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2.05.2009

The HABOTN Signee Bios® (Episode I)

Hey everyone. Traffic was swole on Wednesday thanks, of course, to your undying love and support for our little endeavor here. Our accounting firm still is tabulating the final results. I'll pass along those numbers when I get 'em.

You're wondering to yourself: Can't I get some legitimate assessments of these signees?

For a lot of fans, these kids are just names and numbers on a list. The good news is that I met most of them, saw film on most of them, had some in-depth conversations with a few. So here are my thoughts.

(I'll break this up into chunks of nine to avoid a spammy post.)

TB Dontae Aycock
5-10, 215, Chamberlain HS (Tampa, Fla.)
Aycock is a newcomer to the Auburn scene. He was committed to Georgia Tech for months and was expected to emerge as an option quarterback for the Yellow Jackets. Aycock played that position in high school. Auburn recently offered Aycock a scholarship with plans to use him at tailback, which changed everything. He won the Guy Toph Award as the top high-school player in the Tampa area last season.

S Daren Bates
5-11, 195, Olive Branch HS (Olive Branch, Miss.)
Bates originally committed to Arkansas State before receiving sudden interest from Auburn and Alabama in mid-January. He's known as a hard hitter who will play safety in college. Smallish size kept many big-name programs away.

WR DeAngelo Benton
6-3, 205, Hargrave Military Academy (Bastrop, La.)
Benton may be the star of this class. He's a refined wideout with good hands, a thoughtful approach to route-running and toughness. He signed with LSU out of high school (2007) and again after a year at Hargrave Military Academy (2008), but more academic problems forced him out of football last fall. He's on track to gain academic qualification this summer and, at 21 years old, could provide immediate assistance at the Tigers' weakest position.

WR Emory Blake
6-1, 195, Stephen F. Austin HS (Austin, Texas)
Blake is a top-rated wideout who brings a variety of skills to Auburn. His father, Jeff Blake, spent 10 seasons as an NFL quarterback. The younger Blake has good straight-line speed and has learned how to be elusive in the open field. He thrived in a competitive league loaded with Bowl Subdivision signees. He chose Auburn over Texas Tech.

DE Terrance Coleman
6-1, 245, Williamson HS (Mobile)
Coleman was Auburn's first commitment, but his allegiance was anything but solid. He stayed with the Tigers after Tommy Tuberville's resignation. Still, he seriously considered offers from Arkansas, Tennessee and Ole Miss. Coleman is the nephew of senior defensive end Antonio Coleman. He profiles as a quick tackle or weak-side end in college.

ATH Robert Cooper
6-4, 205, Daphne HS (Daphne)
Cooper is expected to "gray shirt," or delay his enrollment until January. He elected to go this route rather than accept scholarship offers from UAB or South Alabama. He played quarterback at Daphne and exibited plenty of athleticism in that role. The downside is that Cooper isn't all that fast and quarterback won't be his position. His skill set reminds me of Will Herring -- a former Opelika High quarterback who became a useful linebacker and safety at Auburn.

DE/DT Nosa Eguae
6-2, 235, Summit HS (Mansfield, Texas)
Eguae committed to Colorado initially. After feeling uncomfortable about what the Buffaloes had to offer, he backed off that allegiance in December. Auburn assistant Curtis Luper called a few days later. Eguae formed a tight relationship with another Auburn assistant, Tracy Rocker, and committed to the Tigers in late January. He profiles as a strong-side end or tackle in college.

LB Jonathan Evans
6-0, 205, Blount HS (Mobile)
Evans is a middle or weak-side linebacker with refined cover skills, which is a coveted property in the college world. That explains why he turned down offers from Tennessee and Oklahoma State to attend Auburn. Evans committed to the Tigers last summer and never wavered from that position, which kept his name out of the mainstream during the winter. He is the younger brother of former Auburn linebacker Chris Evans.

DT Nick Fairley
6-4, 295, Mobile (Copiah-Lincoln C.C.)
Fairley signed with Auburn for a third time Wednesday. He was expected to enroll in December out of a Mississippi junior college, but the 2007 Williamson High graduate was denied academic clearance. Auburn now believes Fairley will be ready for summer admission. He played tight end in high school and has enough quickness to cause problems along the line of scrimmage. Fairley has three years of eligibility remaining.

