicing with the Tigers and will play against Mercer on Sunday.

"I am extremely excited to announce that Austin Wiley has been deemed a qualifier by the NCAA and has been admitted and enrolled in Auburn," coach Bruce Pearl said in a release. "We look forward to having Austin be a part of and play for the Auburn Tigers, just as his parents did."

Wiley was ranked No. 17 in the ESPN 100 for the 2017 class, and the No. 6 center in the country. He committed to Auburn in September 2015, choosing the Tigers over the likes of Alabama, Duke, Florida, Kansas, LSU, Mississippi State and others. Both of Wiley's parents played at Auburn, with his mother earning All-American honors there and playing for the U.S. women's national team and his father leading the SEC in rebounding as a senior.

Wiley spent his first three high school seasons at Spain Park in Alabama, before enrolling at prep school in Florida this year and graduating early.

"It feels great," Wiley said in the release. "I feel really blessed right now. My hard work and dedication has paid off. Thanks to my parents and the coaches. I feel great. I grew up around here listening to stories my mom and dad would tell me about the Auburn Family. This is a blessing, and it seems like everything out for the best. It feels like destiny."

Auburn is 7-2 but ranks in the bottom third nationally in rebounding efficiency. The 6-foot-9 Wiley should be able to help immediately, and could become a go-to-guy on the offensive end once he adjusts to the college game.