Auburn’s Chris Young, who originally committed to Oregon State University, instead is headed to Arizona State.

The former Auburn High School football standout made a verbal commitment to the Sun Devils on his recent visit to Tempe, Ariz. He then officially signed his national letter of intent with the Pac-12 school Wednesday.

Young is a dynamic, intimidating defender, physically prepared and versatile to play either safety or outside linebacker, according to Sun Devil coaches. The ASU staff praised for his hitting ability, tacking technique and toughness.

Young originally signed a letter of intent to play at Washington. But he became academically ineligible, and enrolled at Arizona Western College.

After playing defensive back his freshman year at Arizona Western, Young switched to outside linebacker last season.

As a linebacker, the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder earned Western States Football League and Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors.

He also was honored as the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Defensive Player of the Year and was a JC Grid-Wire Junior College All-American.

Young notched an impressive 101 total tackles as a sophomore, including 41 solo and 29 for a loss. He also had 8 1/2 sacks, two interceptions, four forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. He also showed an uncanny nose for the end zone, even as a defensive player, scoring four touchdowns on fumble recoveries and once on an interception return.

Young’s performance helped led the Matadors to a 11-1 record and the school’s third straight WSFL title. Their only loss this season was a 55-47 defeat at the hands of East Mississippi Community College in the El Toro Bowl.