SPORTS

Resolution to status of backup linebacker expected this week

James Crepea
Montgomery Advertiser
Tigers defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said  linebacker Anthony Swain "needs to play more."

DESTIN, Fla. -- A resolution to the status of backup linebacker Anthony Swain is expected this week.

"I'm going to know something probably by the end of the day Friday on Anthony," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said before his Tiger Trek stop in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on Tuesday.

Swain, a junior, did not participate in spring practice and likely would be fourth or fifth on the depth chart behind Cassanova McKinzy, Kris Frost, Kenny Flowers and Cameron Toney.

The Gadsden native made 26 tackles and recovered a fumble last season.

Swain, who will be a junior in the fall, was not available for interviews this spring. The exact nature of the circumstances that kept him off the practice field is unclear but it has dragged on for some time.

During his Tiger Trek stop in Dothan nearly three weeks ago, Malzahn said he anticipated a resolution "fairly quick" after Auburn completed its spring finals the following week.

The Tigers had to report back for a team meeting last Thursday.