Auburn will be without starting defensive back Jermaine Whitehead Thursday night when the Tigers visit 20th-ranked Kansas State (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN), reportedly for disciplinary reasons.
The school confirmed the senior did not travel with the team, according to al.com, but did not provide a reason for his absence. However, auburnundercover.com reported that Whitehead was suspended for his involvement in a verbal altercation with an assistant coach, and that his future with the team remains unclear. The report does not name the assistant coach involved. Whitehead's position coach is Charlie Harbison; AU's defensive coordinator is Ellis Johnson.
As a senior, Whitehead's hopes for an NFL career would be drastically affected by an outright dismissal from the team, whereas a one-game suspension would allow him to continue with what has been an impressive season to date. Verbal disagreements between players and coaches aren't uncommon in college football, but rarely do they rise to the level of a suspension. As such, if Whitehead draws an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine next February, NFL clubs will ask him plenty of questions about the incident in assessing his character and maturity.
Whitehead (5-11, 193) has made 12 tackles this season and leads the team in interceptions with two. One of those, he returned for a touchdown in the Tigers' season-opening SEC win over Arkansas. Defensive backs Stephen Roberts and Josh Holsey are expected to see more action Thursday night in Whitehead's absence.
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