Cornerback J.D. Rhym is expected to leave the Auburn Tigers and Hugh Freeze due to the transfer portal, according to reports on Tuesday morning from Matt Zenitz of 247Sports and Justin Hokanson of On3 Sports.
Rhym played in 10 games during his two years at Auburn; he played in seven as a freshman in 2022 and only three as a sophomore in 2023. While playing for the Tigers, he recorded 20 total tackles along with one interception.
When questioned about Rhym’s lack of playing time in November of last year, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze explained the defensive back’s absence as “personal issues.”
During the SEC coaches teleconference on November 8, Freeze stated, “JD and I are working through some personal issues. “Week by week, that is. I believe he has the potential to be a very valuable member of our team; all we need to do is make sure he carries the same standards that we expect of all of our players.
Freeze went on to say Auburn might decide to have the sophomore redshirt.
“At this point, you’re probably wondering if it’s better to redshirt him or not,” Freeze stated.
Besides, Rhym never burned his redshirt last fall, playing in just three games. But based on reports from Tuesday morning, it doesn’t appear that Rhym will take advantage of Auburn’s redshirt policy as he searches for a new team to play for. Rhym is a former Valdosta, Georgia, 4-star recruit.
If Rhym transfers, there will be one more adjustment. As the fall season approaches, Auburn’s cornerback position will be without two key players as DJ James and Nehemiah Pritchett are leaving for the NFL.
With Rhym expected to transfer, Auburn’s 2024 cornerback room will now include junior Champ Anthony, redshirt freshman Colton Hood, redshirt freshman JC Hart, and redshirt freshman Tyler Scott in addition to fifth-year senior Keionte Scott, who is moving from nickel to cornerback after playing last fall.
With the addition of Alabama transfer Antonio Kite and two freshmen, 4-stars Jalyn Crawford and A’mon Lane-Ganus, the Tigers have strengthened their depth at the position.
