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3.29.2009

Video practice report, 3/29

I have disabled auto-play on the Sunday night video.

You can see it here: WATCH FREEMAN, MCCALEBB AND MALZAHN COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR MOUTH

267 Comments:

War Eagle Girl said...: Uno....Jay you sure did stay up late to give us the latest! Thanks!; 10:54 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: one again!; 10:54 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: damn you...i lied; 10:54 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: He makes reference to his difficult home situation there, saying the bit about "getting my mama off the streets."; 10:54 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: hag, you can have my place since you stayed up late!; 10:55 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Well Eltoro is a grown man, and a scary one at that...i like his voice, sounds badarse; 10:57 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: gus acts a little disappointed in the talent of the players...he really has his work cut out for him.
Bull loves Auburn and understand about coaching changes
Ontario has heart and that's what is important!!; 10:59 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: Thanks jay, now you can go to bed! Sweet Dreams!
and you to jhag!; 11:00 PM
FSJ said...: I'm for any young person that rises above their past to change their life and potentially the lives of future generations in their family......

Doesn't matter the color of the jersey they wear on Saturdays either.; 11:01 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Agree 100% faker; 11:11 PM
FSJ said...: SIAP...Outstanding commercial here..

You can thank me later..

Not exactly Tom Cruise; 11:16 PM
Miller said...: I was looking forward to seeing Onterio on the field before... But, now, I really want to see him succeed, on the field and off the field. It is always nice to see a kid do whatever it takes to build a better life for himself and his family... and do it the right way.

I wish we had a full roster of players with the heart of Onterio and the love for AU that Eltoro exhibits...; 11:32 PM
Wakeriderof87 said...: East bound and down, load it up and truck it, we're gonna do what they say can't be done.

Just watched that movie, now I want a trans am and a coors light. (althought I'll take a 69 over a 79 thanks); 11:32 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: We're 20 minutes ahead of scheduuuule.; 12:21 AM
chip chip said...: if anyone thinks OM is too small, remember one name Tyrone Prothro. he would be playing on sundays if not for a dumbarse coach trying to run up the score in a game that was over. football should be easy after what OM has been through to this point. we should all be rooting for him even if he never plays a down.

also one of my favorite AU players of all time was DB Fred Smith (if anyone remembers him). i bet he was not even 5' 7" but made lots of bigger players eat a lot of dirt and see a lot of stars. kinda like a tiny Junior Rosegreen.; 12:24 AM
JgobravesHAG said...: Wake I think I missed eastbound and down tonight; 12:35 AM
AUBigCat said...: Way to burn the late night oil Jay! Your dedication is always appreciated!

WEG Da Bull could be the veteran leadership that our D lost in Powers and Marks.

D.Miller Da Bull's love of AU is going to win alot of future recruits. He should host all of our top targets.

Chip who could forget Fred Smith? He and Chris Shelling led the greatest AU comback I've ever witnessed. The 94 game against LSU. Both of those lil fellas would lay you out. Fred's sister was a pretty good lady Tiger for the bball team too.; 1:03 AM
Monica said...: So his mom is still on the street?; 1:16 AM
Monica said...: I don't think Gus acts disappointed. I think Gus is just intense and pretty much never satisfied. Perhaps I should offer him some sessions...for counseling of course.; 1:19 AM
Anonymous said...: Good Morning and Happy Monday, Hotties. UGH. Monday. Again. (big sigh)

Monica, what other kind of sessions would you be talking about? ;-); 5:24 AM
Jet said...: It probably involves calf raises, Luv.; 6:06 AM
Anonymous said...: and lunges...; 6:10 AM
ehyou said...: A Good Morning to all!!!!

I was out of pocket this weekend. That's great news about the swim/dive team. War Eagle.; 6:53 AM
Norm said...: Morning Hotties - have a good Monday doing what you do. I have the day off and will do some stuff with the cub, some stuff around the house and just generally goof off. Yeah right, there's no goofing off but at least part of what I say is true.; 7:09 AM
Jet said...: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ...

In honor of my new favorite player, I have decided to change my son's HABOTN identity from TurboProp to ... ElTurbo.

