Auburn dismisses DE Elijah Daniel after burglary, theft charges

Gus Malzahn has announced Auburn defensive end Elijah Daniel is no longer with the team after his arrest on theft and burglary charges.

Elijah Daniel is facing six felony charges. (USATSI)
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, via al.com. "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, Indiana, 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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