Xavier Atkins leads Auburn football in total tackles and has provided a spark more than once. Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin hasn't been surprised.
AUBURN — Through five games, Auburn football's leading tackler has a six-stop margin in that mark. He's also tied for its leading it in tackles for loss, is one of two Tigers with more than two sacks, and has at least one interception and forced fumble.
It's not Keldric Faulk, who's widely regarded at the program's top NFL draft prospect, nor is it some seasoned veteran. It's linebacker Xavier Atkins, a sophomore transfer who came to Auburn from LSU this offseason and played all of 34 snaps a season ago.
Atkins put the Tigers in position late against Texas A&M on Saturday, Sept. 29, with a pick and subsequent 72-yard return, setting up Auburn's only touchdown in the eventual 16-10 defeat. But he's also stuffed the stat sheet through five weeks.
On Tiger Talk on Monday, Sept. 29, defensive coordinator DJ Durkin explained why he hasn't been surprised.
"The way he played in fall camp, this is what we were expecting," Durkin said. "He was lights out, really, really good. And I've known Xavier from back in high school. I recruited him out of high school, and so I've known for a long time. This is the player that I always envisioned him being and thought he could be. ... This is kind of what we were hoping we were going to get, and he's doing a heck of a job."
Atkins also posted a game-high 10 tackles against the Aggies, including two tackles for loss. He's had other dominant outings this fall, most notably with four tackles for loss and two sacks in Week 2 against Ball State.
Through five games, Atkins' production has given him top-10 marks in the SEC in tackles, sacks and tackles for loss. To Durkin, Atkins has gotten there because he prepares like he plays.
"Some guys want to be great on Saturday," Durkin said. "He knows you have to be great on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, all throughout the week, in order to be great on Saturday. ... His preparation is awesome. He practices hard. He prepares in the meeting room very well, and he's a hungry player. He wants to prove it, and I think his production really shows with that in mind."
Adam Cole is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @colereporter.To support Adam's work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: DJ Durkin says Auburn football LB Xavier Atkins hasn't been a surprise
Category: General Sports
