During Auburn's matchup against Arkansas in Week 10, former Tigers linebacker Xavier Atkins took to X to show support for his former teammate, freshman linebacker Shadarius Toodle.
Toodle was asked to come into the game after DeMarcus Riddick left the game with an injury.
Even though Atkins isn't with the program anymore, he still showed his support by saying on his X account.
"Let's get it @D1Shadarius1 we talked about this! Take advantage of the opportunity."
That was then shortly followed up by more praise when Toodle made a good play for Auburn on that drive.
Later on, Shadarius would make a huge third-down sack for the Tigers, giving them momentum right before halftime.
Will we see more Shadarius Toodle going forward?
Atkins' messages show how close the linebackers still are, even though he is no longer with the team. They also suggest Toodle had been told to be ready for a chance like this. His play filling in for an injured DeMarcus Riddick could be exactly what Auburn and Toodle need to become the player they have spoken about in private.
He was one of the only sparks of life on this defense, besides a critical Newboy Fegans interception. Hopefully, his play is able to spark others to start making plays moving forward.
I discussed whether Auburn would struggle without key defenders on the defense, and it looks like I am right.
The offensive ineptitude overshadowed the defensive woes, but at least Toodle was a factor amid the injury scratches.
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