88 Comments:

Blogger michael said...

sdfser wertwe we

8:38 AM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

My medical license expired at midnight, so I'll not be in the HABOTN medical clinic dispensing unsolicited medical advice today. Y'all have a HOTTIE of a day and WARRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!

8:38 AM  
Blogger scott,will not,from tucson said...

i'm still recovering from the mag. citrate you prescribed

8:40 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Michael, is that some kind of voodoo hex?

8:41 AM  
Blogger War Eagle Girl said...

Checkin in before work....need to get back to earning a livin! Thanks JayG for keeping us up to date and not having to surf all over the net to see what's happenin

8:41 AM  
Blogger War Eagle Girl said...

have you checked out Graham Dunn's new website?

8:42 AM  
Blogger michael said...

Well, it would be a hex, but I put a typo in it accidentally. You guys are lucky.

8:44 AM  
Blogger War Eagle Girl said...

Can't wait to hear you on the radio today...keep Josh in line! Have a great HOTTIE day!

8:44 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Heard about it vaguely, WEG.

I demolish my Montgomery competition and will continue to do so.

8:44 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

WEG, I took down the link.

They're technically trying to put me out of business, so I'm not going to promote their endeavor here.

8:46 AM  
Blogger JD said...

Good stuff Jay. However, when can we get some profiles on the hottie commitments?

8:46 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

JayDee: That's my next project.

Some of the RoF people haven't yet responded to my call for nominees. We're gathering information.

8:49 AM  
Blogger michael said...

Maybe it's because I have two young daughters, but I imagine Chizik and the coaches doing the Dora "We did it!" dance after landing some unexpected recruits yesterday.

Luper, Trooper, Gus, We did It!

8:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

JGT, thanks for keeping us up-to-date!

Who's Graham Dunn?

8:54 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Dude who used to write for the Advertiser.

8:56 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Did we ever have a conversation about how I love X-ray techs?

Spent my whole life around 'em.

I know all about Wm. Roentgen, too.

8:57 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You did tell me your dad is a radiologist.

Thanks for the love! We x-ray techs don't get much!

9:00 AM  
Blogger YoungPJ said...

Awesome insight about the commits. Going to be checking at every opportunity for the next episode!

9:03 AM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

I love 'em too, in the professionally appreciative sort of way.

9:05 AM  
Blogger tigercowboy said...

JGT,
After seeing what this staff has done in a relatively short time, do you feel good about their ability to take back some of the bammers mo...They got all dat swagger up in dar!!!

9:05 AM  
Blogger AUfan said...

I hate to get my hopes up on a player who has yet to enroll, but Fairley sounds like he could be a playmaking DT. Jay, do his skills remind you any of S Marks or would that be a reach?

9:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks, Dr. HABOTN! Here in the hospital, we are treated like the redheaded stepchild.

9:09 AM  
Blogger tigercowboy said...

DAuFan,

I have been told by more than one person on the circuit that Fairley is and was thought of extremely high. He truly was a target of Saban/Willis. I know he was being contacted by their committs and I was told he visited there 2 weeks ago though I can not confirm it. He will contribute early and often.

9:10 AM  
Blogger Miller said...

JGT,
Absolutely unsurpassed coverage! Well done sir!

Couple of requests, if you might indulge me...
For each guy could you list a recent AU player that the commit reminds you of (playing style/athletic ability/personality/whatever) or that you project them to resemble during their AU career? That might give some of us a point of reference since we haven't met these young men. Kind of like what you did on the Robert Cooper profile (he reminds me of Herring as well).
Also, when you finish up the signee bios... Could you give a short list of the new signees that you, personally, were/are most impressed with and look forward to covering and why? (I.e. I know you have mentioned Eguae as intriguing previously)

If you don't have time, or don't want to just say no can do. It is interesting to hear your insight and thoughts on these kids since it is different from the coach speak

9:23 AM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

"Some of the RoF people haven't yet responded to my call for nominees. We're gathering information."

