Linebacker Craig Stevens will not play in Auburn's season opener against Arkansas State.

The senior from Tallahassee, Fla., was scratched as a starter and was not with the team for pre-game warmups. No reason was given for his absence, although rumors have swirled the previous two days that he would not play in the opener.

Eltoro Freeman will start in his place at strong-side linebacker.

Stevens, a preseason second-team All-SEC pick who is on the watch list for the Butkus and Bronko Nagurski awards, had started 26 straight games.

The 6-foot-3, 229-pound outside linebacker was Auburn's co-defensive MVP last year after finishing second on the team with 95 tackles. He also had eight tackles for a loss and two sacks.

Freshman cornerback Jonathon Mincy, who is listed on the two-deep, is also out for undisclosed reasons.