Auburn Linebacker Xavier Atkins Earns Three Major Postseason Honors

Auburn University linebacker Xavier Atkins has been recognized with three prestigious postseason honors, further solidifying his status as a rising star in college football. Atkins was named to the Football Writers Association of America All-America Team, the AFCA Coaches All-American team, and the Walter Camp All-American list. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as he is the first Auburn linebacker to receive All-American honors since Karlos Dansby in 2003 and the first overall since Roger McCreary in 2021.

His standout performance during the season has led to these accolades. In his sophomore year, Atkins excelled after transferring from Louisiana State University (LSU), finishing the season with a team-leading total of 84 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss—the highest in the Southeastern Conference (SEC)—and nine sacks. His impressive statistics earned him the distinction of being the highest-graded linebacker in the nation according to Pro Football Focus, where he received a remarkable rating of 91.7.

Atkins’ performance was particularly notable within the SEC, where he recorded thirteen tackles for loss against conference opponents, setting a league best. His recognition as a First Team All-SEC player is significant; he is the first true linebacker from Auburn to achieve this honor since Deshaun Davis in 2018.

These achievements highlight Atkins’ exceptional talent and dedication on the field, positioning him as a key player for Auburn’s football program moving forward. His accolades not only reflect his individual skills but also elevate Auburn’s reputation within college football. As the Tigers prepare for the upcoming season, Atkins’ recognition will surely inspire both his teammates and future recruits.