Jay,

Did I miss something?

9:26 AM  
Blogger AUfan said...

tigercowboy, thanks for the info. I see AU having several solid d-lineman, but other than the AC's, penetration in the backfield seems to be somewhat lacking. Maybe some of the players yet to see the field have more of this type ability. Weren't Lykes and Savage getting positive reviews last fall?

9:27 AM  
Blogger astatguy said...

Great job on the whole recruiting saga, Jay. I really enjoyed your coverage, and I especially enjoyed seeing your work referenced on other sites.

9:28 AM  
Blogger Seanzie said...

Jay, once again good stuff from a real insider's perspective. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the radio this afternoon.

I feel like this was a fantastic transition class. In the big picture it's not great but it's certainly not bad by any stretch. It will be interesting to see if we can add some depth and find some playmakers on offense and reestablish some team chemistry. I know I'm a homer but the wheels don't just fall off the wagon overnight, therefore I believe we had most of the tools we just didn't use them the right way in 2008.

9:36 AM  
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

nice summaries.

who's trying to put you out of bidness JGT?

michael jan terri---quick, cast your voodoo hex!!!!

9:37 AM  
Blogger tigercowboy said...

Yes they were...I really think we are going to see a lot of moving parts this year. I can see us stealing from the DL to strengthen or OL. It is not ideal but it is what it is. I am sure they are focussing heavily on OL prospects for next year. Kind of like bama is focussing on LB prospects I think they are a little thin there.

9:40 AM  
Blogger michael said...

sdf sd sdgsd fggfgdfg dfgdf

There, I just made Graham Dunn and anyone who visits his site impotent. That ought to do it.

9:51 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

RK: New RoF inductees aren't allowed to vote on the next class. It eliminates the possibility of nepotism or cronyism.

You remain cherished.

9:52 AM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Jay GT - work slowed just long enough for me to read your detailed analyses (Episode 1). Absolutely superb work, as always. No other AU beat reporter comes close to your combination of journalistic skills and football savvy analysis.

9:52 AM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Should fggfgdfg have been fgdfgdfg ?
The former looks more like the breast growing hex than the impotent hex. But I'm not the expert.

9:54 AM  
Blogger Seanzie said...

Jhag...how goes the college search?

9:57 AM  
Blogger Norm said...

I thought I detected the "Tourette's Syndrome" hex there but like Doc, I'm not the expert.

9:57 AM  
Blogger michael said...

Wow.... so apparently the RoF is not exactly knights at the round table. It's like Orwell wrote, "All Ring of Fire members are created equal. Just some are more equal than others."

And Doc, it is perfectly likely I messed up that hex. What can I say, I have never been a stickler for details.

10:00 AM  
Blogger Commish of Old Pimps said...

The Infidels are dancing in the street celebrating another coveted crutin' nat'l championship.

Just remember, with a name like 10,000 nuns and orphans eaten by rats, you KNOW it has to be good.

10:03 AM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Good work JG! Are you on the Plains this evening for AU/Ole Miss?

Also I'm in Montgomery tomorrow so if you guys are at Salsarita's I'm coming for lunch.

10:06 AM  
Blogger AUMom said...

JGT, thanks to you, I sound knowledgeable at the gym.

This morning, I was able to talk about the signings with a GA Tech guy and (shamefully) a Bammer. But, at least, I knew what I was talking about it.

You do fabulous work.

10:08 AM  
Blogger Dear Leader said...

JGT

One of my peeps was stating Trent Richardson had an open mic issue during his press conference yesterday? Any truth to that and can you dig up the video????

I heard it was priceless...

10:12 AM  
Blogger michael said...

You should have told the Bammer, "I don't follow recruiting," and walked away. No need to subject yourself to gloating from those types at this time.

10:14 AM  
Blogger Norm said...

You should've looked at the Bammer and said; "I breaka with thee, I breaka with thee, I breaka with thee." And then thrown dog poop on his shoes.

10:16 AM  
Blogger Seanzie said...

Around the office most of the Bammer fans are alumni from other schools and when they start talking recruiting victories I quickly how ask how their alma mater did and how're they're looking for next season. This tactic, 60% of the time, works everytime.

