1.06.2009

Jerraud Powers makes his decision

1/6/08, NOONISH

Hey everyone. Junior cornerback Jerraud Powers will seek early entry into the NFL Draft.

In 2008, Powers started in 10 games and finished with 47 total tackles. He also intercepted two passes and was ninth in the SEC in passes defended.

``I want to thank the Auburn nation for their support during my career,” Powers said. ``It was a very tough decision, but I did what God wanted me to do and what was best for my family and me. I’m thankful for my time at Auburn and will have nothing but fond memories."

CAN JERRAUD EVEN GET DRAFTED? Anything is possible. I don't see how he's going to emerge as a first-day guy. He's not remarkably fast for a cornerback. He's shorter than NFL average. On the plus side, he's quick and he has shown remarkable aptitude during his three years with the varsity.

WHY WOULD HE DO THIS? I don't know. I can't imagine this being an academic thing. This draft isn't teeming with top cornerback prospects. Switching defenses again at Auburn -- Powers was recruited by Gibbs, played for Muschamp and Rhoads -- may be a deal-breaker.

WHEN WILL WE HEAR MORE? This afternoon ... if things unfold as expected.

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

Questions? Comments? Post directly to the blog below or email me at jgtate@gannett.com.

125 comments:

  1. It almost has to be for academic reasons, I can't imagine, despite how he played on the field, looking good on paper or at the combine compared to what the NFL scouts want.

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  2. Anonymous11:58 AM

    Financial would make more sense wouldn't it? I just need some money?

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  3. STUPID!!!! He is Free agent at best.

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  4. I was very impressed with the way Powers hit. He made people pay when they did catch the ball. I just have a hard time seeing him drafted except possibly in the later rounds.

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  5. Carlos Rogers he's not. But he's an Auburn man and I wish him the very best.

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  6. Opens the door for Greg Reid to take a serious look at us. Very impressive young man Sunday night at the All Star game. voted MVP.

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  7. It could be financial reasons, but if he's not drafted or doesn't make a team as a free agent, then I guess there is always Canada.

    If he's drafted at all, I'm guessing it'll be late on day two. I haven't even seen his name listed on any draft projections.

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  8. Anonymous12:04 PM

    I agree with all of you. Powers was my favorite player on defense, but he's not good enough for the NFL yet. I don't understand why he would enter the draft so early. Jay, I will very interested to hear the "why."

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  9. Not that it means anything, but Scout.com doesn't even have him listed nor ranked for the 09 draft. But that may be because they didn't know he might be coming out.

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  10. This is unfortunate for AU. IMO, Powers was the most productive and dependable player we had on defense. He was almost ALWAYS in the right place, and was more often than not getting everybody else in the right place. Good luck to him.

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  11. bummer. i really like JP. i was hoping to see him play his senior year.

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  12. Would one more year under a new DC really make that much difference in where he would be drafted? I didnt think Erick Brock was good enough to get drafted last year but he was. I think JP is much better than Brock was at this time.

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  13. Anonymous12:14 PM

    AUBigCat, hopefully, you're right.

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  14. Doesn't Jerraud know he owes us his eternal soul?

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  15. Jonathan Wilhite was drafted in the 4th round

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  16. Anonymous12:16 PM

    Does he know who the DC will be maybe? Doesn't like the direction? Just a question....nobody knows a thing about Chaz?

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  17. Been lurking for a while and finally decided to join so I could post a question.

    How is Aairon Savage doing and will he be available for spring practice? Wasn't he gonna start at one of the cornerback positions before the knee injury?

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  18. I just looked at a mock draft board and it has Marks going 29th in the 1st round to Indy. There are 3 CBs listed and one is 5'9. If JP can get his 40 time to 4.4 he should be ok. I think that is what helped alot of our guys last year, improving their 40 times after the season.

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  19. Obviously BigCat is a big fan of Powers.

    It's tough to compare corners with safeties or Brock with Powers.

    Eric Brock also stayed until his senior year, but I don't recall him being drafted at all. I think he was a free agent with Atlanta.

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  20. Anonymous12:20 PM

    Jenkins from Ohio State may the top CB prospect.

    AU has a few DBs who have done well and the SEC is known for quickness which is something scouts and teams covet.

    Good luck to him.

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  21. i think powers is 5'9" standing on a cinder block

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  22. I hear Auburn is going to Code Red Aaron this year :).

