montgomeryadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:
1.09.2009

Chizik speaks

1/9/09, MORNING

Gene Chizik spent some time this morning talking with reporters about issues of the day.

This is a basic overview. I'll have a more thorough summary of his comments -- and video highlights -- within the hour.
  • He hasn't spoken with Raven Gray, Tray Blackmon, Ryan Williams or Chris Slaughter. Chizik said it was fair to say those players probably won't return for 2009, but clearly left the door open for at least some of those players to return if they choose.

  • Here is what Chizik said when asked about these guys leaving: "You know, the bottom line is, I want guys who want to be at Auburn. And again, I'll say that until I'm blue in the face. We want the right guys for this place. And don't have a whole lot of background knowledge on the people who aren't here, but as I've said before, I'm not spending time on guys that aren't here. I'm spending time on guys that are here. And that's how I'll be from here until they put me in my grave. The ones that aren't here, I don't have a whole lot of time to worry about that."

  • He said efforts to fill the final three coaching positions are on-going and will continue into next week.

  • He seemed to indicate this effort to recruit throughout Texas and Kansas is an anomaly. He said only pre-existing relationships are at play there. Recruiting Alabama and the surrounding area will remain the Tigers' top priority.

  • He said his top recruiting priorities are offensive line, wideout and "one really good quarterback."

  • On connecting with his current players: "They started school Wednesday, so we had Wednesday morning we had a team meeting, and that went real well, just kind of laid out there what our vision is for this semester. And been calling players in individually through the days and just talking to some of them about expectations and leadership and the things that I think are going to be important for us to be successful this year. So some of them I know. There's a small handful I know from when I left here, believe it or not. The Aairon Savages of the world. Guys like that. But just trying to call as many of them in as I can and know them. Put a face with a name. Haven't had a lot of time to do that. But met with quite a few of them.

  • On the importance of the next three weekends from a recruiting perspective: "We met last night with our hosts, with our players that are going to be helping us for the week. I told them this is like game day, you've got to treat this like game day. That's the importance of these weekends. We have three, and all three of those have to be home runs. It's got to be a home run weekend and we've got to treat it like a game day. At the end of the day you win or you lose. It's really that cut and dry."

68 Comments:

Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

that (and this) were to annoy those who detest these pointless posts of priority

10:37 AM  
Blogger tigercowboy said...

3 for me

10:39 AM  
Blogger Dear Leader said...

i was waiting for Michael

10:39 AM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

the NCAA rule change a couple of years ago really hurts AU and other schools not next to a commercial airport. much harder to recruit tx and other distant lands, imo.

10:40 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

I agree, Sensi. Cowherd is solid.

10:40 AM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

"clearly left the door open for at least some of those players to return if they choose." Perhaps I'm reading into it too much, but does that mean some are not welcome back if they chose?

10:41 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

I detest both of those, THT

10:41 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Leader, I made a mistake there reading my notes. Correct comment now is up.

10:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"one really good quarterback" - Chizik

That confirms my conspiratorial feelings that the QB firm of Burns, Todd, Caudle, and Trotter are not up to Chizik/Malzhan/Luper/Taylor standards.

10:41 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Chizik said he wants guys who want to be at Auburn ... which probably rules out a few of them.

10:42 AM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Dear Leader-
first, let me say I am glad to see you in your towel.
second, can't remember if I thanked you for your proxify and anonymouse suggestions, but they didn't work in a federal facility. I'm guessing N Korea's internet security is not as robust as U.S.

10:42 AM  
Blogger Will said...

All of these departures gets me thinking. Alot of good talent has fizzled out at AU in recent yrs.
Greg Smith
Raven Gray
Tray Blackmon
Chris Slaughter
DeAndre Green
Leon Hart
Stanford Simmons ('member him?)
Neil Caudle (was one of the Elite 11 QBs in the nation his SR yr)

Which ones am I missing? I know there have been others.

10:42 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

I'm a fan of OL recruits, too....LBs need to be a priority, though.


C'mon Texas QB!

10:42 AM  
Blogger Dear Leader said...

much better

10:43 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

In one of his first comments as an Auburn hire, Luper said he would be recruiting in Texas eventually. I hope Luper is right and what Jay thinks Chizik "seems to indicate" is wrong.

10:44 AM  
Blogger Dear Leader said...

Security, smirity....

I make the rules... I am the Dear Leader...

10:44 AM  
Blogger Will said...

Someone reminded me that Tony Bell was a pretty big flop as well.

