Auburn receiver D’haquille Williams reinstated to the team

After nearly a full week of missed practices and increased speculation on his future at Auburn, D’haquille “Duke” Williams is out wide for the Tigers once again.

“Any time you miss part of installs, obviously there’s going to be some catching up to do”, Malzahn said. “He understands that”.

Williams – a preseason first-team All-SEC selection who had 45 receptions for 730 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games in 2014 – hadn’t participated in practice since August 6.

According to Malzahn, Williams had resolved his unnamed “discipline issue” and was allowed to be reinstated with the program.

Truth is, Auburn needs Williams as much as Williams needs Auburn, and Malzahn never suggested the latest suspension was anything more than an attitude adjustment.

“He’s in the process every day of earning his coaches’ and his teammates’ respect,” Malzahn said.

It would appear Williams has come to the same realization, because in answering questions about his reinstatement Thursday, Malzahn said “I try to keep the same standard for everybody”.

This is not his first trip afoul of Malzahn, however.

When Dr Z submitted his article on the Duke situation, I was originally going to hold it until tomorrow.

Williams told the story of his childhood, the tough neighborhood he called home in LaPlace, La., and the violence that rocked his life and took the life of his 16-year-old cousin.

Williams, who wasn’t available for comment Thursday, was also suspended for the Outback Bowl because of an undisclosed violation of team rules, though he posted a picture to Instagram showing an apparent injury to his face and left eye.