Auburn Linebacker Xavier Atkins Earns Three Prestigious Honors

Auburn University’s standout linebacker, Xavier Atkins, has further distinguished himself this offseason by receiving three significant accolades. The talented athlete has been named to the Football Writers Association of America All-America Team, the AFCA coaches All-American team, and the Walter Camp All-American team. This recognition marks a milestone for Auburn, as Atkins becomes the first All-American linebacker from the university since Karlos Dansby in 2003.

Atkins’ achievements are noteworthy not only for their quantity but also for their significance. He is the first Auburn player to earn All-American status since Roger McCreary in 2021, highlighting a resurgence in the university’s football program. The linebacker’s impressive performance during the recent season has undoubtedly contributed to this recognition.

As a sophomore, Atkins has made a remarkable impact on the field after transferring from LSU. He led the Tigers with a total of 84 tackles and achieved an SEC-best 17 tackles for loss, along with an impressive nine sacks. His performance earned him the title of the highest-graded linebacker in the country according to Pro Football Focus, where he achieved a remarkable grade of 91.7. In the SEC, his tackle and sack totals ranked third overall, showcasing his dominance in the league.

Atkins’ stellar performance in conference play is particularly noteworthy, as thirteen of his tackles for loss occurred during SEC games, a league best. His achievement of being the first true linebacker to secure First Team All-SEC honors for Auburn since Deshaun Davis in 2018 further underscores his outstanding abilities on the field.

As the Auburn football program continues to make strides, Atkins stands out as a pivotal player for the team’s future. His accolades not only reflect personal achievement but also signify a broader trend of excellence within the Auburn football community. With the upcoming season, expectations will be high for Atkins as he aims to build on his success and help elevate the Tigers to new heights.