Recruiting tidbits

Hey everyone. I'm writing a story for Thursday's paper outlining the relatively low recruiting rankings Auburn has received by Scout.com (39) and Rivals.com (63). I know that it's nothing too substantive, but a few of you have asked about Auburn's recruiting efforts so far. So I'm writing about it.

I talked with Miller Safrit of Scout and J.C. Shurburtt of Rivals. I got tons of quotes from both. I can only include a few in the story. I'll run the excess here. I don't want to give you all my good stuff before the story runs, so here's a little taste.

I'll post more on Thursday.

First, here are Auburn's final recruiting rankings for the past six seasons.

YEAR / RIVALS / SCOUT
2002---6--11
2003--11--16
2004--21--31
2005--13--22
2006--10--9
2007---7--6
2008--(39)--(63)

MILLER SAFRIT, Scout.com
Is it time for Auburn fans to panic?
"Absolutely not. There are still plenty of fish in the barrel and this staff has shown the ability to get the guys they need."


J.C. SHURBURTT, Rivals.com
It doesn't look like Auburn's six commitments are getting much respect. Do you like any of them?
"I like all of them to different degrees. The one that jumps out at me is (offensive lineman) Jarien Moreland. I saw him play in his spring game -- Florida allows full contact in their spring games -- and Jarien held his own against Marcus Forston from Miami-Northwestern. He's going to be a monster. I think he'll be one of those guys who starts for three years at Auburn. He's very religious. He has his head on straight. I think Auburn has the kind of environment that Jarien really likes."