    Just Kidding.

    I heard awhile back that things were going well on rehab, but things can change.

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  23. Anonymous12:22 PM

    Is it snowing in Tuscaloosa?! I just read that Fbomb article and am stunned.

    I have fallen and I can't get up!

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  24. welcome Paladin. thanks for joining in.

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  25. I saw Aairon Savage about two weeks ago. He said things were going well with the rehab.

    He kinda shrugged when I asked about spring ball. My guess is that he'll do some light stuff ... and leave the serious cutting to summer conditioning.

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  26. I can't figure this one out Jay G.?

    WHY????

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  27. I really don't know.

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  28. RK I'm a big fan of all of our guys. Jonathan Wilhite could be compared to JP. Powers is better than he was at this stage too imo. I hate to lose him, but I cant say it's a bad decision based on his performance on the field.

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  29. i believe powers is better than wilhite too. wilhite ran a fast 40 at the combines. you wouldn;t know it the way he was always chasing wr's

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  30. Jae Wilhite is/was a very fast player.

    The only thing limiting him at Auburn was his relationship with Muschamp. Wilhite doesn't care for all that hollering and accusatory stuff. I'm not saying Muschamp was right on wrong to do that -- I'm just saying Wilhite didn't respond to that type of leadership.

    He's a very talented player.

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  31. thanks for the welcome and maybe I should be Paladinz from Tuzcalooza.

    Good news about Savage. If we can grab Reid up the secondary could be a strength next season.

    Also, how and where do I get an avatar?

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  32. Don't get me wrong, I hope Jerraud gets drafted and becomes an all pro. But from everyone's reaction, with the exception of BigCat, it seems like more of a "huh, what?" reaction, than a "well that was bound to happen" reaction. Like I said earlier, I don't know if it means anything, but he's hovering WAY below the NFL scouting radar from what I have seen on the mock (and I stress they are just mock) draft boards on the net.

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  33. Wilhite is also 3 or so inches taller than Powers.

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  34. Paladin- Go to your profile and edit it. You can do that by clicking on your name.

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  35. I read somewhere that Eltoro will be starting @ LB and with this announcement he will be starting at DB...at the same time! The coaches encouraged Powers to go in order to free up a second postion for the Bull to play.

    Seriously, good luck to JP. I have to say though, I am always a fan of guys who come back for their SR yr. Auburn committed four years to JP, he should do the same. Just my opinion.

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  36. TommyD ... I mock your draft!

    I mock it!

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  37. I sensed that mocking Jet, from way over here I did.

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  38. Welcome and War Bald Eagle to Palladinz! We also have a HABOTN facebook group
    I liked JP

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  39. Anonymous12:47 PM

    War Eagle Girl, I liked him too. I'll miss seeing him flying around the field.

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  40. Will ...

    Shhhh.

    I have it on good authority that Eltoro will be named defensive coordinator before the day is out. He will start at WLB and send defensive signals to the sideline from the press box.

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  41. Wilhite had much better measurables than JP. Scouts look for measurables and the ability to coach up those measurables. Therefore, Wilhite was a better prospect than JP is.
    I wish JP the best, but I think this is a bad decision. Someone noted that his draft projection from the NFL was 2nd-4th round... I doubt that seriously! I see late day 2 for him. 5th-7th round, with undrafted FA a very real possibility.

    One thing this does, is open up a CB spot for a bigtime recruit to come in and get PT (Dre, Greg Reid?)
    Right now, I guess the projected starters at corner will be McFadden and Savage/Thorpe.

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  42. I thawt I'd take this opportunity to post a grammatically incorrect message while Monica isn't looking on.

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  43. From what I hear Powers already has an agent, so someone has been in his ear for awhile.

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  44. Anonymous12:58 PM

    LOL where is she, anyway/

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  45. sad thing is tarheel is took me a second to find the error. I ain't too good at fancy wordin"

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  46. Wow. I just read the finebaum article. And then I passed out for a while. Does anyone have some smelling salts?

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  47. monica = omnipotent

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  48. I would like to expound on Monica's absence today, but she might expand the knot on my forehead.

    The effect of her swinging a 2 x 4 against my cranium could affect my ability to post congently.

    The further I take this line of discussion, the farther down the road she will kick my hind-quarters.

    So I shall stop.

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  49. Actually tarheel I think grammar is gooder than you thought, it's your spellin' that ain't great.

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  50. uh oh, Mon's back (or never left)

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  51. It's so windy here that our electricity keeps going off!

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  52. Anonymous1:04 PM

    Finebaum changes with the wind. I can't stand that guy.

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  53. ``I want to thank the Auburn nation for their support during my career,” Powers said. ``It was a very tough decision, but I did what God wanted me to do and what was best for my family and me. I’m thankful for my time at Auburn and will have nothing but fond memories."

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  54. Kinda hard to argue with the Lord.

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  55. Due to omnipotence ...

    She is now known forever as ...

    OMNICA.

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  56. Jet, we must be reading the same sites, b/c I heard that too. Any truth to the rumor that Eltoro might get some time at deep snapper and punter...on the same play?

    Any of the crew headed to Ladd-Peebles tonight to watch the Flying Malzahns?

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  57. Jay... is this an early april fools thing???

    what the... If he had a good season next year he would go pretty high in the draft...

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  58. Anonymous1:14 PM

    Jet - remembers to use the EXPOUND!!

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  59. How's Eltoro as a recruiter? I mean sure he can play, but can he 'cruit?

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  60. if it was not a 7 hour drive, i would be at that game tonight

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  61. Anonymous1:15 PM

    God hasn't told me what he wanted yet. I told him though and am still waiting.

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  62. Will, I heard Dax Dallenbach is giving up his snapping scholarship because of Eltoro, who Pat Dye called the best snapper we've had since Brian Brainsworth.

    Eltoro is also going to the be the entire onsides kick and onsides kick return teams.

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  63. Trooper and Eltoro have been placed on the watch list by the Department of Homeland Security.

    It is believed if they were to chest bump then it would have the same effect as a dirty bomb.

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  64. Alabama fans are down, Finebaum has to write and talk about something that will get them to call.

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  65. I've actually been crazy busy working and popped in just in time to see my name used in vain.

    Omnica - Me likey.

    Good luck, JP.

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  66. FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH
    Tuesday January 6, 2009

    Auburn: FootballScoop has just confirmed that Minnesota Defensive Coordinator Ted Roof has accepted the Defensive Coordinator position at Auburn.

    http://www.footballscoop.com/?cat=24

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  67. I'm waitin till Jay says it's so.

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  68. Anonymous1:29 PM

    Does anyone know where and who is recruiting what and whom?

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  69. hey I do not start rumors...

    i just spread them...

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  70. Hi Monica! I would have felt stupid saying that if I hadn't first determined your presence.

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  71. creepin' but not creepy

    right?

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  72. I love that football scoop report of breaking news that doesn't even site an imaginary source.

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  73. I have just spent 4 hours with a dude from the IRS. His incompetence was mind numbing. I want to stick a fork in my eyes.

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  74. Monica, I had an uncle who was omnipitent, but he was cool with it, never wanted kids anyway.

    That is what you guys were talking about right?

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  75. its the government...were here to help

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  76. Long time, first time...
    Nothing of significance to add so I'll say, TommyD & Jet, "Mock, mock, mock, shoo-be-shoo..."

    obscure?

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  77. Anonymous1:38 PM

    Mon - My understanding is that Obamano will fix all of that.

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  78. Monica,

    All I can think of is:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIVHNylH1Mk

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  79. Omnica? is that in reference to your omniscience? no wonder everyone waits to see what Monica says about anything!

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  80. the way you popped in at the whisper of your name was somewhat creepy, but your track record makes you un-creepy.

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  81. Anything new on Ted Roof? You hotties have been entertaining me for awhile...thought I would join up:).

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  82. The Roundtable is reporting that TED ROOF is the man at D-Coordinator.

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  83. Ted Roof,has been hired according to the radio. 740am

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  84. Ted Roof is an interesting hire. Not an extremely flashy DC name, but solid.

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  85. Anonymous1:44 PM

    Once again, Auburn head coach Gene Chizik has made a splash with a hire, this time grabbing one of the nation's most highly regarded defensive coordinators. Check inside for the scoop on Auburn's new DC and the big turnaround he orchestrated at a Big 10 school last year.

    I just can't see who.

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  86. great d at tech when he was there.. with him and chiz I think we will do well.

    Anyone know how this guy recruits?

