No player on Auburn’s defense has stood out more this season than sophomore linebacker Xavier Atkins.
He’s the team’s leader in tackles (78) and sacks (7.5) and leads the SEC in tackles for loss with 15.5. He transferred to Auburn in the offseason after not playing much at LSU last year, but has emerged as one of the top linebackers in the conference this season.
With that, his workload has increased, leading to him playing nearly every snap for the Tigers. He’s averaging 67.4 snaps per game over Auburn’s last five contests, but he seems to be embracing that role.
“No,” Atkins said if he ever gets tired. “Dogs don’t get tired.”
His answer to the question speaks to his mentality and is in line with how many of his teammates and coaches have described him this season. Atkins has been known for his energy since arriving at Auburn, and that shows between and after the whistles.
From taking his helmet off pregame to pump up the fans to flying around the backfield to make tackles, there’s arguably no better energizer on Auburn’s defense.
“Xavier Atkins gets all the fun,” said defensive end and team captain Keldric Faulk. “He’s a great player. He’s been very, very, very good for our defense. I promise you, I wouldn’t tell him to his face, but he’s probably one of the best guys, not just linebacker, but he’s probably one of the best players in college football today.”
Atkins’ instincts and athleticism have led to much of his success at linebacker this season. His tackling ability and instincts go back to high school days, when he tallied 218 tackles and 28 tackles for loss during his sophomore season at Jonesboro-Hodge High School in Louisiana.
His numbers aren’t as otherworldly at Auburn, but he’s showing his ability to impact the game in his first college season as a major contributor. Atkins attributed the success to his work in the offseason, but also credited defensive coordinator and interim head coach DJ Durkin’s scheme.
“I love DJ Durkin’s scheme. His scheme is for the linebackers to make plays,” Atkins said. “If you can go out there and show coach that, when it’s time to make a play and he’s going to call your number, he’s going to constantly keep sending you and create opportunities for you.”
Auburn starts its two-game homestand to end the regular season on Saturday with a matchup against Mercer, as a home Iron Bowl awaits the Tigers next weekend.
“To be real, we’re not worried about what’s happening next week,” Atkins said. “We’re worried about going out there and play a complete football game in all three phases.”
The game against Mercer is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT and will be streaming on SEC Network+.
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