What Auburn football interim coach DJ Durkin said about DB Champ Anthony's injury
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
AUBURN — Defensive back and team captain Champ Anthony won’t be available for Auburn football when it faces No. 16 Vanderbilt on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Interim head coach DJ Durkin addressed Anthony’s status Thursday, Nov. 6, after Anthony was seen using crutches at Auburn‘s practice earlier this weekend.
Anthony was ruled out for the Tigers’ upcoming contest on this week’s first SEC availability report, but Durkin described Anthony’s status as day to day.
“I’m certainly hopeful for our team and for him,” Durkin said. “That guy, you cannot find a more committed guy to his team. Tremendous competitor. He makes a difference. He has a positive effect on those around him. When he’s on the field, it’s big for us, so we’ll fight like crazy to see how soon we can get him back.”
After missing most of last season with a severe leg injury, Anthony broke his thumb in Auburn’s Week 1 win against Baylor. He returned during the Tigers’ SEC-opener against Oklahoma and played in every game since. He’s totaled 13 tackles and one pass breakup in seven contests this season.
In Anthony’s place, Durkin said Auburn’s expected to turn to veteran safety Jahquez Robinson and true freshman AnQuon Fegans. Both have played in each of Auburn’s games this season, and Robinson has a career-high 16 tackles. Fegans has recorded 17 tackles and an interception.
“We certainly have confidence in those guys,” Durkin said. “We’ve played a lot of guys on defense, which allows for, when things like this come up, it’s not some guy who hasn’t been out there getting playing time. It’s guys who have played a lot of football for us.”
Adam Cole is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at acole@gannett.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @colereporter.To support Adam’s work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Champ Anthony latest injury update from Auburn football coach DJ Durkin
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos