If you didn’t know who the middle linebacker was that started for Auburn University in the televised game against Baylor this past Saturday you were impressed by the way he flew around the field and consistently quickly burst into the gap to make a tackle. 

Once you learned who #17 for the Auburn Tigers was, it quickly rekindled many great memories of when the talented linebacker roamed the field at Caldwell-Peacock stadium in Jonesboro.

The starting middle linebacker was none other than Xavier Atkins, who played for  Jonesboro-Hodge High School his first three years before transferring to Houston, TX for his senior year. 

Perhaps no JHHS player has drawn more acclaim at such a young age as Atkins, who during his sophomore year set a school record of 218 tackles and was among the nation’s leader in tackles and tackles for a loss, while helping the Tigers reach the Class 2A semi-finals. 

His production didn’t go unnoticed. Far from it. 

Letters and calls from virtually every Division One University in the nation came on almost a daily basis. Included was even an offer from NCAA national championship-winning head coach Ed Orgeron of LSU, which was dear to Atkins as his dream had been to play for the Tigers. 

Expectations were high for his junior season, but suddenly the momentum that was building got thrown off track after an unfortunate incident at school ended with Atkin’s getting expelled and his season end early. 

During the summer before his senior season, Atkins moved to Humble, TX to live with his uncle where enrolled at Summer Creek High School. Atkins not only got the opportunity to play once again but proved that the talent he displayed at Jonesboro-Hodge was such that no matter where he competed, he was a star on the field. By the season’s end, which saw Atkins lead Summer Creek to their first-ever state title game, the outstanding linebacker was a finalist for Mr. Texas Football honor and was a first team selection on the Class 6A All-State football team. 

The dream of playing for LSU became a reality as the 6th-ranked linebacker in the nation according to 24/7 and Rivals.com recruiting services signed to play for the Tigers for the 2024 season. Unfortunately the season didn’t go as hoped for as very seldom did Atkins get a chance to see the field, getting just spot playing opportunities that resulted in ending the season with only three tackles. 

Once the playing season ended, the “transfer portal” season began and Atkins entered his name to see who might come calling. His ranking as the 6th rated linebacker in the portal drew the interest of Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze who offered Atkins the opportunity to compete for a starting job.

Never afraid to compete, Atkins accepted the challenge. When the season began this past Saturday, “Deebo” as he is called by friends and family, lined up as the starting middle linebacker for Auburn ending the day with five tackles, second highest total for the team. 

There is a creed at Jonesboro-Hodge High School of Once a Tiger! Always a Tiger! For Atkins that has become Once a Tiger, Again a Tiger, Still yet another Tiger! Regardless, he will Always be a Tiger!