newsweek
Fresh off a landmark victory over Georgia in Week 7, Auburn has made the decision to dismiss one of its top defensive players, head coach Alex Golesh announced. The move comes as a surprise given Atkins' standout performance on the field.
Xavier Atkins, a sophomore linebacker, enjoyed a breakout season last year, registering nine sacks and an SEC-best 17 tackles for loss, which earned him First Team All-SEC recognition. He appeared poised to replicate that success in the current campaign, leading the team in sacks and ranking second in tackles through the first five games.
Prior to the matchup against Georgia, Golesh announced that Atkins would be unavailable for the game but declined to provide details. On Monday, Golesh stated that the team was "continuing to work through" the situation.
According to ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel, Auburn has now decided to part ways with Atkins. The reason for his departure remains unclear.
Key Analysis
Atkins' dismissal represents a significant loss for Auburn, which is aiming to build on the momentum from its upset win over Georgia. The Tigers will need to adjust their defense as they prepare to host No. 18 LSU on Saturday, October 24.
Originally reported by newsweek.