On the Plains with Champ Anthony: 'Ready to play'

AUBURN, Ala. – If Champ Anthony ever needs a reminder of how far he’s come, he need only look at the recruiting ranking tattooed on his right arm.

“I was a zero-star coming out of high school,” he said. “I take a lot of pride in that. It reminds me of where I came from. Nobody believed in me, but I had my belief in myself, and I believe in Jesus Christ, and I know the goals He has set for me, I know the visions He’s given me.”

Entering his fourth season on the Plains after starting his career at Tyler Junior College in Texas, the Fort Worth native has been limited to 11 games the past two seasons because of leg injuries.

“I always knew I was going to be here,” he said. “In my heart of hearts I knew I was going to be playing on the biggest stage in college football and eventually playing in the NFL. I just thank God for allowing me to be able to make it and see through my dreams.

“When I finally got to Auburn, I’ve had setbacks, but those setbacks have pushed me forward because I’ve grown through those. Those growing pains have made me a better man today, not only on the football field but in life in general. 

“When you get setbacks, you grow. You can either quit or you can keep going. You gain nothing from quitting. I have everything to gain and I’m ready to play.”

Cleared to return to practice without limitations when Auburn starts preseason camp, the 2025 team captain is eager to lead. 

“I feel great,” Anthony said. “I love it. I can just play ball. I’m glad to be back in that spot.”

A Tiger since 2023, Anthony’s affection for Auburn has grown through the years.

“When I think about Auburn, I think about family,” he said. “Auburn’s been there for me through thick and thin, no matter what I’ve gone through. Auburn’s a family. If you treat Auburn right, they’ll treat you right and that’s what I intend to do.”

At 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, Anthony takes pride in being physical.

“Somebody’s got to do the hard hitting,” he said. “My goal in the first game is to make the first crack. That’s my goal going into every game. It makes receivers and running backs feel uncomfortable when you have some guys back there who really enjoy putting some pain on people.”

A safety, Anthony provides versatility by being able to play cornerback and nickel, showcasing his coverage skills.

“I’ve covered all my life,” he said. “Covering shows you how much better an athlete you are than the receiver. I’m going backwards, I don’t know where I’m going. You’re going forward and you know where you’re going. If I get to the ball before you, I’m better than you, and I take pride in that.

“I pride myself in locking a space down, and when I’m needed to fit, I fit correctly.”

Champ, whose given name is Chancellor, picked up another nickname in junior college. The Pirate. 

“I sail the seas,” he said. “I do what I want. I take what I want. That's why I'm called The Pirate.”

Despite facing adversity, Anthony never considered leaving Auburn, recalling the words of former Auburn assistant coach Wesley McGriff.

“He told me if you treat Auburn right, Auburn will treat you right and you’ll be set for the rest of your life,” Anthony said. “I truly believe in it and I’ve seen it in other people’s lives. The people I’ve met, the things I’ve learned here at Auburn, I wouldn’t have learned them at any other place, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

“Just because you’re going through stuff doesn’t mean you have to change the scenery. Sometimes it means you have to change your actions, sometimes it means you have to change your habits. I’ve done that and I’ve grown and learned, and I feel like I’m a better man for it.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer