Recruiting news via aviation
Auburn's recruiting effort is in high gear. The skies are a great way to monitor where coaches are headed and, as such, it's easier to understand what they're trying to accomplish.TODAY'S TRAVELS
- Coaches have been in Texarkana, Texas, which is home to WR prospect Cobi Hamilton.
- Another Auburn-owned jet flew to nearby Sulphur Springs, which is home to coveted QB prospect Tyrik Rollison.
- Coaches have been in Gadsden, which is home to CB prospect Dre Kirkpatrick and WR prospect Kendall Kelly. Auburn is in the hunt for Kelly.
- Coaches will head for Biloxi, Miss., this afternoon. That provides the closest airport to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston. That's where WR/RB/DE Demond Washington resides these days.
posted by Jay G. Tate at
2:12 PM
150 Comments:
Why not... ONE!
I like planes.
Miss St is supposed to install a UF type spread which will place a lot of pressure on the WRs.....so why hire Knox? Yeah....kids really do flock to that oasis.
Good luck coach Knox.....yo might want to bone up on WR fundamentals.
that was tim, not me, at one. just thought I'd clear that up. I despise counting.
Knox, as I understand it, will coach RBs.
Who pays for all of these costs of jetting around. Just curious.
I'm telling ya guys and gals..
Auburn has a real shot for Kelly.
Call it bammer intuition or whatever...but ya'll have a shot.
cowboy..
I'm sure the Athletic Department does.
The jets are owned by Auburn University and piloted by Auburn University employees.
The school is on the hook for all that fuel and upkeep and whatnot. Not cheap.
On another thread, there was talk about Auburn recruit Joel Kight. I just checked AJC's Georgia 150 list. He is listed on it and rated an A-, not bad considering Brandon Jacobs is also listed as A-. And, Andre Harris and Lutzenkirchen are listed as A. I think Auburn is doing just fine on their recruiting thus far.
Now, if we can just get some of those nationally known recruits, that would be icing on the cake.
Interesting SI article:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andy_staples/01/20/recruiting/index.html#?eref=si_topstories
does it not come from the Athletics budget, which is funded by TV, sponsors, etc...
I find it hard to fathom that the state of Alabama is paying for recruiting..
I need clarification on that, Dear Leader. The university uses those jets for non-athletic purposes as well.
michael, that is an interesting batch of research there.
Yeah, quite interesting. Makes you think it might be harder to make Nebraska and Michigan bounce back than one would think.
I also thought it was cool that despite this last season, we were still 11th in most wins between 2004-2008 according to the table in the bottom.
Plus, the author of that article can turn a phrase: "pigskin proletariat." I like that. SO much so I'm appropriating it. Hope he doesn't mind.
Jay it's on like Donkey Kong!
JayG-
Any more news on A. Gulley's status, and the thought that he wants to commit but hasn't been offered? Thanks.
My guess is MSU got Knox primarily because of recruiting. It is going to be interested to see MSU with a wide open offense. Usually a wide open offense at MSU means that run outside as well as inside.
Pigskin-(artist FKA Minister of Silly Walks)-
given your former line of work, I would have preferred Pigskin Preacher. But, it's your choice. Just glad to have you aboard. Now what to do with that avatar ;-)
Is it wrong to refer to Jordan-Hare as the house Shula built?
Would be great to sign the Myles Wade kid. Here is a link to a site that shows one of his work outs.
http://myleswade.ning.com/
What is the protocol for determining when camp fires are held?
“Another Auburn-owned jet flew to nearby Sulphur Springs”
Jay GT- You are quite the detective. Without having to kill me afterwards, can you tell me the basis of that info?
Thanks.
THeeltiger, the "Minister" is from Monty Python (Ministry of SW) and too irreverent to signify anything ecumenical.
The moniker also lacks a necessary football component, so it's still a work in progress.
That reminds me... is the original Tim still around? I wonder if that guy still checks HABOTN and now posts under another name.
Pigskin- I'm sure a little image editing could turn that briefcase thingie into a football!
Just look at Michael's head.
I would assume that the funding for activities which involve the plane are handled much the same as any other funding with the University. Consider it a state agency of sorts. All spending requires a fund code to be associated with it. Use of the plane for by the business school would have a specific fund code, use by the vet school would have its own fund code. And, I'm sure the athletic department has its own fund code. That way funding for plane flight for the purpose of recruiting does not come from academic budgets, but rather athletic recruiting budgets.
