In today's edition of Auburn Tigers news, another football player accepts an invitation to the NFL Combine and Auburn basketball steamrolls Ole Miss
Last week it was confirmed that senior safety and fan-favorite Jaylin Simpson had accepted his invitation to the NFL Combine, and now he will be joined by Auburn football teammate DJ James.
Like Simpson, James accepted his invitation to play in the Reese's Senior Bowl next month in Mobile and declared for the NFL Draft after the end of the 2023 season. While the Senior Bowl is a great opportunity to raise one's draft stock and get noticed by NFL personnel, the combine is the premiere showcase for NFL hopefuls.
James spent three seasons with Oregon before transferring to the Plains in 2022. He was an immediate starter and impact player for the Tigers on the secondary and racked up 75 total tackles, three interceptions, and 21 passes deflected over his two-year career with Auburn football.
Auburn basketball steamrolls Ole Miss
It was another big weekend for the Auburn basketball team, who hosted the Ole Miss Rebels for the 70s throwback game. In addition to all the retro fanfare, it was also the homecoming of Allen Flanigan, who spent four years on the Plains before transferring to Ole Miss for his final season.
The Tigers won 82-59, beating a ranked team by 20+ points—though they led by as many as 35 during the game—and bringing out the walk-ons for the final minute of play. Auburn's leading scorers were once again Jaylin Williams and Johni Broome with 13 points each, and the Tigers' bench outscored the Rebels' 40-18.
It was a well-played game by the home team, and according to Auburn Rivals, head coach Bruce Pearl was proud of the effort his team put forth:
“To play that well and control the game like we did was impressive,” said AU coach Bruce Pearl. “I thought particularly the way we guarded, especially in the first half guarding without fouling.”
The Tigers will hit the road for their next matchup against rival Alabama in Tuscaloosa this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.