Thank you. That is all.; 7:26 AM
Monica said...: Good morning swagalicious hotties.; 7:29 AM
Monica said...: I loved the Rockford Files.; 7:33 AM
ehyou said...: A very under-appreciated show IMO.; 7:37 AM
ehyou said...: Have y'all seen this? It's funny.

Dancey Dance; 7:39 AM
Monica said...: ehyou! That's a hoot!

Shouldn't the Dancey Dance be the official dance of the Puppet Hour??

GO CRAZY GO CRAZY; 7:41 AM
Anonymous said...: Dangit. Big Brother has youtube blocked.

Monica, is there a story behind the new avatar?; 7:42 AM
Monica said...: Luv - I've been working on scanning a bunch of photos. That's a pic of me and my Mama when I was about 3.; 7:45 AM
Anonymous said...: You haven't changed a bit!; 7:46 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: good to hear kids trying to make it in life. I hope auburn and the guys benefit from their relationship.; 7:48 AM
Monica said...: LOL not a bit; 7:48 AM
AUfan said...: Rockford Files is always good. Jim Garner is top-notch. I'm late to the football material, but Eltoro has to be one of the football player recruiters for the upcoming season. Could you say no to that man?; 7:50 AM
mytommyd said...: Ehyou, for some reason that video is no longer available. I have a feeling Micahel and the other powers of the puppet hour had it stricken from you tube; 7:53 AM
Monica said...: MY Tommy - It works for me.; 7:54 AM
mytommyd said...: Then I must have that same firewall Luv has. Work is just not fair!; 7:55 AM
Seanzie said...: What up people? How's everyone's Monday?; 8:00 AM
mytommyd said...: I don't know how any of this will work out, but it FEELS like the football team has a better drive to it. I was in Auburn this weekend and got to take a peek at the team practicing, and my my my, there is definitely an intensity that you didn't notice from everyone last year. I do hope it correlates to great play on the field but only time will tell that. I'm with the folks that are cautiously optimistic as far as game day play goes.; 8:02 AM
Seanzie said...: Well Tommy, in my experience, there's nothing like a little egg on the face to motivate people to work hard. Nobody associated with Auburn football will ever be content with 5 wins. Period.; 8:06 AM
Anonymous said...: Seanzie, nor the way they played last season...; 8:13 AM
Anonymous said...: Seanzie, is there a story behind your avatar?; 8:15 AM
Seanzie said...: Yes, it's the story of Barney Stinson and his goings-ons.; 8:16 AM
Anonymous said...: I have never seen that show.; 8:18 AM
ehyou said...: I honestly believe these coaches are determined to get more and more out of the players. I think the attitude of the former staff was much more ho-hum "well this is what we've got, I guess we'll have to live with it".; 8:18 AM
Seanzie said...: Luv, you can get Seasons 1 and 2 for $20 a piece and they're both 22 episodes long. I consider that to be an excellent value.; 8:20 AM
Anonymous said...: I didn't get to play golf this weekend 'cause we went to Silverstar (the very first time I've ever been to a casino), so I didn't get to work on the tip you gave me, Seanzie. But, I will be sure to this coming weekend.; 8:22 AM
Seanzie said...: Well Luv I hope it helps you out a bit, I will say I could use a few tips myself. Although I'm not sure they would help.; 8:23 AM
ehyou said...: "Let me tell you about a little thing I like to call 'mind over body' ... You see, whenever I start feeling sick, I just stop being sick and be awesome instead." Barney Stinson; 8:23 AM
Anonymous said...: mrtommyd, I'm one of those that is trying to remain cautiously optimistic, but with reports like you just gave us, it's hard not to get excited!; 8:24 AM
mytommyd said...: I hear ya Luv. It looks and sounds like they are practicing what they are preaching this year. Last year as I recall they were still doing that little choppy foot thing and going at it like they were just doing some warm ups or something, when they should have been working like they seem to be this year when trying to learn a brand new offense and defense. The only thing that has me concerned is depth. Hopefully their work ethic in the spring will take care of that.; 8:33 AM
mytommyd said...: Gosh I'm wordy this morning; 8:33 AM
Seanzie said...: I think with time comes complacency, and with complacency comes mistakes. The mistake, the Tony Frankling experience, but the cause of which was made by the other guys. It's good to get new blood in the system, it's good to get some of that fire back. AU's 2009 season should be much better.; 8:37 AM
AUfan said...: mytommyd, what was your take on the AU talent level compared to previous years? Thanks.; 8:38 AM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: I think I just got Jello in my sinus cavity. I can't yet confirm if that actually happened, but I'm experiencing the same burn as when you go swimming in an over-chlorinated pool.; 8:39 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Did you snort Jello? Is that what I'm hearing?; 8:41 AM
Seanzie said...: Yes, how did you manage to get Jello in your sinus cavity??; 8:42 AM
michael said...: You are a jello addict, PF. Get help.; 8:42 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: The OL depth is a joke.

