Friday chatter
Hey everyone. So we all know the Tigers practiced Thursday, but what were they saying afterward?
Glad you asked. Keep in mind that us beat hacks don't ask about practice every day because, you know, that gets boring. So we ask about a variety of different things. If some of this stuff seems tangential, it probably is.
Gotta change it up sometimes.
GENE CHIZIK SPEAKS
- On Thursday's practice: "I thought their effort was really, really good and we’re a little bit sloppy as far as execution goes today, defensively and offensively simply because we put in some more stuff today. The effort was really good. I thought they were focused for the most part. The sloppiness, I think, of execution just comes with more and more that you install. We’ll get better with that."
- On what they can accomplish without pads: "What we’re all looking for right now is how to practice. I think the practice expectations of tempo, how we’re going to approach the ball defensively as far as getting yourself in positions to tackle; offensively, position blocking or getting all of your receiver split and your tailbacks lined up and the quarterbacks reads."
TRACK ROCKER SPEAKS
- On freshman DE Cam Henderson: "He has an attitude, he has something in him. He can be special. We just have to keep training him. He's a bit raw in fundamentals, but he has also the want-to. My thing is, I have to realize he's a basketball-type-looking-body guy. I have to be a little bit more patient with him and take a little bit more time with him to get him fundamentally sound."
- On having flashbacks to his playing days ... same field and all: "It's something you really can't believe. I walk out there that first day and I'm like, 'I'm back out here as a coach. We used to have fundamentals over there on that field..." I could remember what we did at every place on that field. And that's the uniqueness of it. One thing about it, you always prepare hard there and went over to that stadium and let it all go. That's the uniqueness of it. There's a sense of pride when I walk out there. It's a sense of tradition and history of all the people that came through here and left a lot on that practice field."
TOMMY THIGPEN SPEAKS
- On his initial thoughts about recruiting: "There has been a lot of traffic through Auburn. If you get a kid on campus, that's all it takes. This place sells itself. The people around here -- young, old, black, white, Chinese, brown -- are Auburn. Everybody around here loves Auburn. We've been on the buzz. Look on the internet. Everybody's talking about us. Once we start getting it rolling and win a few games, the recruiting will take care of itself."
- On his approach to recruiting: (He handles eastern Birmingham, Atlanta and south Florida) "When was Auburn good? When we controlled two states: Alabama and Georgia. If we get those two states -- that's my main concentration -- then we won't have to go outside of that. I do Pahokee, the glades, Ft. Lauderdale. I'm going to recruit it, but I'm hoping we don't make it that far."
Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University
posted by Jay G. Tate at
9:48 AM
145 Comments:
Substance
with a "NO DROPPED BALLS"
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No drops.
I think Ziemba's knee is 80-90, but improving quickly.
Where did the Ziemba question go?
How do you not like Tracy Rocker? I am glad he's back.
that was a retorical question
great quote by rocker.
What is all this Rocker jibber jabber?
Rocker, Thigpen and Roof all recruit Atlanta.
You think Auburn will increase its presence there? Yea, me too.
you didn't give us a chance to answer. I was gonna say "maybe"
I made a minor adjustment to the RoF ... divided it into classes.
The asterisk thing was ugly.
In the RoF, all members are equal. Just some are more equal than others.
Ziemba comment/question went bye bye. due to technical difficulties.
The story is interesting. I wonder if he'll be where he should be by the end of his junior year, after effectually(according to the story) losing his sophomore season to mental and physical breakdown.I don't think so, but I think he'll enter his senior season in a good place. It'll be fun to see what he's got this year.
Michael, nice quote from...Animal Farm, right?
Jay, I liked the story on Ziemba, I'm looking forward to what he can do this season.
On something Jay G. mentioned yesterday, Kodi Burns having trouble throwing the football. I think that will be a recurrent comment throughout the spring, summmer, and fall. I don't want to sound negative, but I guess it is in response to the almost pollyanna belief that Kodi Burns was better than what he has shown for the past two seasons.
indeed, Seanzie
My opinion on Burns has diminished with every game he's played, and while I understand that he has been limited due to the revolving door at offensive coordinator and weak play by the offensive line, the moments where he had opportunities to show brilliance, he didn't.
