Burns and Byrum can share jersey No. 18, but ...

By Joe McAdory

Published: October 20, 2007

People keep asking, “How can Kodi Burns and Wes Byrum be allowed to wear the same jersey number?“ All season, the Auburn freshmen have each worn No. 18.

Is it legal?

Since I haven’t seen anyone else publish the answer to this question, I’ll go ahead and provide some details. Burns, a quarterback, and Byrum, a kicker, were each given the number before the season began, but it was never believed that Burns would give up his redshirt and actually play.

According to NCAA rules, players are allowed to wear identical numbers as long as they are not involved in a play on the field at the same time. Last I checked, Byrum hasn’t been on the field when Burns was lined up behind center and Burns wasn’t on the field when Byrum tried a kick. If they are involved in the same play, I’m sure some sort of illegal participation flag will be thrown.

There’s always a chance the duo will go their entire careers at Auburn wearing No. 18. If not, it will be interesting to see which player must choose a different number.