Auburn’s Xavier Atkins Earns Trio of Postseason Honors

Auburn University’s linebacker, Xavier Atkins, has been awarded three prestigious postseason honors, solidifying his status as a rising star in college football. The accolades include selections to the Football Writers Association of America All-America Team, the AFCA coaches All-American, and the Walter Camp All-American team. This recognition marks a significant achievement, as Atkins is the first Auburn linebacker to receive All-American status since Karlos Dansby in 2003, and the first overall since Roger McCreary in 2021.

Atkins, a sophomore who transferred from LSU, had a standout season, finishing with a team-leading 84 tackles. His performance included an impressive 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks, making him a key player for the Tigers. His accomplishments earned him the highest grade among linebackers by Pro Football Focus, achieving a score of 91.7. These statistics placed him third in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for tackles and sacks.

Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Atkins’s thirteen tackles for loss during SEC play set a new league record. His achievements also include being the first true linebacker from Auburn to receive First Team All-SEC honors since Deshaun Davis in 2018. This combination of accolades underscores Atkins’s significant impact on the field and his potential for future success.

As Auburn prepares for the future, Atkins stands out as a player to watch, with his achievements promising to elevate the program’s profile in collegiate football. The honors he has received not only reflect his individual talent but also highlight the strength of Auburn’s football program as it continues to compete at a high level in the SEC.