From Rocker "he's got a baketball looking body" I'm going out on a limb and thinking he's a tall lean guy, but not necessarily a lot of meat. Fundamentals are going to help his size?
Jay, do you think Ziemba is the one player AU could least afford to lose to injury?
Watching the vid of the screen passes, Kodi's still getting it to the backs' feet. Is that something he can be coached up to fix?
I love Auburn.
Well now Tommy I'm sure that's up for debate, but at this point you don't need a Junior learning how to throw a 10 yard swing and hit a guy in the hands.
Damn the rain and storms, I'm heading to AU for some music and some Q. A buddy of mine is judging.
That's what I thought Seanzie. I wonder how much time they are willing to take, before they suggest another position.
Kodi has to be the guy. He can throw the ball really hard.
The only other position Kodi can play is backup QB.
backup qb is the best position on the team. I would be great at it, unless the starter got hurt. then i would suck.
Michael, I agree with you, sitting on the pine is Kodi's future position. Him and Todd can swap war stories about the competition to be no. 1 while watching someone else actually do it.
According to TT, the backup QB is always the most popular guy on the team. Sounds like a good deal to me. I'd rather be popular than successful.
This is true, the backup is "always" better. I'll never forget during the 1999 season when the Titans made the Super Bowl, Neil O'Donnell was considered awesome and Steve McNair should be on the bench. Oh how silly we were.
there is nothing more important than being popular
From the previous thread:
scott from tucson said...
my golf tip is to take several sleeves of balls. that way you can always "find" your ball in the middle of the fairway
LOL scott, I always bring PLENTY of balls!
Harrison, my bracket is screwed too. I'm WAY out of it now.
Dang it, Memphis. Nova did what they were supposed to do, man that Memphis pick feels ill-advised now.
Seanzie, I had them taking it all! I was doing so well, until Memphis and Duke lost. Dang it!
Well Luv, you learned your first lesson...Duke will always break your bracket.
I am planning on playing pickup basketball today. Maybe instead of actually playing, I will sit on the sideline the entire time and let everyone know I will only play to take someone's place if they are injured during the game. My popularity level will be overwhelming. I can't wait!
Monica, It's a Wonderful Life is one of my favorite movies. I watch it every Christmas. I've seen it about 20 times. (there are very few movies I will watch more than once).
Seanzie, I will definitely remember that next year!
make sure to trash talk from the bench. then when they ask you to play limp around and mumble something about a bad ankle.
"When we controlled two states: Alabama and Georgia. If we get those two states -- that's my main concentration -- then we won't have to go outside of that. I do Pahokee, the glades, Ft. Lauderdale. I'm going to recruit it, but I'm hoping we don't make it that far."
Interesting quote by Thigpen, but I'm not sure how to take it.
Ft. Lauderdale is still huge for us, we can't take our pipeline that we've had at Dillard for granted.
If they ask me to play, I will probably just pee my pants and run away. Hey, they called my bluff, what can you do? I'd be like Madoff. Yep, you got me, but boy was I livin the life when things were good!
I lived in Huntsville and had enough engineer friends there to know if you have any athletic talent you'd be the JOhn Stockton of engineer pickup games
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woo-hoo, Congress is ignoring the recession and bailout issues to deal with college football. They're currently reviewing BCS antitrust allegations.
Story
i'd like to see a more national recruiting base with a focus on AL, GA & FL. if you have success in those states and grab a few good ones from MS, SC, LA, TX & AR. it looks like the new coaches are proving they can do what the last staff could not and actually land a few of those recruits rather than coming in a perpetual #2. i'd also like to see AU get a few from places like VA and CA. the warm weather factor can be huge to draw kids from up north. FL & Corndog U seem to do it frequently. i sure would rather play in 50-60 degree weather in november instead of 6 inches of snow in a blizzard.
What's funny is how a bunch of business terminology is used when theoretically college athletics is an amateur endeavor. You know, the schools are educational institutes, not businesses... in theory.
