WR Duke Williams absent from practice; return ‘day-to-day’

A big-bodied receiver known for his catch radius, hands, ability to make catches in traffic and work the middle, Williams needs to improve his speed.

“Bottom line: Nobody is bigger than the team around here, and that’s between me and him”.

Williams had 45 receptions for 730 yards in 10 games last season.

But Williams was held out of practice on Friday and Saturday for what Malzahn described as a “discipline issue” which could keep the receiver off the practice field for a while.

Tigers offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee refused to confirm any specifics to Williams’ absence but said after the practice that the senior receiver was dealing with “personal business” and his return is ” a day-to-day deal”. He was named preseason All-SEC and is expected to be a serious playmaker for the Auburn offense this fall.

Despite the obvious talent, this is not the first off-field issue for Williams. We’re here to coach them but also mentor them through things. 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.

Everything appeared to be “Gucci” after a sit-down with his position coach. Without his services, will the Tigers’ passing attack suffer?