It’s just Week 2 of the DJ Durkin era at Auburn, and he’s already having to make tough decisions.
Much has been made of quarterback Ashton Daniels and his redshirt status heading into the final two games of the season. He has suited up and played in three games this season, meaning he can only play in one more game in order to maintain eligibility for next year.
Daniels was a vital part of the Tigers’ offensive explosion against Vanderbilt, as they went for their highest mark in conference play yet with 38 points. He posted a career-high 442 yards of total offense with 353 passing yards and 89 rushing.
On Wednesday, Durkin was asked about Daniels’ redshirt status and what the plan is moving forward.
“That has been a discussion and still is in discussion,” Durkin said on Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference. “No final decision yet.”
Daniels’ plan, after transferring from Stanford in the summer and missing the spring, under former head coach Hugh Freeze was to redshirt and maintain his eligibility for next season while repping behind starter Jackson Arnold.
Fast forward to now, and Daniels has proven he’s the best option for the Tigers’ offense moving forward after Arnold failed to meet expectations.
“As a head coach, you have a responsibility to the young men in your program individually, as well as the team and the university,” Durkin said. “You have to do what’s best. You want to thread that needle where you can do what’s best for both. That’s what I’m working through in conversations with him, his family, our coaching staff and our team.
“We will obviously make a decision on that here in the near future, but we haven’t yet. There are several things to talk about and consider, but all of that is ongoing right now.”
The Tigers are off this week before hosting Mercer next Saturday at 1 p.m. CT on SECN+.