How Xavier Atkins became the energizer in the middle of Auburn’s defense

As Texas A&M made its way down the field at the beginning of the fourth quarter, hope was dwindling on the Auburn sideline.

The Aggies were up 13-3, and another score would surely put the game away given how bad Auburn’s offense had been. On third-and-1 deep in Auburn territory, Texas A&M ran a quick screen pass to try and keep its drive alive, but Marcel Reed’s throw was high.

After bouncing off the fingertips of Aggies receiver Terry Bussey, the ball found its way into the hands of Xavier Atkins, Auburn’s emerging star at linebacker, who returned the ball 72 yards and put the Tigers back in the game.

That play was the most significant Atkins has made in his five games as a Tigers, but it’s not the first time he’s made his presence known. The LSU transfer leads the team in tackles an