Cornerback J.D. Rhym likely to miss remainder of Auburn spring practice
AUBURN — JD Rhym will likely miss the remainder of spring camp, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze said on Monday afternoon.
“I don’t think he’ll be a part of the rest of spring ball,” Freeze said. “I think it’ll be after that before he’s released to get back with us.”
It is unclear what Rhym’s specific injury is, but Freeze said Monday that the sophomore recently got out of a brace. With two weeks left in spring, it’s “unlikely” Rhym returns to action to participate. Rhym was seen in a boot, in street clothes and his jersey, and off to the side during the portion of practice that was open to the media on Monday, March 20.
The 6-foot-1, 184-pound sophomore is a former four-star recruit who appeared in all 12 games for Auburn as a true freshman last season. He had 14 total tackles and a pass breakup while playing mostly at nickel last season.
The Tigers will practice every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the most part leading into the April 8 spring game inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. Here’s the schedule of practices: February 27, March 1, 3, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, April 3, 5, 7 and 8. Auburn took the week of March 5-11 off for spring break.
Impact of J.D. Rhym’s injury
Rhym’s exact injury is undisclosed, but given Freeze’s uncertainty in saying he is “likely” to miss the rest of spring, the injury doesn’t sound as if it will have a long-lasting impact. Rhym is positioned well to make waves at corner this fall. Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James have returned, but with Jaylin Simpson moving to safety, there’s opportunity at corner. Rhym will battle freshman Kayin Lee and returner Keionte Scott, although Scott may play more nickel than corner. Rhym is battling hard for that No. 3 corner position as spring camp rolls on.
