Picking up the pieces

Hey everyone. Hope you're having a swell morning.

So James Willis left for Alabama yesterday, which certainly will have some ramifications, though I consider most of them short-term issues. Let's examine how his departure will affect Auburn's Signing Day haul.

• Willis was the primary recruiting contact for a number of committed players. Our friends at AuburnSports.com talked with many of those players last night and I don't see any evidence that their allegiances are waning.
  
  DE Jamontay Pilson, QB Clint Moseley, OL John Sullen, WR Anthony Gulley and WR LaVoyd James remain fully committed.
  
  
• OL/DL Nick Fairley already is enrolled.
  
  
• I haven't heard from LB Jonathan Evans. He's a tricky one because Evans always has liked Auburn and his brother played at Auburn ... yet Willis always was a big draw for him. Alabama hadn't offered him prior to this. Not sure what to think there.
  
  
• DL Terrence Coleman (pictured at right) could be tricky. He told several recruiting websites last night that he's disgusted with Willis and wouldn't consider playing for him at Alabama. He also announced plans to more carefully consider other offers. I still believe Coleman will sign with Auburn.
  
  
• Things get more dicey with uncommitted recruits.
  
  
  • Willis was the main contact for Maryland QB Raymond Cotton, whose Auburn recruitment now moves into a third stage. Steve Ensminger was Cotton's initial liaison.
    
    
  • Montgomery OL/DL Brandon Moore seemed destined for Alabama or Florida before Willis left.
    
    
  • Brewton DT Jamar Travis, a Southern Miss commitment, will visit Auburn this weekend. The scouting services list him as a 4-star player. Travis certainly is considering Auburn, so this will be an interesting development.
    
    
  • Florida LB Petey Smith was brash with his moves last night, canceling a visit to Auburn scheduled for this weekend. He told AuburnSports.com last night: "I'm Alabama all the way." That represents quite a change of direction for Smith, whose brother, Eric, is a sophomore tailback at Auburn. Petey Smith recently said the Tigers were the team to beat. It's rare that you see bridges burned so enthusiastically, but it makes for good drama.