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Auburn defensive back Demetruce McNeal (12) watches practice Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013, at the Auburn Football Complex in Auburn, Ala. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn safety Demetruce McNeal was arrested on a possession of marijuana charge and was booked early Saturday morning into the Lee County Detention Center, according to jail records.

McNeal, 21, did not attend practice Saturday. Coach Gus Malzahn wants to learn more about the arrest before making a decision on the senior's future. Malzahn did not acknowledge or mention a legal issue during a press conference Saturday afternoon.

"Just found out about the situation this morning," Malzahn said. "I haven’t had chance to talk with him but I’ll find out all the information and we’ll decide what we’ll do."

The second-degree possession charge is considered a misdemeanor. McNeal was arrested by Auburn police and was booked shortly after 2 a.m. He was released on $500 bond a few hours after midnight, Lee County sheriff Jay Jones said.

McNeal was the Tigers' leading returning tackler from last season and was expected to start despite missing 16 practices dating back to the spring. The boundary safety

"I need to find out the facts before (I make a decision) but I always do what's best for our team," Malzahn said.

Former Auburn linebackers

Jonathan Evans

and

Jawara White

were also arrested on second degree possession of marijuana charges, according to jail records. Jones was unable to confirm if the arrests were related, but said they were booked near the same time. White quit the team in April 2012 due to a spinal condition.

The team's leading returning tackler (90 tackles) missed five practices in the spring because of "personal issues" and the first 11 of preseason camp due to the staph infection.

Cornerback Josh Holsey moved to safety in the spring to help with depth issues and will likely remain there with McNeal's situation. Former quarterback Kiehl Frazier moved to safety Monday after dropping out of the quarterback race.

"Josh is a very savvy football player," Malzahn said Saturday. "He made the move and he really didn't miss a lick. He's got a lot of natural instincts, and he's a guy you can count on."