Nick Brahms will not return this season, ends six-year Auburn career
AUBURN – Sixth-year senior center Nick Brahms will miss the entire football season, Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin announced on Monday.
The news essentially ends Brahms’ college career, following a redshirt season in 2017, playing 2018-2021, and then using an extra year of eligibility due to COVID to return in 2022. Brahms will remain on the team, attending practices and games, and acting like as a player-coach this season.
Sources tell Auburn Live Brahms worked really hard to remain healthy, and pushed through an awful lot of pain this summer and into fall camp to attempt to start at center for the Tigers one more season. It’s certainly tough news for Brahms to swallow.
JOIN AUBURN LIVE FOR ONE YEAR AND PAY ONLY $1
The Navarre, Fla. native battled injuries his entire career. Brahms underwent shoulder surgery early early in his career, then following last season, he underwent knee surgery. In June, Brahms underwent more knee surgery in preparation for fall camp.
Brahms practiced at the beginning of fall camp, but the pain grew, and his ability to practice daily became impossible.
Auburn Live reported on Brahms’ situation on August 14, saying his situation was fluid as he worked towards returning, and his immediate future was unknown.
Without Brahms, junior Tate Johnson is expected to start at center. Behind Johnson, sophomore Avery Jernigan is taking repetitions. Sixth-year senior Brandon Council and senior Jalil Irvin are also options at center. Irvin was Brahms’ backup last season, including starting against Houston in the bowl game. Council has played center during his college career and adds depth, if needed.
Nick Brahms’ career at Auburn
2021: Fourth-year starter at center … 40 career games played … first team CoSIDA Academic All-America … one of 30 Senior CLASS Award candidates … 1AFAR Academic Excellence Award … team offensive lineman of week (Ole Miss) … Preseason: Rimington Trophy watch list, Outland Trophy watch list, All-SEC 1st team (Phil Steele, SEC media), 2nd (SEC coaches), 3rd (Athlon), Wuerffel Trophy watch list, Reese’s Senior Bowl watch list, NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board … SEC academic honor roll
2020: Returning starter at center … 21 career starts … SEC offensive lineman of the week (Tennessee) grading 85% with 9 extra-effort plays … SEC academic honor roll … Preseason: 3rd team all-SEC (Athlon, Pick Six); Rimington Trophy watch list
2019: Veteran lineman who became the starting center … first start of the season came vs. Ole Miss … started five games … SEC academic honor roll and AD Honor Roll
2018: Took the starting role at center at midseason … saw first action vs. Alabama State … made first start vs. Arkansas … started five consecutive games … SEC Academic Honor Roll and AD Honor Roll
2017: Offensive guard who enrolled in January, 2017 … redshirted 2017 season … SEC Academic Honor Roll … Academic Top Tiger
