Auburn’s standout talents recognized nationally
CBS Sports has released its highly anticipated top 150 college football player rankings, and Auburn’s emerging stars are prominently featured.
Quarterback Byrum Brown climbs into the elite tier, marking his transition from South Florida where he delivered a breakout season that culminated in a dramatic upset over Florida.
Joining him at number 17 is linebacker Xavier Atkins, whose freshman campaign was nothing short of spectacular, tallying 84 tackles, nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss while earning All‑SEC Freshmen Team honors.
Preseason accolades for Atkins
Atkins’ impact was highlighted during SEC Media Days in Tampa, where he was named to the Preseason All‑SEC First Team, a testament to the league’s view of him as one of the most disruptive linebackers in the game.
Analysts praised Atkins for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, noting his knack for forcing turnovers and reshaping the momentum of plays.
Brown’s dual‑threat potential
Brown, the only FBS quarterback to surpass 3,000 passing yards while also rushing for over 1,000 yards in a single season, is expected to bring that dual-threat dynamism to Auburn’s offense.
His performance in the 18‑16 victory over Florida, where he threw for 263 yards and a touchdown, underscores the potential he brings to the Tigers.
Together, Brown and Atkins embody the Tigers’ blend of experience and youthful vigor as the team looks to translate preseason accolades into on‑field success.