10:45 AM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

with a towel ... on a steeek

10:45 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

Greg says Chizik called a team meeting, did a surprise (I'll use my word) urine test and that's why we're having what seems like a sudden exodus. He was joking. Sorta.

10:47 AM  
Blogger Dear Leader said...

I cannot count the numebr of Great Rec. we have recruited that have not done crap...

didn't caudle have knee surgery his senior year?

10:47 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

Joe the Plumber is not an international news correspondent? Talk about stretching out your 15 minutes.

10:47 AM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

I thought for sure that yesterday scout showed Rueben Randle as a visit this weekend. He's not listed there now. Hope he makes it to the Plains. Did I imagine that yesterday?

10:47 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

*now

10:47 AM  
Blogger michael said...

I have a soft spot in my heart for Stanford Simmons. I still have a scar on my forehead from when I headbutted him (he was wearing a helmet, I was not. I grabbed his facemask and gave him a good old headbutt) after storming the field after the Florida game. Great times.

10:48 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

Tar - It was reported on Rivals that if Rueben's dad could get off work he would visit.

Weak.

10:48 AM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

I think Caudle has had BOTH ACL's reconstructed.

10:48 AM  
Blogger Dear Leader said...

Monica,

Good for Coach.. I like him better every day!!

Clean ship, straight ship, winning ship

10:49 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

Mikal, channeling your inner Erk?

10:49 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

Dear Leader - I totally agree, but just to be clear, Greg is my hubby and he was making a speculative joke.

10:51 AM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Mon-
thanks for the RR visit update. You're AUsome!

10:52 AM  
Blogger michael said...

It was the early 2000's Frankenbummer, it was crazy times. Friends was still on TV, George Bush had a 70% approval rating, and Auburn didn't line up 3,000 security personnel at the end of every game to ensure no one stormed the field. Different times.

10:54 AM  
Blogger tigercowboy said...

I think he is sending a clear message to their top QB target. I am thinking Caudle gets a good look, I have heard good things about him. I can not imagine that he has fallen so far from the elite 11 status he had at one time. This kid was down to Michigan and Auburn for crying out loud.

10:54 AM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Michael-
I do like that cologne

10:55 AM  
Blogger michael said...

Thank you for noticing, TarheelTiga

10:56 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

My pleasure, Tar. :-)

10:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Monica, how do you feel about Greg's assessment? I thought Tuberville ran a tight ship...

I was surprised that Slaughter left. Any idea why?

10:58 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

I'm adding quotes now.

Please check the main thread for FRESH information.

10:59 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

Oh I think Greg is just used to being surrounded by criminals and likes to joke. lol

10:59 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

yeah, I remember, Mikal. I have my own story, but it won't likely be shared here. I do admire your Erk-esque move, though. The best I could do was try and not fall down.

11:02 AM  
Blogger weagle83 said...

OK, so who is the "one good QB" that's on their radar?

11:07 AM  
Blogger michael said...

Frankenbummer, you weren't one of the guys with their face in the mud and a cop on their back, were you? I remember it was a high stakes game of Red Rover. They tried to grab me, but I slipped through. Once you were through, you were golden.

I noticed they were picking off the smaller people and the people who couldn't run straight. Were you one of those who couldn't run straight and was an easy target?

11:10 AM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

What about the kid from TX that Jay mentioned on the roundtable yesterday? Is he no longer a great prospect? Or not in our reach?

11:11 AM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Jay any word on Ramsey? Is he still in school and will he try to play for AU next year?

11:19 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

That kid, Tommy D, is Ryan Mossakowski and is a spread guy only. He's not really a runner. He's not as good as some of the others Auburn is peeping right now.

I just liked Mossakowski a lot ...

11:20 AM  
Blogger j-z said...

Omnica, sent you a mint julep for breakfast on FB. Sorry for my absence yesterday...there was this commitment hearing I had to attend. I am loving Chizik's statement that recruiting weekends are just like game day. You win or you don't.

I don't think that attitude has been shown at AU in a long time.

War Kicker on a Stick!

11:20 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Chizik said he hasn't spoken with Chaz Ramsey.

11:20 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

no, I was in no trouble that evening. Running straight probably wasn't my forte, but I've watched enough national geographic channel to know it's the gazelles on the outskirts that get eaten.

11:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm glad to see that The Chiz and Hoopie agree on the most important recruiting priorities (LOL).

just stopped in for a second and couldn't resist.

11:25 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

Chaz has the Z connection. he doesn't need a formal introduction to the Chiz. That being said, I wish he'd figure everything out and go talk to the man.

11:27 AM  
Blogger Hardin said...

