DJ Durkin has high praise for Auburn freshman LB Shadarius Toodle

The performance of freshman linebacker Shadarius Toodle was a bright spot for the Auburn Tigers in their Week 10 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks. Many people, including Auburn defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, are still talking about Toodle's 11-tackle, three-sack performance that earned him SEC Freshman of the Week honors.“That was, obviously, an incredible performance with the circumstances of it. Those were his first snaps all year," Durkin said Monday. "Really, credit to him and his preparation. He does a great job of that every week, then especially this week knowing there was a chance he was going to get some snaps, so I think he cranked it up a little bit."Toodle played his first game for Auburn on Saturday after being a member of the practice squad earlier this season. His performance was much needed for an Auburn team that has struggled on defense this season. They needed someone to step up in the absence of Xavier Atkins and Bryce Deas. He gives Auburn the ability to apply pressure on the quarterback and make plays in the opponent's backfield. The Mobile, Alabama native signed with Auburn as part of the 2026 recruiting class. As a prospect, he was a four-star player and the No. 14 player in the state when he committed to the Tigers. Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. Follow Phillip on X:@PJordanSportsThis article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: DJ Durkin has high praise for Auburn freshman LB Shadarius Toodle