Linebacker was a major position of need for Auburn in this offseason and the Tigers weren’t shy in addressing that need.

Hugh Freeze and the staff signed three freshmen and two Power Four transfers, those being Maryland transfer Caleb Wheatland and former LSU Tiger Xavier Atkins. The latter of the two transferred during the winter window, meaning he participated in spring practice.

Atkins came to Auburn after spending just one season in Baton Rouge, a year in which he saw limited playing time, but still managed to impress his older teammates.

“Oh, he’s an animal,” LSU linebacker Whit Weeks said of Atkins at SEC Media Days. “He plays with his hair on fire.”

Weeks, who earned All-SEC First Team honors in 2024, was one of the talented, experienced players that Atkins had a chance to learn from as a true freshman.

At 6-feet, 201 pounds, Atkins is known primarily for his speed and athleticism, something veteran Auburn linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. pointed out in the spring.

“We’ve got a sophomore coming in from LSU. I really like him,” Woodyard said. “He’s a speedster.”

However, the trait Weeks praised Atkins for was an intangible one.

“That dude’s a workhorse, for sure,” Weeks said. “Every time he’s out there, he’s going 110% which is what you want to see out of a linebacker.”

Atkins will be one of many young linebackers fighting for playing time at Auburn in 2025, joining freshmen Elijah Melendez, JJ Faulk and Bryce Deas. Those join experienced players such as Wheatland, Demarcus Riddick and Woodyard, giving the room similar depth to last season.

Auburn’s linebacker room was led by four seniors last season, highlighted by Eugene Asante, Jalen McLeod and Dorian Mausi Jr. The room won’t have the same level of experience in 2025, but the Tigers hope the young talent can make up for it.

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m