I want good players at Auburn,I don't care how they do it. Recruit only top stars nationally and build pipelines locally.
Chip chip and michael, I agree with your thoughts on recruiting nationally. But, playing in 80-90 degree weather in Sept. and Oct. can be brutal too.
PF, they have WAY more important issues to deal with right now than wasting time on the BCS!
i don't see how recruiting Florida is not a pretty high priority. Loads of talent to go around in that state
Can you not recruit players and not limit yourself to geographical areas? I guess that's where the relationship building with HS coaches comes into play.
"This place sells itself. The people around here -- young, old, black, white, Chinese, brown -- are Auburn. Everybody around here loves Auburn."
This is my favorite quote!
Also LUV, A Wonderfu Life is my favorite...can't see it too much and I have watched Wizard of Oz every year since I was young...never missed it on TV before tapes
The monkeys always scared me!
Do we know if the FB recruiting is against the rules yet?
Michael, I need your help for the HABOTN FAQ.
Can you give me an official definition of Puppet Hour? I consider you an expert.
You can post it here or email me at jgtate@gannett.com.
JGT - I didn't appreciate the quality of your videos until I watched Goldberg's. He appears to be shooting in the midst of a powerful earthquake, but only he is affected.
And there were virtually no calf shots. Amateur.
I was one who wanted Kodi to be the starter and felt like better coaching would improve his accuracy. Having seen the video I am now questioning that. At this point in his development he should not be throwing a short swing pass at the back's feet everytime. Its still early in camp, maybe they can fix it. As long as we have a competent qb I don't care who it is.
I love how Jay G. accepts puppet hour even though he's not quite sure what it is. Thats faith in you readers,man.
How quickly some Hotties forget...Kodi won the TN game last year..who was throwing those balls to Mario against UGA..yes that was a loss but I don't put that one on Kodi..I realize that he has lost more game than he won but I think Kodi has something special..I really hope he gets the nod for starter and he gets a chance to make it his team from the start..I really believe that I will be saying I told you so by the time we reach November..I know I am in the minority here but Kodi is the future..
Harrison, he defined it before. I just forgot. I understand the experience; just don't know how to quantify it.
See Goldberg's video here.
I caution the elderly, pregnant, and those prone to motion sickness.
And yes JGT, I will refrain from taking shots at fellow bloggers in the future. I really do like the guy. He's about the best north AL has to offer.
Harrison, that's why we're the Hotties!
Has Michael ever lost a finger in a puppet attack? Then he can't talk about puppets.
I really like reading baseball stats. There's something wrong with me.
baseball box scores = nerd alert!
welcome to the club
and i don't doubt kodi can make plays with both his arm and his feet. inconsistency has been the issue. two great plays and two bad ones get you beat 90% of the time. i've seen what he CAN do, just execute at that high level every time. perfection.
I'm not real sure i know how to quantify it, except it's the most awesome hour of the day or worst hour of the day if you're a puppet
So, the 49ers won't draft Matt Stafford (as if he'd be around after the first pick, anyway) because they don't like how he's dealt with his parents divorce. Seriously?
if Pondscum hates on gberg on the radio all the time, gberg must be doing something right.
ehyou, you weren't kidding!! I had to stop before the end because I was getting nauseated.
peter, I can't believe that either. I probably would have been a smart aleck like Stafford, too.
Chip chip,
I'm not totally sure I've seen Kodi execute at a high level as of yet.
What does Stafford's parents getting divorced have anything to do with football??? Ummm...I think he proved at UGA that he can play.
I really liked John Cooper...wish Lebo had his personality
Gberg does a really good job and scoops a lot of stories and I don't think that some of these guys like that.
oh yeah, hello all and afternoon.
BigEZ said...
Gberg does a really good job and scoops a lot of stories and I don't think that some of these guys like that.
BigEZ, to whom are you referring when you say "these guys"?
And... That's why the 49ers suck.
JGT, have you seen where a few Senators are proposing a bill that would give local newspapers 'non-profit' status making them tax exempt in hopes that it might save the newspaper industry? They said it would not apply to large conglomerations.
