Auburn University’s standout linebacker, Xavier Atkins, has further solidified his reputation in college football by receiving three prestigious postseason honors. The Football Writers Association of America named him to its All-America Team, while he also received recognition from the AFCA as an All-American and from the Walter Camp Football Foundation. Atkins is notably the first Auburn linebacker to achieve All-American status since Karlos Dansby in 2003 and the first overall since Roger McCreary in 2021.
This recognition comes on the heels of a remarkable sophomore season for Atkins, who joined Auburn after transferring from LSU. Throughout the season, he led the Tigers with a total of 84 tackles, achieved the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) best tally of 17 tackles for loss, and recorded nine sacks. His performance earned him the distinction of being the highest graded linebacker in the nation according to Pro Football Focus, where he achieved a remarkable grade of 91.7.
Atkins’ contributions have been pivotal for the Tigers, particularly during SEC matchups, where he recorded 13 tackles for loss, the highest in the league. His accolades extend further, as he is the first true linebacker from Auburn to receive First Team All-SEC honors since Deshaun Davis in 2018.
Such achievements highlight not only Atkins’ individual talent but also the growing strength of Auburn’s football program. As the team prepares for future seasons, Atkins’ recognition serves as a beacon of excellence and potential for both current players and recruits alike.
The awards underscore the significant progress that Auburn has made in recent years and set a promising tone for the upcoming seasons. With his skills and determination, Atkins is poised to continue making impactful plays on the field, furthering his career and contributing to the legacy of Auburn football.