10:17 AM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

OK I'm passing out a few recruit awards:

Best Nickname
Eltoro "Da Bull" Freeman
Taikwon "Doe" Paige

Best Recruit Sequel
RB Brandon Jacobs (lets hope this relationship turns out better than the original)

Recruit most likely to come to campus driving a BMW that a booster didnt pay for
Emory Blake

10:17 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

The HABOTN Signee Bios® (Episode I)= Most excellent info

Monica = appreciative

10:18 AM  
Blogger Norm said...

I still haven't seen confirmation as to whether or not Aubie has committed to FB???

10:20 AM  
Blogger Seanzie said...

Just to keep the streak alive, I wonder how many of the new recruits would get the Tony Franklin "I'm a dumbass and so can you!" stamp of approval?

10:22 AM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

Great info Jay G. as always

Now we are all looking forward to your riveting assesment of Josh Jackson ;-)

10:27 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

BigCat - LOVE this one Emory Blake one and agree - I really like that kid.

GAtiger- If Aubie has committed to FB I don't know about it.

10:27 AM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Most likely to have the name on his jersey printed in a smaller font
Philip Lutzenkirchen

10:28 AM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

AUBigcat- I look forward to seeing Phillip Lutz. jersey. It should be one long name.

10:30 AM  
Blogger Miller said...

Speaking of Aubie and FB.... If one of yous added me this mornin on FB please raise your right hand (and left foot and hop up and down and pat your tummy with your left hand and snort... Twice).
Thanks!

10:30 AM  
Blogger Prowler said...

Durst returns to Tigers

Wednesday, February 04, 2009
By EVAN WOODBERY
Times Auburn Writer evan.woodbery@htimes.com

Scholarship issue still uncertain

AUBURN - Punter Clinton Durst has returned to Auburn's football team, a source close to the team told The Times on Tuesday.
Durst could not be reached for comment and information about his scholarship status was unclear.

10:31 AM  
Blogger Prowler said...

Jay,

Do you know if there are any scholarships available that Durst may receive?

10:32 AM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Off topic, but the Mob Wars game on facebook is addicting. Just thought I would share.

10:33 AM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

Thank you Eddie...cause I dont have enough things on the internet occupying my time. ;-)

10:37 AM  
Blogger Miller said...

Eddie, I need more folks in my mob... Add me

10:38 AM  
Blogger Aubie said...

I decided not to sign with Facebook yesterday. I am waiting to see where all the other ODD recruits signed. I don't want to ride the pine.
Considering offers from MySpace, LinkedIn, and classmates.com, and ravelry.

10:42 AM  
Blogger JgobravesHAG said...

seanz you talking bout my college search or what?

10:44 AM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

I have a Mob Wars icon on my facebook page. Everyone can signup there.

10:45 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

Clearly you don't know a good offer when you're getting one.

10:46 AM  
Blogger Aubie said...

Ravelry is in the lead. It is close to home, so my posse can see me do my thing. Also, they could use my talents.

10:46 AM  
Blogger Seanzie said...

Jhag, I was asking you about yours...yes.

10:51 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

ok. that makes sense.

10:51 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

Jay G (or anyone else), did you happen to catch the Auburn baseball practice/scrimmage last Sunday? I'd like to know what those young pitchers looked like.

10:53 AM  
Blogger Miller said...

If you want to go somewhere small and never get the recognition you deserve, go for it. But, you could be a star on the big stage Aubie. Think about it.

10:53 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

...or a star on the small stage instead of face in the crowd in the big leagues. It will give you time to develop your talent outside of the watchful critical eye, and next thing you know, you'll be Joe Flaco.

10:57 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

If you do join Ravelry, though, I will want socks soon. My toes are FREEEZING today from walking the dog in flip-flops. 32°F this morning when I woke up.

11:00 AM  
Blogger Seanzie said...

For all the veterans, what time does the show start this afternoon?

11:02 AM  
Blogger Denny Crum said...