They have nothing. One injury and it's going to get ugly. It's amazing ... they only signed two dudes there. One of em, John Sullen, is a 100-to-1 shot. I have a much higher opinion of Andre Harris. He'll be a good guard.; 8:43 AM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: No, I ate it, and think I exhaled as I was swallowing, forcing some Jello up that way. I don't know if this is even physically possible, all I know is that my sinuses started burning at the moment I took my first bite of Jello.; 8:44 AM
Anonymous said...: Don't you mean inhaled?; 8:45 AM
Anonymous said...: Jay G, that's scary. I wonder why they didn't recruit more players in that area.; 8:46 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: Jay G,

The lack of depth at OL. Are we talking no subs during the game shallow.

John Calarari is meeting with Kentucky today, for the second day in a row. Think that's a done deal.; 8:47 AM
ehyou said...: " I exhales as I was swallowing"

Is that even possible?; 8:47 AM
ehyou said...: *exhaled; 8:48 AM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: No Luv, it went up. If I had inhaled, I'd be drowning with Jello in my lungs.; 8:48 AM
Seanzie said...: Maybe he means what happens when you swallow water the wrong way...?; 8:48 AM
AUfan said...: Jay, what happened to the old staff and OL recruiting? Coach Tubs used to say he judged the recruiting class based on the lineman.; 8:48 AM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: like I said, ehyou, I don't know if it's physically possible. There's a chance I'm possessed by aliens.; 8:49 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: aliens..........sweet. kinda like that hulu.com commercial with Seth McFarlane? if so, that's ausome PF. ;); 8:50 AM
Seanzie said...: Anyone know what that hulu stuff is about?; 8:51 AM
Monica said...: yes; 8:53 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: you're on the internet. go check it out. Hulu.com (unless you work with Luv, in which case it's probably blocked like most of the other fun sites).; 8:54 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: hulu is great but for some reason my Shockwave or whatever at work has crashed and killed my tv watching/listening for the past week. not very happy about that. grrrrr.

Monnie, any more sessions with the trainer nazi?; 8:56 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: I could listen to Bobby Knight talk all day.; 8:57 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: I don't know what happened to Tuberville's OL recruiting. The depth chart is a MESS.

The reserves right now are Eddins (when he gets healthy), Coulahan, AJ Greene and Darrell Roseman.

Yes, it's bad.

