Thanks in large part to the addition of Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator, preseason prognosticators have been bullish on Auburn’s 2015 postseason chances. It’s the other side of the ball, though, that’s of the utmost interest -- and concern -- in the here and now.
It seems as if there’s been a glaring absence from the Tigers’ summer camp practices over the past couple of days: star wide receiver D’haquille Williams. That’s somewhat of a continuation from this past January, when he was absent from AU’s bowl loss to Wisconsin because of an unspecified violation of team rules. And when he was absent from the two games preceding AU’s loss to Alabama in the Iron Bowl because of a knee injury.
Suffice to say, this latest absence is decidedly not an extension of the late-season health issue.
Saturday, following the second practice in a row Williams missed, Gus Malzahn addressed the development. And, being blunt, he doesn’t appear particularly impressed with the unspecified actions of one of the most talented receivers in the country.
“He had a discipline issue that we’re taking care of and when he takes care of that, he’ll be back on the field,” the head coach said. “I’ll make that decision. I will let you know when he’ll be back. Bottom line: nobody is bigger than the team around here.”
The Opelika-Auburn News writes that “Malzahn declined to comment further about the reasoning behind Williams’ absence when pressed by reporters, simply saying that the situation is ‘between me and him.’”
Despite playing in just 10 of 13 games last season, Williams led the Tigers with 45 receptions and five receiving touchdowns. His 730 receiving yards were second on the team.
Last month, the media tapped him as a first-team All-SEC preseason selection.