I never understood some of the radio talking heads that said Durst would have to prove himself to the new Auburn coaches. Durst isn't like Rudy or something, some kind of intangible practice player with the 'heart and soul' to make everyone better. Durst has a body of work that can be reviewed after punting in the SEC for a season. He beat out the other guy, who shall remain nameless, for the job. This was done so primarily by objective means of measuring performance.

Excuse me everybody, scholarships are RENEWABLE every year. The guy that needs to prove himself is the other guy that Durst beat out in legitimate and objective competition.

So to say that Durst will need to 'prove' himself to Chizik and the others is really a ignorant thing to say (Sorry Auburn 93.9 Sports Radio guys), but it really is. And while I am on the subject, I really enjoy Bill on 93.9, but the younger guys on both shows, Lord, some of the things they say, especially the dude from Florida, I just shake my head.

Thank you Jay G for demolishing your Montgomery competition and for taking on the Man.

11:03 AM  
Blogger FSJ said...

Thanks Eddie...

I need to check that game out..

11:05 AM  
Blogger atlantatiger said...

Any news when and who will be fliing the coaching vacancies?

11:06 AM  
Blogger JgobravesHAG said...

I have Auburn first and foremost I'm thinking I will get in but if now I think I'm headed to Ole Miss... Georgia Southern and ECU are the sleeper schools with little chance of getting me

11:15 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

oh, Jay G, I wanted to say a special thanks for the Twitter updates yesterday. I was strictly a smartphone HABOTNer yesterday, and it was tough to keep up at times. Twitter updates rule...and I find it funny when i get them, and ms.soon to be frankenschmidt asks me who's texting me. I still haven't figured out how to explain twitter to her.

11:15 AM  
Blogger Commish of Old Pimps said...

This from an LSU site about losing Benton. Seems the reputation of the B'ham sports radio "buffoons" is known far and wide:

"It appears that in order for us to sign Rueben Randle, we had to part ways with Deangelo Benton. I don't know if LSU actually rescinded his scholarship offer, or if he just decided himself that there was too much trouble associated with his recruitment to LSU, but he ended up signing with Auburn. According to the local Birmingham sports talk radio buffoons who talked to Benton's high school coach, this came as a big surprise to him, as Benton had just re-affirmed his commitment to LSU last night."

11:16 AM  
Blogger Seanzie said...

Jhag...sounds good...here's hoping you're a Tiger come fall.

11:17 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

good luck jhag. whats the difference in out of state tuition between the four schools?


Ft Lauderdale to Statesboro would be an interesting change of scenery, that's for sure. At least there's a college feel there, but boy!, that'd be crazy o me.

11:21 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

you know, I've been to Bastrop. For anyone from there to call anyone from another place names is beyond farcical.

11:24 AM  
Blogger Miller said...

PF... I am lost when it comes to twitter. I use Viigo for rss and atom feeds on my BB (great lil app btw, if anyone wants an invite hit me up on BBM - 2454E6CF), but I have no clue what twitter is. I keep seeing references, but it flies right over my head.

11:25 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

Miller = twitterpated

11:29 AM  
Blogger YoungPJ said...

I'm still trying to figure out best way to read/post comments using iPod touch. It takes forever to scroll down the page

11:31 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

d. twitter is like facebook, but only the status updates. you can "follow" someone, and anything they broadcast (in 140 characters or less) is sent to your site on twitter.com (you log in and have a home page like all of the other social networking sites). You can option to have select users broadcasts sent to your mobile in the form of a text message. Blackberry and iPhone both have twitter apps, so you don't have so many twitter texts clogging your phone, the updates would be sent to the app, and then your phone alerts you of updates.

When I'm on the go, I can broadcast updates by texting them to twitter...you can also send private message


For my purpose, any time Jay, a couple of friends, or the AJC sports desk twitter, I get a text telling me what's going on. Pretty cool.

11:32 AM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Oh, to be young and tech savvy.

Wow, I've used "savvy" twice today. Is that snarfy?

11:35 AM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

new post/thread is up and running

11:37 AM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

11:38 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Thanks for the excellent coverage Jay. I am curious how much elligibility Benton has remaining.

12:21 PM  
Blogger ADP said...

I thought I knew everybody in this town, but I have never heard of Graham Dunn.

12:23 PM  

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