My guess is you'll see Auburn sign at least six OLs in 2010.; 8:59 AM
Monica said...: yes, scootie; 8:59 AM
Anonymous said...: Wow. Believe it or not, hulu isn't blocked - yet.; 9:01 AM
mytommyd said...: DepressedAU, I am by no means an evaluator of talent. And all I saw was a small portion of practice. That being said, EVERYONE hussled EVERYWHERE they were going. There was no lollygaggin'. Guys miss the pass, they go run and get the ball they missed and run it back. They did some sort of blocking exercise, the horn sounds, immediately everyone's going to their next exercise. It just seemed to be very organized and purposeful, not a "well let's see if this works" feel to it.; 9:01 AM
ehyou said...: That was definitely a WTF moment at the end of Family Guy last night.; 9:06 AM
Anonymous said...: Monica, you have mail.; 9:08 AM
Seanzie said...: Wow, Hulu isn't blocked here either, but I'm sure my frequenting of said site will surely have it locked down within the week. I'm shocked HABOTN privledges haven't been taken.; 9:10 AM
AUfan said...: Thanks for the reply, mytommyd and Jay. My fear is a good coaching job could still equal a 7-5 record. There are just so many good SEC teams on the schedule.; 9:11 AM
Anonymous said...: I was just thinking the same thing about the HABOTN, Seanzie. I will bored out of mind when we aren't busy if I can't chat with the Hotties!; 9:12 AM
mytommyd said...: Hulu isn't blocked at my office either, however the internet stream doesn't seem to want to view the clips. I can feel big brothers eyes watching me as I try to link up to another clip that won't play.; 9:13 AM
Seanzie said...: Depressed, you better get used to that schedule, I have a feeling there will continue to be good SEC teams on there.; 9:14 AM
ehyou said...: I want good SEC teams on the schedule. I just want other teams to say the same about Auburn when we're on theirs.; 9:17 AM
Seanzie said...: I'm sure nobody says hey look @Auburn, that's a gimme...; 9:18 AM
mytommyd said...: Yeah ehyou, I don't want us to become the homecoming game team .... unless ofcourse it's Auburn's homecoming.; 9:18 AM
Seanzie said...: Everyone needs to take a big sip of the Kool Aid, there is too much Debbie Downer talk on here for a Monday morning.; 9:20 AM
Anonymous said...: I don't think Chizik and Co. will let that happen, mrtommyd.; 9:20 AM
mytommyd said...: From what Jay has posted and the little bit I saw, Luv, you would be correct; 9:27 AM
mytommyd said...: Just trying not to get into a frenzy like I did last year Seanzie. But then again I KNOW , different coaches, different attitude.; 9:29 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: 2-10 was my prediction if Tubs got fired. Until I see an on the field product, I will not change.; 9:30 AM
Seanzie said...: I hear ya Tommy, I was walking around talking about 10-2 being worst possible scenario.

Funny how things play out. I have a feeling this is season is going to be different.; 9:31 AM
AUfan said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 9:36 AM
michael said...: Between 5-8 wins. I mean, I am sure Malzahn is good, but how good could anyone make the current batch of QBs? And I hope the o-line will be better since they are slightly fatter, but I will believe it when I see it. Really, good o line play and half competent QB play will make for a pretty good year. Those two things are far from certain.; 9:47 AM
mytommyd said...: And one thought with that Micheal, if our offense is halfway decent, our defense won't be worn out by game 5. I also think we will not have to worry about a 3-2 game with us scoring all the points this year.; 9:51 AM
Seanzie said...: Well Michael, we won 5 games last year in a complete disaster scenario and were competitive and led in in 6 out of the 7 losses. Anything less than 7 is to be considered a failure in my mind.; 9:53 AM
mytommyd said...: Just checking on something - did our defense and special teams outscore our offense last year?; 9:56 AM
michael said...: Exactly, Seanzie. This team is entirely capable of failure. It's the same guys that failed last year, after all.

I will be surprised if we don't make a bowl, but hey, it's quite possible.; 10:03 AM
Jet said...: I will hesitate to use the word "failure." This has the look of a .500 team to me. But if it went 5-7, it wouldn't be a failure.

My sense is that this will be a 7-5team. I firmly believe improved leadership will buy us a win or two.; 10:06 AM
Anonymous said...: I know this is probably old news to all of you, but I just read that UAT hired Grant as their new basketball coach. Has FSJ made any comments regarding this hire?; 10:12 AM
Harrison said...: I believe we are looking at 6-6 or 7-5. Anything beyond that is a bonus; 10:14 AM
Seanzie said...: For all those interested, I did a quick calculation of points scored buy offense vs. special teams+defense.

Offense Scored 114 Points.
Defense/SPT Scored 93. This tally was neck and neck going into the UGA and UT Martin games when the offense pulled away.; 10:15 AM
Seanzie said...: Dang it, by not buy, I feel like an idiot now. Why no edit feature??; 10:16 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: I think FSJ is still hoping something crazy happens, and Anderson get's hired.; 10:16 AM
michael said...: I think we could just as easily go 8-8, Harrison.; 10:16 AM
mytommyd said...: Thanks Seanzie!! See we did have a good D last year, but there's no way you can ask them to rescue the offense game after game. I think we won't see them have to do that this year, or at least not as much ... I hope. See cautiously optimistic.; 10:18 AM
Harrison said...: now that would be impressive; 10:18 AM
Anonymous said...: Well, PF, I'm glad they didn't hire Anderson. He's too classy for UAT.; 10:19 AM
Seanzie said...: Michael, did you have an NFL team in mind when you said that?; 10:19 AM
Anonymous said...: Mon....just to pick up from your post last nite. My partner and his wife were emptynesters in house with 6 BRs. The now have 3 foster kids...just b/c they want to make a difference. If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

