Etheridge to visit Auburn for autograph signing

Former Auburn safety Zac Etheridge will be taking a break from his vigorous NFL training to visit the Plains and Auburn family this weekend.

Etheridge will be putting on an autograph signing at the Auburn Kinnucans on Saturday, Feb. 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

"I'm really looking forward to going back to Auburn to be around all the fans again," Etheridge said. "I can't wait to feel all the national championship love. I've been trying to get myself ready for the NFL for the last couple of weeks, so it'll be nice to take a break and get back to the place that means so much to me."

Etheridge hasn't been in Auburn since the Jan. 22 national championship celebration at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The newly-published commemorative book, "All In: Auburn's Run for the National Championship," printed by the Columbus Ledger-Enquierer will be available for purchase. The book will come with Etheridge's signature complimentary.

Fans are also invited to bring their own items for Etheridge to sign.

"All In: Auburn's Run for the National Championship" is being sold for $19.95. There will be a fee of $10 per item that Etheridge signs.

Etheridge, who has been training for the NFL in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., along with Auburn teammate Josh Bynes since late January, said a portion of the funds raised will go toward the Boys and Girls Club of Lee County.

"The organization does a lot of great things for the kids in the community," Etheridge said. "I'd like to be able to show how much their work is appreciated and help support them."

Kinnucans is located at the corner of Donahue Drive and College Street in Auburn.

In his final performance as a Tiger, Etheridge snagged his third interception of the season in the Tigers' 22-19 victory over Oregon in the BCS National Championship. He was an honorable mention All-SEC pick this year after finishing second on the team in tackles (69) and 38th in the SEC in tackles per game (4.9). He had his best outing of the season against Kentucky when he totaled 11 tackles, eight of which were unassisted.

By the end of his collegiate career, the Troy, Ala., native tallied 259 total tackles, eight tackles for loss and four interceptions. He also made a remarkable comeback from a serious season-ending neck injury he suffered in October of his junior year. Before the injury, Etheridge had made 33 consecutive starts.