Robenson Therezie cleared to play against Arkansas

AUBURN -- Tigers defensive back Robenson Therezie has been cleared to play in Saturday's game between No. 6 Auburn and Arkansas, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Therezie, who was photographed getting onto the team bus to Montgomery by fans attending the Reverse Tiger Walk Friday afternoon, was dealing with what Auburn coach Gus Malzahn called "eligibility issues."

A decision was made regarding those unspecified issues on Friday and Therezie, who started all 14 games at "star' safety for Auburn last season, was cleared but will not start for the Tigers on Saturday, according to the source.

An Auburn spokesman confirmed Therezie is eligible to play on Saturday.

Justin Garrett and true freshman Nick Ruffin are listed at "star" on Auburn's two-deep depth chart, and Malzahn also mentioned T.J. Davis as a candidate at the hybrid position this week.

Therezie, who is the only player to start for Auburn last season not to be made available for interviews this month, was Auburn's Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. The Miami, Florida native had 57 tackles with a team-high four interceptions last season.

On Aug. 14, Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said Therezie "hadn't had a lot of reps" because "we're not sure he's going to be able to play early," though he would not state the cause for concern. Malzahn stated on Aug. 16 Therezie's uncertain status due to "eligibility issues."

The 5-foot-9 212 pound senior was among the 76 players named to the preseason Bednarik Award watch list.