Auburn dismisses DE Daniel after theft charges

Elijah Daniel is facing six felony charges. (USATSI)

Gus Malzahn announced Saturday that former blue-chip defensive end Elijah Daniel is no longer a member of Auburn’s football team following his arrest on theft and burglary charges.

“I have decided to dismiss Elijah Daniel from our team,” Malzahn said in a statement. “My hope is that he will learn from this situation.”

Daniel was arrested last Wednesday night, charged with four counts of burglary and four additional counts of theft — six of which are considered felonies. Per the Associated Press, Daniel’s first-degree theft charge is used in cases in which the suspect is accused of stealing “property worth at least $2,500 or anything taken from another person.”

The 21-year-old Daniel and two other men — one a now ex-Auburn walk-on named DeNorris James — were arrested after a police investigation into a series of dorm room burglaries during Auburn’s recent spring break. Per al.com, residents reported “various electronic devices and jewelry” missing, according to police.

A top-100 overall prospect out of Avon, Ind. considered the class of 2013’s No. 6-ranked strongside defensive end, Daniel appeared in all 27 Auburn games as a freshman and sophomore, making two starts in 2014. After sharing the team lead with 17 quarterback hurries a season ago, he was expected to compete for a starting job in 2015.

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