Sunday update

Hey everyone. I hope you're enjoying your NFL Sunday. Or your Christmas Shopping Sunday. Or whatever you're doing this fine Sunday.

I talked earlier today with DeMarco McNeil, the former Auburn defensive tackle who spent the 2008 season as the team's graduate assistant. He spent two seasons playing for Gene Chizik, spent a season coaching at Auburn and grew up in Mobile.

Could his affable personality and lower Alabama roots make him the kind of dogged recruiter Chizik needs in lower Alabama?

McNeil is hoping.

``I'm just waiting to see what happens," McNeil said. ``I love Auburn. I'd love to stay at Auburn."

Chizik is expected to begin taking tangible steps toward assembling his staff this week. He spent the past six days -- the first six days of his tenure -- trying to repair damage done to the program's recruiting efforts.

Tuberville's sudden departure and the subsequent fallout created tension that Chizik has been trying to soothe. He has met with high school coaches in at least four states since being hired on Dec. 15.