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  87. I'm still waiting on Jay


    Or Omnica

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  88. Is there any reason to get excited about Roof?

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  89. Did someone just say....

    Tedroof, Tedroof, Tedroof just got hired.

    We don't need no DC, let tha mutha %$#&er coach!

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  90. I am heading out there with my son this evening. I hope we don't drowned.

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  91. watch for ted roof at DC.

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  92. The DC really wasn't a big issue since Chizik will have a lot to do with the calls on D anyway.

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  93. Anonymous1:46 PM

    "he is one of the nation's most highly regarding defensive coordinators."

    That not enough? Just askin.

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  94. crap he is not bald..

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  95. And no Z in his name - what gives?!?!

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  96. I am not familiar with Roof, so he isn't highly regarded in my eyes. Gonna have to do me some reading.

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  97. Welcome to all the new posters! That's awesome.

    He will always be the Red Roof Inn to me. (if he's actually hired - waiting for the Jay werd)

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  98. That was kinda creepy, Harrison. Just good timing. Thanks for letting my track record support me and decreepifying me.

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  99. Anonymous1:51 PM

    Just got an email form Auburnundercover about Roof being hired.

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  100. I have to go rub some elbows. I won't be back until after the Tulsa game is on tonight. Go Golden Hurricane!

    I'm missing hangin with the hottest of hotties today. :-(

    later

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  101. Anonymous1:52 PM

    I will ask this question....I take it being at Auburn and the SEC is not a bad place no matter what people say.

    If you have noticed, many of these hires have been at their previous employers only 1 yr.

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  102. Anonymous1:53 PM

    I guess there is no question there.....I will make this comment....

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  103. Its on Auburn Sports .com

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  104. He's highly regarded at Ga Tech and in the state of GA. Sure he's thrilled to get the heck out of Minnesota. We needed a DC that could work well with Chiz's influence and that's hard to come by with some big time DC. Also HC experience will help the coaching team.

    Strong recruiting rep in GA. Even recruited a few GA kids to Minn. Just got going to trust Chiz on this one...add a Z and shave the mans head.

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  105. Hopefully God has also told a team to draft Jerraud, otherwise he might be screwed.

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  106. combine the HC records of Roof and Chizik... ouch. Roof was an awful HC at Duke, even by Duke standards. I think he does have a pretty good reputation for DC'ing. I just hope the Chiz makes the Defense hiz biz.

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  107. Here is a very interesting comment made by a Minnesota fan to the announcement of Roof coming to Auburn.

    "That would blow. We go through defensive coordinators like a newborn goes through diapers after eating a jar of puriated prunes. Brewster is a spin master but this would be a hard story to spin."

    It appears they may not be happy he is leaving.

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  108. hiz biz = The Chiz's biz, not Roof's

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  109. So with the supposed new hire of Ted Roof, where does that put Tracy Rocker, and/or Rodney Garner. Ok I know Rodney said he wasn't going to UT, but does that mean he is officially staying at UGA? I think I like the new hire, and someone more clever than I needs to use the "raising the roof" phrase.

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  110. The Roof, The Roof, The Roof is on fire!

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  111. puriated prunes?!? Wow that's going through fast!

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  112. If we hire one more failed head coach, then the brain trust will be complete. Hopefully in their first couple of staff meetings, they can pool their experiences and figure out almost every wrong way to coach a football team. All that is left, that other 7% of possible ways to coach, should generally all lead to success.

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  113. I'm waiting on J-G to confirm. But, I just got an email from PM saying Roof was hired as DC.

    I'm ok with that, if true. He's a good coach. How is he as a recruiter?

    I'm still holding out for Rocker or Blake or Garner as DL coach. (In that order, I think).

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  114. Michael , does that mean Bob Davie is on his way to AU?

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  115. zounds! interesting choice if true.

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  116. I got the same email about Ted Roof. Sounds like a pretty solid hire there. Wasn't Tuberville after this guy last year also?

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  117. Anything that gets Bob Davie out of the booth at ESPN.

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  118. Think bigger, tommyd. The SEC is a copycat conference. I imagine we will try to bring in Art Shell. He is an ex-Raiders coach (he was actually fired from the Raiders twice. Kiffin bailed out before he could even be fired once!). And he also knows how to fail at an entirely different level, which should really help the Brain Trust. It's always good to have a different perspective.

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