Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers will lose cornerback J.D. Rhym to the transfer portal, according to On3 Sports’ Justin Hokanson and 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz, both of whom reported Tuesday morning.
J.D. Rhym, an Auburn cornerback, is anticipated to enter the transfer portal, according to sources.
Auburn cornerback J.D. Rhym is expected to enter the transfer portal, sources tell @247Sports.
Was a Class of 2022 four-star recruit.https://t.co/ojS4ehFoGF pic.twitter.com/Jyy5mtY1kd
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) March 26, 2024
Rhym appeared in ten games throughout his two seasons at Auburn, seven as a freshman in 2022 and three as a sophomore in 2023. During his career with the Tigers, he made 20 total tackles and intercepted one pass.
When asked about Rhym’s lack of playing time last November, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze attributed the defensive back’s absence to “personal issues.”
“JD and I are working through some personal issues,” Freeze stated on the SEC coaches’ teleconference on November 8. “It is week to week. I believe he has the potential to be a valuable member of our team; nevertheless, we must ensure that the standard we set for all of our players is met.
As Freeze proceeded, he stated that Auburn may decide to redshirt the sophomore.
“We’re kind of at a point now where you’re wondering if it’s better to redshirt him or not,” said Freeze.
And, despite only appearing in three games last season, Rhym never burned his redshirt. However, according to Tuesday morning sources, Rhym will not use his redshirt at Auburn as the former 4-star recruit from Valdosta, Ga. seeks a new program to play for.
If Rhym goes on transfer, there will be yet another change. Auburn’s cornerback room will see changes coming into the fall, as the Tigers have already lost two key players at the position in DJ James and Nehemiah Pritchett to the NFL.
With Rhym’s expected transfer, Auburn’s 2024 cornerback room will include fifth-year senior Keionte Scott, who is transitioning to cornerback after playing nickel last fall, junior Champ Anthony, sophomore Kayin Lee, redshirt freshman Colton Hood, redshirt freshman JC Hart, and redshirt freshman Tyler Scott.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have added depth at the position with Alabama transfer Antonio Kite and two freshmen, Jalyn Crawford and A’mon Lane-Ganus, both 4-stars.