I don't think Fbaum respects it, or at least acts like he doesn't on the radio. I'm pretty sure P. Marshall doesn't like to get scooped. I heard he was pissed when he got scooped on the "sociology" thing broken by the NY Times people.
I was really just commenting on Chip Chip's comment about the issue. Pondscum = Finebaum, I think.
Goldberg is a "friend" of mine. I like him.
He doesn't have to name his sources. He's beaten my butt on plenty of stories. We've also tied lots of times, but you all think he wins those because he writes it without sourcing. I can't do that.
So before we start playing the Goldberg scoops everyone, including the Pope on Vatican issues game, I just wanted to make sure we're all on the same page.
Woodbery quoting Thigpen quoting Mac Brown:
'I'm going to tell you one of the best, fiery young coaches, most talented coaches coming up, one of the best I've ever had coach for me, is Gene Chizik.'
I was a baseball stat-nerd as a kid. Baseball is so much of a situational chess match that stats aren't as relevant as in other sports. One successful coach may coach strictly by the percentages and another on gut feel. I would have to watch the games/coaching regularly to piece together any meaning from the stats.
Luv..good point about 90 deg in September. I never considered that recruits from up north would dodge the heat. Wonder how big a factor that is?
That really is a great comment by Thigpin. I am liking where this staff seem to have their heads. WIN what in near you first. Thigpin's comments about recruiting in the glades, ft lauderdale, and south florida areas speak volumes. Since Richt and Satan have gotten their ducks in a row and locked down GA and AL, look how many players have been coming out of South Florida. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing. It just shows the previous staff was giving up local grown and SETTLING for what was left (after UF, FSU, MIAMI, and even USF) got their gimmes. I like the mindset. I would rather compete for talent in Alabama and Georgia that settle and share for whats left in south florida.
Finebaum hates everyone. He's a disrespectful and artifically cynical radio host who sees the sports world as a cold, angry, hateful place without any redeeming qualities.
He's actually a pretty nice guy in person, though.
I prefer sourced stories that don't have to be retracted.
Just a personal preference... Call me nuts if you'd like.
I'd never know if Finebaum was nice or not...i'd be too busy wailing on him.
It was just a general statement about the people chip chip mentioned. Nothing personal to anyone. I don't work in the business so I don't have a feeling either way, just think that Gberg does a really good job along with our "JG" that's all. Not trying to stir a pot or anything.
Inadvertent stirring I guess.
Why don't you tell us how you really feel about him JGT?
for some reason War Eagle Girls's pic makes me want a $5 footlong...
This next item has nothing to do with Goldberg, but on the no-sourcing issue ...
WHAS, the ABC affiliate in Louisville, broke into Grey's Anatomy last night to "break" news that Billy Gillispie had been fired as Kentucky's basketball coach.
This still hasn't happened and may not. Either way, I'm 100% sure WHAS does NOT have this information. They're guessing and it's pathetic.
Unconscionable.
I really want Cameron Henderson to play just so when he gets a sack they can play over the PA system
LET MY CAMERON GO!!!
2 years and out, if it's true. Ridiculous
I can see a Roseanne Roseanna Danna moment in their future if this doesn't happen.
Nevermind.
Jay G is there any substance to the Fox 10 news report last night here in Mobile that Will Muschamp will be the next Head Coach of Kentucky Basketball? My fiance said she saw on WSFA that Steve Spurrier was going to also be the next head coach of Kentucky basketball.
Kind of like Tubreville to R-Kansas huh?
I guess they justify it by calling it a "Developing" story.
ehyou, right on.
"Developing" means: I have no idea if this is true, but now I have an alibi if I'm ultimately proven wrong.
why is Mr. United giving props to the Hotties? Is he is a hottie?
I read in the AJC over lunch in Macon today .....that they're gonna stop distribution of the AJC in Macon.
Wonderful. As bad as AJC is, local is much worse.
Jay used to not like for Mr. United. Wonder if they have mediated any sort of issues they had.
ehyou, the only thing good to come out of Macon, GA sat on the dock of the bay...