Jay G Tate = THE MAN!

11:27 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Keep in mind that getting a quarterback this year would be for down the road, not likely for immediate playing time.

As for Slaughter, didn't he miss the Iron Bowl because of some personal issue or something? I can't remember what it was.

As for Raven Gray, if this is true, I am very disappointed.

11:28 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

BigCat - You have Facebook email

11:30 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

J-Z You're too kind, suh. I'm saving it for this afternoon.

11:33 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I like the idea of getting Mossakowski. It is one of the things I think we have been lacking at Auburn. We have needed more polish names. Polish names have had a long history of success in football and should just add the to game day atmosphere.

11:33 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Video is up.

Please watch it. I like it when the HOTTIES watch my videos.

11:38 AM  
Blogger j-z said...

Man...I hate to do this, but it's dead in here.

What do you guys think about the whole BC situation?

11:38 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

Tar - Reuben is rescheduling his visit for later this month.

11:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey, Monica, just curious...how does Greg feel about you flirting with all the male Hotties?

11:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Does anyone know why Slaughter left? He had a great game against Ole Miss this past season.

11:43 AM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

There's a BC situation?

11:43 AM  
Blogger Struttinduck said...

JGT,

Will you blog the AU gymnastics meet tonight?

AU competes against our arch rival in the flip for the cure - pink meet!!! AU will wear pink uniforms, everyone is encouraged to wear pink.

All proceeds go toward breast cancer research. More events planned - see the AU gynattics site for more info....

http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/w-gym/spec-rel/010809aab.html

My little girl will love this!!!

Looking forward to quality family time, a pizza, and a pint of guinness (or two).

11:43 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

I will not be live blogging the gymnastics meet.

My paper needs me in the office taking basketball call-ins.

11:50 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

Luv - I've been flirting with hotties since the day Greg met me and he loves everything about me.

11:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's good he has such an open mind. Most men wouldn't like it.

I find it entertaining. : )

11:55 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

That's what makes Greg the hottest of all hotties. He's very confident, secure and knows I'm all talk except when it comes to him.

And as long as you're entertained, that's all that's important!

11:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

12:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Over or under 3% chance of getting RR

12:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Over or under 3% chance of getting RR?

12:50 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home


follow me on Twitter

• THE RING OF FIRE •
INAUGURAL CLASS
Phormerly Phred
Scottie B. in Tennessee
crudup
Hoopie
Ron Mexico
hip-hopanonymous
AUnMobilz
Sullivan013
Scott from Tucson
scottatl
jhag **FRANCHISE PLAYER**

CLASS OF 2008
Peter Frankenschmidt
Mr. Sensible
WarEagleRK

CLASS OF 2009
eddie4au
FakeSteveJobs (aka FSJ)
AUBigCat
michael
Steve from Columbia (aka SteveFC)
kristina
Jet

WHERE EAGLES SOAR
AUFan365 was Larry Bailey, 1948-2010

FEELING THE HEAT
WarEagleGirl
TarHeelTiger
Kathy
D. Miller
Dear Leader
j-z
Norm
digger4au
Harrison
LuvAU1968
cincytiger
mytommyd (is supposed to be mrtommyd)
ehyoutiger
wtc
IV
wakeriderof87
Sean
Scott Chocolate
NoVaTiger
Taylor
BinOBA
wes
Aeronaut
chip chip
Spongeworthy
Loganville Tiger
E-Bro
Ephemeral
au1n04
FearlessFreep
coosa
bear82
wartiger
patdyeswildturkey
atlantatiger
JD the Biscuitator
shesaid
depressedAUfan
dnatl

NOTABLE NEWCOMERS
Cousin Humpers = Bammers (aka CH=B)
dan dan the AU fan
bellefay1
API
Jay 'W. not Tate'
missinit
Craig Miller
AU1292
MLF
Comm'r of Flesh Wounds
Stupup74
61northak
Jimmy
bigdaddy334
Secondaid
Andrew
SCoats
astatguy
Jason Crawford
paulmain
Lowcountry Tiger
BigEZ
Will
WDCWE

MY PEEPS
Wifey
cpf
GritzNGravy
roundtable
Josh_Moon
MrsFrontRim & FrontRim
ChuckCrim
troyznoiz

FIRST DOCUMENTED POSTER
Buck

BANHAMMERED
Hamburglar
ROLLTIDEROLL
hairydawg
DavidOku
Jay_G (an impostor)
WarEagleogDotCom

Powered by Blogger

Subscribe to
Posts [Atom]

Advertisement