The HABOTN Signee Bios® (Episode II)

FRIDAY MORNING
Post No. 1,041

Hey everyone. Let's take a peek at the next group of 2009 Auburn signees.

I divided the list into three groups so it wouldn't be spammy. Episode I was yesterday. Check below for that information.

LB/DE Donald "Dee" Ford
6-2, 190, St. Clair County HS (Odenville)
Ford played mostly in anonymity in high school, which eliminated the opportunity for hype. He played outside linebacker at St. Clair County, but Ford believes the Tigers want to use him as a speed-rush guy at end. Either way, he'll need a year of intensive weight training. He looks like a wideout right now.

LB Harris Gaston
6-4, 225, Bessemer Academy (Bessemer)
Gaston is an intriguing prospect. He was a dominating outside linebacker in high school who scared opponents with his ferocity. The problem is that he played in a private-school league. The competition wasn't notable. Is Gaston good enough to thrive against top public-school products? He showed refined aptitude for run-stopping and pass-coverage responsibilities in high school.

•WR Anthony Gulley
5-11, 185, Brantley HS (Brantley)
Gulley is another small-school product, though Brantley High is a consistent contender for the Class 1A championships. Gulley was the Bulldogs' do-everything guy last season and emerged as a lower-tier prospect. He's very quick. The knock is that Gulley isn't a big guy and his narrow frame suggests he won't be getting much bigger. Auburn thinks he'll emerge as an ideal option at slot receiver, where he can catch quick throws and use quickness to break free.

OL Andre Harris
6-4, 325, Lovejoy HS (Hampton, Ga.)
Harris committed to Auburn last summer and never seriously considered another scholarship offer. He had plenty -- from Tennessee, Rutgers and several Atlantic Coast Conference schools. He tipped the scales at 330 as a junior, but he arrived at his official visit in early January at 305. He projects as a guard in college.

DT Josh Jackson
6-2, 260, Gainesville HS (Gainesville, Ga.)
Jackson is a virtual unknown in the recruiting community. Auburn assistant Tracy Rocker, during his days at Ole Miss, monitored Jackson closely and offered a scholarship earlier this week. The north Georgia prospect looks like a long-term project.

•RB Brandon Jacobs
6-1, 230, Parkview HS (Lilburn, Ga.)
Jacobs is a bulky back who brings power to the field. He's a long strider much like Carl Stewart, who played at Auburn earlier this decade. Jacobs received some January attention from Tennessee. Jacobs has the build and talent to play several different positions on both sides of the ball. His college role is unclear.

WR LaVoyd James
5-10, 175, Williamson HS (Mobile)
James is another of the short receivers Auburn targeted for Tony Franklin's spread offense. Williamson used James an slot receiver and he thrived in that role, showing no fear with crossing routes. He's has good lateral acceleration and has a refined approach to eluding defenders. James is a small player and doesn't have elite top-line speed.

CB Izauea Lanier
6-1, 185, Gordo HS (Carrollton)
Lanier is was a two-way player at Gordo. Auburn's new coaching staff viewed film of Lanier's work at cornerback and soon made an offer to play defense. He's more raw on that side of the ball, which signals a longer learning curve. Lanier said recently that his grades have improved significantly since his junior year and he expects to qualify.