Jay, have you been in the AU jet before? And, if so, what's it like in there? Hope to hear that it's plush and leathery fresh.
I think the money for the planes is coming from a the Lee County Lottery.
Jay any truth to all these rumors about Willis leaving us for Bama?
I guess my next question is who decides how much we spend on these flights. Everyone says we don't have a chance at lets say Brown, then who approves us going back and forth spending the dollars. You know it costs some jack. Does CGC make all the calls on saying fill the plane up me and the boys are taking a ride. Just wondering and it is a little different topic than who is coming or not coming this weekend.
I see where Coach Roof has put us in the mix with 5* DB Greg Reid after a visit this week. He would absolutely get a chance at immediate playing time.
I think it is weird we have not heard anything about the visit with Bryce Brown yesterday , good or bad.
My guess ... strictly a guess ... is that the plane is under the auspices of the AU Foundation.
So it's SupahSonic!
DoWhat - JGT will put out there for a campfire. I don't believe there is any one thing that triggers it.
FSJ - That is the 2nd time you mentioned the WR. What is giving you the gut feel?
I have hit an all time low. The wife is out of town and I made Hamburger Helper cause I am starving.
Well the cruiting bird just left Gadsden. Originally was scheduled for just under 2 hour ground time there but ended up being 3 hours. Make of it what you will. Also make of it what you will a plane was also in Indy Airport, which happens to be about 4 1/2 miles from Avon, IN . Home to one DE Montez Robinson, former AU Committ.
AU1N04,
I know a few of the Gadsden coaches....so I hear a few things..
That's all.
And don't misunderstand...I'm not saying it is a slam dunk...
I just think he is more open to Auburn than what alot of folks are saying.
Good kid too. Played hurt most of the year. Gadsden's QB was horrible so it is amazing that he did as well as he did.
Am I the only one that enjoys watching terrorists hooded and being pulled on a rope as in the CNN video I just saw.
AU1N04- don't feel so low. Exalt in your culinary creativity. When Mrs. THT is out of town, I make cereal... 3 meals/day.
Thx FSJ - I am liking the feel I have now with the coaches making the rounds.
I don't recall last yr or the yr before where people were out and about. Nice to see. Win Lose or Draw.
Tar - I almost bought cereal...it is cold and needed something hot.
Cold outside that is.
THT: I just track the Auburn planes by their tail numbers. It's a pretty straightforward.
I am convinced my dad, a widower for the last 10 years of his life, averaged 500 bowls of Cheerios a year until his death.
DoWhat? ... that's not an Auburn in Indiana.
When is signing day this year?
Any news about a DB coach?
Feb 4.
It just hit me ...
Jay G is sending us a signal with his Cotton McKnight avatar ... he will have a new show on ESPN The Ocho coming soon.
"Jay'Ded About Sports"
This Ronald Steele thing is getting interesting. Does his little brother still play for bama.
http://blog.al.com/rapsheet/2009/01/ron_steele_injury_very_minor_a.html
The Little Steele definitely plays for Alabama. He played pretty well against Auburn just the other day.
Is Shane on the Finebaum show really Paul's brother-in-law?
I'll only say this once:
It's tough not covering Auburn at Rupp Arena tonight. I have a lot of friends who cover UK and it's always fun to catch up with them in the building where I learned how to write. I met Wifey a few blocks from Rupp Arena and have a lot of great memories rooted in downtown Lexington.
That is all.
Because he's claimed it for so long ... they are common law brothers in law.
Andrew Steele was one of the best players they had on the court last weekend.
Is it tougher not covering Kentucky tonight in Rupp Arena? It's ok, you can say it. We still love you.
Little steele probably knows this is only year he will have to play for Gottfried .
Jay G.
There is nothing more difficult professionally -- other than firing a good person -- than not doing something you know you ought to be doing because someone in charge won't let you do it. Add Lexington into the mix, and I know it's difficult.
We have pictures of the inside of the AU plane don't we, Jet?
Also, OPEC is giddy.
Wholesale gas prices are creeping up a few cents at a time. That means retailers can crank up their prices a few dimes at a time.
That's what I call a sticky situation.
JGT,
Why didn't you make the trip up to Rupp for the game?
You all who know me ... my affiliation with UK is strictly in the past. My connection there is to Lexington and my homies.
Monica ... shhhhh.
As for me not going ... um ... I guess I'll have to give you a "no comment" on that one.
