Duke Williams Expected to Rejoin Auburn Following Discipline Issue

Auburn Tigers wide receiver Duke Williams missed his second straight day of practice Saturday, and coach Gus Malzahn said he is dealing with a “discipline issue,” according to Brandon Marcello of AL.com. 

Marcello also noted that Williams is expected to return to the field, but the coach avoided providing any specifics about the return date when answering questions and said, “I will let you know when he’s back.”

Barrett Sallee of Bleacher Report provided a quote from Malzahn, adding more context to the situation:

Auburn is expected to be one of the best teams in the country this season, checking in at No. 7 in the initial Amway Coaches Poll, and Williams is a major reason why. He was the Tigers’ leading receiver in 2014 with 45 catches for 730 yards and five touchdowns and is a genuine NFL prospect.

Joel A. Erickson of AL.com suggested as much:

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But bigger numbers aren't the only thing that would cement Williams as the top receiver in the 2016 draft. A big-bodied receiver known for his catch radius, hands, ability to make catches in traffic and work the middle, Williams needs to improve his speed.

With that in mind, Auburn's coaches have asked Williams, who played at 230 pounds last season, to drop 10 or 15 pounds and play faster next season.

If he can do that, Kiper thinks Williams will be the top receiver heading into next year's draft cycle, and that could mean big money as a top-10 pick.

"

Despite the obvious talent, this is not the first off-field issue for Williams.

Marcello pointed out that Auburn suspended the receiver for the Outback Bowl against Wisconsin because of an undisclosed violation of team rules after he missed practices, and Williams even posted a picture of himself on Instagram with a black eye around that time.

The Tigers have national championship aspirations this season, but it is difficult to envision that happening without their most talented receiver on the field.