JaViere Mitchell

Auburn linebacker JaViere Mitchell works out Tuesday, March 17, 2015, during spring football practice at the Auburn Athletic Complex in Auburn, Ala. (Julie Bennett/ jbennett@al.com)

(JULIE BENNETT)

Auburn linebacker JaViere Mitchell is no longer with the team.

The Tigers were already thin at linebacker and Mitchell's departure comes at bad time at the start of spring practices. Junior Tre' Williams, who was peppered into Auburn's lineup last season, is the Tigers' most experienced returner. Auburn loses three former starters at the position.

"We've got some young guys that are inexperienced," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "Tre' Williams is the one guy that he's kinda the veteran of the group right now, but we feel good about these young guys. There's nothing better than getting reps in the spring. And all those young guys are going to have an opportunity to show what they can do. Then of course we've got some guys we feel very good about."

Mitchell's playing time took a hit in 2015 but he played a big role at times in 2013. He had an important goal-line stop at Arkansas during Auburn's run to the SEC Championship.

Mitchell finishes his Auburn career with 39 total tackles, including two for losses. He had one sack, which he recorded last season. He averaged one tackle per game.

Mitchell recently graduated from Auburn and is ready to move on to the next step in his life, Malzahn said.