Jet can speak authoritatively on this subject.
Yes I have seen the evidence of the Jet.
For FSJ (and fellow Appleheads): Apple Earnings Blow Past Forecasts; Shares Surge
Kight 5'9
Reid 5'8
QB will never see them lurking in receivers' shadows.
I love Apple; too scared to own their stock because price seems too dependent on Jobs
I wish I had been too scared to own Google stock. Needless to say, I didn't get in on the ground floor :-(
I read an article about a db recruit and it said "Auburn defensive coordinator/secondary coach Ted Roof ", did I miss something. I thought we were going to hire a db coach and Roof was going to float.
Thank you, AU1. :-)
I am the PC Guy...xIBMer. Not that dorky though.
Always a pleasure Mon
What's going on with Coach Willis?
Hey ya'll, mind if I join the circuit? I don't bite, and I bring peace offerings:
michael, if you throw is.gd on your toolbar it will make it a lot easier to post links without line breaks. Neat toy I found recently.
MillerTime, I saw Roof referred to on rivals (Greg Reid article) as the DB coach. Could be nothing, could be something behind the paywall (like a comment from Reid).
Nothing.
Did You Know:
Auburn men play on TV tonight? Yes they do. Probably on FSN South where you are ... at 7 p.m. CST.
I'm at work tonight :-(
Welcome, Blake, and WAR EAGLE!!!
now what's this is.gd thingie? I'm real old and not fluent in computerese.
I am young and I don't quite understand those instructions. Whaddaya mean links without line breaks?
Lost is on tonight, ladies and gents. oohhhhhh yeaaahhhhhh.
Welcome to HABOTN, Blake.
I want to know what that thingie is too.
Lost = yawn
ah, is.gd is sort of like tinyurl
Weekly facebook update.....
If you requested to join the HABOTN facebook group, you need to let me or Jay G know who you are here on the HABOTN. So send us an e-mail and let us know or you will NOT be approved.
http://is.gd/
Ian Fitzsimmons is saying on Finebaum that James Willis leaving Auburn going to Alabama.
ok... I laughed it off at first and then dismissed it when JGT said he thought there was nothing to it...
But, I am continuing to read things about Willis to Bama...
WTF is going on?!
TarHeelTiger, War Eagle to you as well! I apologize for not being clear. If you go to (as in type in your URL) is.gd it will take you to a site that shortens URLs for you. You can put it on your toolbar so that whenever you are at a site with a long URL you just hit the button and it will give you a shorter one that goes to the same place.
what is all of this talk about James Willis and Alabama I keep hearing?
Yes just like tinyurl
Maybe while they are in Biloxie they will swing by and check in with our last resort for a QB...Dylan Farve.
Good for coach Knox...Now I know to worry when we are fighting State for any WR.
Mark, Forgive my ignorance, but who is that in your avatar?
Mon!!!!
Hey lady whats up with you?
Maybe Chizik never told Willis "Sorry" about the whole firing him for a little while thing.
Wow...can't believe this is true
(Willis)!!! If it is true...that is!!
I don't understand the need of the plane to recruit Codi Hamilton. I know a couple of guys who can get out to Texarkana, load up 400 cases of cold Coors and be back in Atlanta in 28 hours.
All you need is a car to block for the truck ... A speedy car ... Speedier than that.
And if you're hit with any unexpected expenses, simply "Send bill to Big Enis Bur ... Ber ... Bar ... hell, I got to go."
Mon- looks like Tom Glavine
Willis is going to Bamma??
the avatar, not you. Sorry for the poor phrasing/typing
Hey Mobile. How ya doing? You need to talk to Coach Willis and get this thing straightened out. You're our Mobile connection ya know!
I don't think we are getting Cobi anyway
The plane was just to bring back all the imigrants to work at Yella Wood
Oh wow Willis is going to 'Bama.
http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/
J Dub is not in Mobile, but if he was i would talk him out for a few Drinks at a local establishment that would quickly change his mind back to AU!!!!
Willis better be pulling a Jack Bauer
I wish Deontae Skinner 3*LB would bring Pat Patterson 5*WR with him this weekend. We haven't offered Deontae. We have offered Pat (as has most everyone), but his interests are elsewhere. I like their HS name: Noxubee County HS
it's on most of the al.com blogs that Willis is gone.
What the heck is that all about?
willis is dead to me...
Fbaum says the University of Alabama confirmed Willis going to bama.
glavine. I was getting word from Tide friends that the Willis thing had legs.