JGT I hope you are right about recruiting 6 OL this coming year. Something that concerns me is that, according to Scout.com, we are presently on the "interested list" for 1 of the top 30 OTs. I know there are many more good OL out there to recruit, but wouldn't you think?....; 10:24 AM
Seanzie said...: Hoopie, it's early yet, I'm sure Chiz and the gang will figure it out, they get paid to after all.; 10:26 AM
michael said...: Seanzie - no.; 10:28 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: Tony Franklin is STILL getting paid to "figure it out." Just sayin'.; 10:30 AM
Anonymous said...: PF - Is there a flavor that you will be smelling all day with your Jello "incident?"; 10:38 AM
Monica said...: Wow Hoopie - That is awesome. It takes special people to be good foster parents.; 10:41 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: It was sugar-free strawberry. don't smell it, no.; 10:42 AM
Will said...: Looks like Ont Mc has some pent up frustration and anger. I can't wait to see him take the field.

After watching that video, I had a nightmare about The Toro last night. From now on JG, all videos of Freeman must come with a disclaimer.; 10:42 AM
michael said...: I hope Onterio has people in his ear letting him know that another way to get his mom off the streets is to make sure he makes good grades, gets his degree, and then gets a normal job. Just hope he isn't putting all his eggs in the NFL basket.; 10:47 AM
JgobravesHAG said...: I agree about the diaclaimer, I also hallucinates and had nightmares last night from
The Eltoro sighting, from now do a viewer descrerion advised before.; 10:49 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Michael,

Unfortunately a lot of kids don't see the education opportunity as a way out, they just see the athletics as their ticket.

I hope that isn't the case in this situation, because there are not many 170 pounders in the NFL.; 10:52 AM
JgobravesHAG said...: I think the team improves if onterio is a factor we go as far as the qb and onterio take us :); 10:52 AM
WarEagleRK said...: The OL situation scares...and no offense to SteveFC who praises the recruiting over the past few years, the proof is there in the lack of quality depth at key positions (mainly the OL and secondary) and lack of playmakers.; 10:54 AM
Anonymous said...: The OL should definitely be a concern. Especially if guys are coming back from injuries already.; 10:56 AM
JgobravesHAG said...: Agreed Rk, I argued with Stevefc about that before we don't have playmakers coming up besides Benton, onterio; 10:57 AM
michael said...: Interesting how the current recruiting class is always the one that is finally bringing in playmakers. We will see.; 11:07 AM
mytommyd said...: Evidently Antonio Coleman described Onterio as fast as, according to Jay G, a word starting with f and ending in k. I don't recall a firetruck being fast. Now getting run over by a firetruck I get that, and at 170 that's quite a load considering he's so light. Just found that interesting as I was looking on the hompage waiting for Mr Tate to put up another thread that I could potentially not be the first to post.; 11:07 AM
Anonymous said...: I believe Michael last night mentioned fast as Peter Falk.; 11:11 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: Calapari had a meeting with his players and all but told them he was leaving.; 11:16 AM
Anonymous said...: I thought he wasn't interested.; 11:17 AM
mytommyd said...: Fast as Falk, huh? Maybe Antonio meant fast and pesky as Falk, and just irritates you so much by his running style that you can't tackle him anymore; 11:22 AM
mytommyd said...: Where would he go PF?; 11:23 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: Well, I don't know. He's met with UK two days in a row now. Granted, I've had multiple interviews with firms I knew I wouldn't be working for, but it seems as if that's an indication of his interest.; 11:24 AM
mytommyd said...: UK looking at Calipari and Donovan? Or is the media just propping up Donovan.; 11:26 AM
digger4au said...: Gloom and Doom this mornig. I understand we are all just being realistic but who robbed the kitchen. How did we go from a cubbard full to empty in just one year. Was the last coaching staff magicians with just smoke and mirrors after 9 good years?