Don't forget the Allman Bros
jd, that's weird. I put that picture up and then I bought a footlong yesterday for 2 days lunch...think there's a connection?
love me some allman bros and otis redding
The Allman Brothers are the best thing to come out of Macon with Otis Redding being a close 2nd.
okay ehyou. I thought the allman brothers were from Jacksonville.
I'm telling you WEG, Chiz is on the take from Subway.
Anyone watched the "Bully Beatdown" show on MTV yet?
Macon still have that cherry pie festival?
We're both right Biscuit. Formed in Jaconsonville, based in Macon virtually entire career.
I have met Mr. United in real life. He was supportive of the HABOTN.
I don't know if he's a HOTTIE. I don't ask these questions because some people value their (relative) anonymity.
Cherry Blossom. It started last weekend and concludes tomorrow.
Duane and Gregg were born in Nashville, grew up in Nashville and Orlando...they played their first gig in Jacksonville and then moved to Macon to make their 1st album where they stayed for a good time.
JGT,
I have been hiding out for a while reading but not playing. I have been told that Neil Caudle will be the man to beat out by fall by one of his former coaches down here. Do you get any sense of that?
Nevermind Skynard was from Jacksonville, FL. Allman Bros were from Macon, That's right.
I agree in the Alltime good stuff to come from Macon, GA it would go:
1) Allman Brothers
2) Otis Redding
3)Little Richard
HABOTN FAQ is up. Please suggest changes and additions.
If it's from one of Caudle's former Auburn coaches, I'll assume they meant one to beat up, not one to beat out because they were really down on him.
Just my 2 cents.
I meant Daytona, not Orlando when talking about the Allman Bros.
It drops off pretty fast after that. Don't forget the kaolin mines.
I believe that Jay G may be Mr. United.
Cherry blossom festival, and yes.
Ehyou,
You don't like the Macon Telegraph? C'mon man... There's some funny chit in there!
I use to hear the same thing but I was also told it was the Tub's era that had the no player tag on him. I still can not figure out how you make it to the elite 11 and not be able to sniff the field.
We forgot one more Macon treasure... The Macon Whoppie a minor league or semi-pro hockey team from years back.
Just saw on cbs sportsline that Gillispie will be let go. 3:30 pm cdt presser
Don't forget one of Macon's best products...HABOTN poster of the thread ehyoutiger!
Who does UK think they are? Dook?
They should keep Gillispie.
I went to many a Macon Whoopie game in college.
We used to play football at center ice during the intermissions.
Good beer specials. Ahhh, fun times!
Auburn ever have any stars from the Cherry Blossom City?
Kentucky did not give him enuf time. This ain't right. If Meeks does not go NBA they will be pretty good next season.
Wikipedia cited Sidney Lanier was from Macon. This would make him #3 on the list behind Otis Redding.
I am Mr. United
psyche!
Hoopie,
I disagree completely (unless you sample size is one game or series). Stats tell the story in baseball far more than any other sports. You're right insomuch as it is situational, but the thing is, baseball provides very specific situational stats that most sports don't.
It's pretty hard to figure out how many yards you should expect out of a running back on a certain down against a certain defensive set because a) there is generally not a large enough sample to be predictive and b) there are too many other moving parts.
I could go on forever with this argument, but I won't. Fact is, Baseball stats provide predictive value.
I agree with bummer. Quantitatively, baseball stats tell you the most about any given team or player. That's why Moneyball statistical methods are all the rage in baseball and still in their infancy in basketball, and to my knowledge not used very much at all in football.
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That's 2-1, Hoopie. I want an apology. You hurt my feelings. :P
High five 'bummer!
Make it 3-1. I am firmly in the "stats matter in baseball" camp.
Partially why I admit to being a stat nerd and thouroughly enjoy reading baseball boxscores.
Too bad boxscores only tell a small sampling of the story. I would love to see pitch count analysis and which pitches were thrown in what count in certain situations.
Make it 4-1!
Oh wait, I already voted. Nevermind.
As you were.
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I can't WAIT for the season... Jay G, have you seen Demond yet???
Jay I was looking at your bracket and you and myself need Louisville to go down. You did good with the nova pick. With the championship pick
getting 32 points a lot of people still have a chance.
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