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Three Auburn Linebackers That Should Step Up After Xavier Atkins' Dismissal From Program

Auburn head coach DJ Durkin will need his remaining linebackers to elevate their play after the program announced on Monday that junior Xavier Atkins has been dismissed following a suspension for the Georgia contest. Atkins, who earned All-SEC First Team honors in 2025, finished his time on the Plains with 84 total tackles, 60 solo stops, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception, including a conference-leading 17.0 tackles for loss last year.

Sophomore Elijah Melendez has already emerged as a primary option, leading the team in tackles, solo efforts, sacks, and pass deflections this season while weighing 240 pounds. Melendez was named the defensive player of the game in the recent matchup against Georgia, where he demonstrated the ability to stop runs in the middle and cover sideline-to-sideline.

Fellow sophomore Bryce Deas also stepped up in that same game, recording eight solo tackles to lead the unit, building on a freshman campaign in which he posted 12 total tackles.

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