Guess so.
Goldberg reports Wiliis as saying, "I'm excited about the opportunity to come and work with Coach Saban at the University of Alabama," said Willis. "He is one of the best defensive coaches in the game and this is a chance to gain some great experience and learn from the best. You don't get many chances like that in the coaching business. When you combine that opportunity with the history and tradition at Alabama, it was a decision that was best for me personally as well as professionally. I know my wife and the kids are as excited as I am to join Coach Saban's staff." Sounds like slap at Chiz to me ...
Miller! That's my line!
ditto
Willis said it too!!!
TRAITOR
Why does Saban want him?
J Dub.... say it ain't so!!!!
Where's Jay G.?
bama fans clamoring they got a great recruiter.
see any 5* on Auburn's list up to this point. No.
see many 4* on Auburn's list up to this point. No.
Yep, JW is a great recruiter.
But he's a much better traitor.
Willis is dead to me....
Oh well, maybe we can go out and get a better coach and recruiter and someone that actually wants to be here.
Traitor... there's a lot to be said for making a move to better your career, but some things should take precedent. He's not taking a step up. He'll split LB coaching duties with Sunseri, can only be about 1 thing... $$$$
OH WELL...Best to weed them all out and start fresh!!! I guess we have our answer on who will coach LB's between Roof and Willis.
Well, I bet there are a bunch of Big 12 coaches right now that are saying , "Oh crap Mean Gene is coming after my LB's Coach. LOL
When is the last time we saw a coach go from bama straight to Auburn or vice versa?
He's a bamer now. F'em and feed 'em fish heads.
Next!
Why would Willis go to Bama? Wow.
it's as though Lee accepted the offer to head up the US army. There are jobs you just don't take on a matter of principle.
LOL...I would hope we don't go to the Big 12 for defense. I'm guessing OKie State is safe on this one.
I am speechless. How did this happen?
As far as I can see on Rivals, all the newer recruiting targets were either Roof, Taylor, Luper or Boulware.
This has to be a move on Satin's part to try and screw up Auburn's recruiting plan. We must have been getting to close to one of the bamers prized comits.
Inside the Auburn Tigers just confirmed the JW hire to the Infidels!!!! DAMMMMIT!!!!
I would never turn on my SCHOOL!!!!
Willis on a stick?
Its possible Roof wasn't excited about not coaching LB's. So him and Willis never gelled.
Either way, Willis isn't getting invited to my bday party this year.
Oh this is bad! This is really bad!!
I hope Saban fires him after signing day and laughingly tells him "what? you thought i actually wanted you as a coach and thought you were that good and a great recruiter? please... I just wanted to screw up AU's recruiting 2 weeks before signing day... good luck chump."
Maybe PM did drugs for the first time today, and thought it'd be funny to start a rumor. :-)
Monica...Brother Oliver is the last coach to go directly to UhATe!
Trooper, Luper, Malzahn and Roof are recruiting machines right now and Willis was forth fiddle now!!!!
I think he had hard feelings
1. being fired.
2. not the top guy anymore.
Oh Well Life goes on!!!!
I'm speechless myself.
That sux for our Mobile connections!
We will live, in other news. The AU plane is heading to Memphis, who all is up there?
how do you recruit for AU and against spuat one day and completely switch and try to sell recruits on spuat and trash AU the very next day? How would recruits see that? Looks bad on him and isn't favorable for AU...
AUnMobile I sure hope those are the reasons he left. I sure hope it has nothing to do with our coach and his abilities (or perceived lack thereof).
I feel bad for the current players at AU that were close to Willis. They have to be feeling betrayed.
Sorry about that ... I was actually doing some research on women's basketball and lost track of my phone.
New thread up.
It happened at the peak of recruiting season, so I think that it was strictly a move to try and hurt AU's recruiting efforts. I still think that we were getting close to turning one of their prized recruits our way. Could be.
Jay G.
Did you have any idea this was coming.... any look on JW face that led you to believe he wanted to do something differently?
Thank you for the info, BigCAt.
This is why any time some fan says a coach "would NEVER do XYZ" I shake my head.
Wow Wow Wow. Willis to UA. Willis was a pretty good recruiter. Willis + REC turns him into a great recruiter. A real slap in the face to AU. Saben has AU in his cross hairs and knows how to pull the trigger. Many of his moves since he's been hired have been to weaken AU in recruiting.
Damn!!!
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