I hope we are partially wrong in this evaluatiion.; 11:26 AM
Anonymous said...: I think you are right PF. KY is where he will be.; 11:27 AM
Harrison said...: donovan already said he wasn't leaving UF. Calipari lookslike he may go; 11:27 AM
Anonymous said...: Digger - I don't think there is much doom and gloom, just a bit of reality.; 11:28 AM
michael said...: The excitement is more about the future than next season. I think the staff here can build a winner. But like I said earlier, exactly how good could any coach be with these QBs? I hope I am surprised this season, but I am not expecting a whole lot.; 11:32 AM
digger4au said...: AU1N04 It is what it is and I trust Jay's opinion along with others. Jay has seen the cubbard and understands what is going on. It just mystifies me how the train can run of the track and not even realize it is on a curve.; 11:32 AM
mytommyd said...: what?; 11:33 AM
Harrison said...: At least this year will not be a giant letdown. Aim for the ground, and you'll never miss; 11:34 AM
Anonymous said...: Understood.; 11:35 AM
Anonymous said...: Harrison - I agree. Underpromise and overdeliver.; 11:36 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: JAY, what are you hiding from us in the cupboard?; 11:39 AM
digger4au said...: Jay is just hiding; 11:41 AM
michael said...: Harrison - are you quoting me or did you independently coming up with the aim for the ground statement or am I unknowingly quoting someone else when I say it?; 11:43 AM
digger4au said...: Recruiting is like any other job. If you don't go full speed all the time you get behind and lose the race. Cupboard is the right spelling sorry about that.; 11:44 AM
Harrison said...: not sure michael.Maybe i did steal it from you. Maybe George Bush said it, who knows.; 11:45 AM
Harrison said...: if you want the credit, it's yours.; 11:45 AM
michael said...: I don't want credit, I am just trying to get to the bottom of this. I have been saying it for years thinking it was mine, but I have been wrong before. (turns out the song I thought I came up with in my head entitled "I'm Bad" was actually a Michael Jackson song from the eighties.); 11:48 AM
michael said...: In searching for the origin for "aim for the ground," I came across this awesome survey:

http://www.tribalwar.com/forums/archive/t-377594.html; 11:50 AM
Seanzie said...: Re: O-line, I'm willing to bet big money we go and nab at least 2 guys from JUCO as well as the number of guys we'll target coming into next year's class. That could help fill out the depth chart with guys that have a reasonable amount of experience. Thoughts?; 11:54 AM
Harrison said...: could chris todd gain 80 pounds and play OL?; 11:55 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Maybe Lee Tilley & Leon Hart can find some more eligibility and finally justify their high rating and scholarship.; 12:02 PM
AUBigCat said...: I think this situation we find ourselves in at the OL position is just part of the perfect storm of events that lead to our current status. In 2007 we took 8 OL. 3 didnt pan out (Brandon Earl, Jermaine Johnson, and Nick Fairley) and ond got hurt (Chaz Ramsey). 2008 we took 2 (Johnson was from 2007) and Freddie Smooth and neither panned out. In 2009 we lost a few because of the regime change and ended up with only 2. It's not like either staff just blatantly ignored this need. We should get Smooth back from JUCO. He's now 6-6 300+ and hopefully several more. Lets hope we can hold on until then.; 12:11 PM
Seanzie said...: So a small victory for me today, I had lunch with a Bama alumnus and we got to talking about next year, I stupified him with my knowledge...it's always fun when you know more about their team than they do.; 12:12 PM
mytommyd said...: I hate to say this, but Fredie Smooth just sounds too cool to play football.; 12:13 PM
Anonymous said...: Sounds like he should have the letters DJ in front.

DJ Freddie Smooth; 12:19 PM
Seanzie said...: Freddie Smooth, with a name like that there's no reason why he shouldn't be good at football.; 12:20 PM
Seanzie said...: Kind of like Jake Slaughter at fullback, it just works.; 12:20 PM
Will said...: Maybe Ben Tate could play OL. At least he could be the fastest person at that position. Ben Tate running the forty in 4.4????.....maybe Ben traded his jersey # for his forty time. We'll know this is true if he comes out of the tunnel next yr wearing # 51.; 12:22 PM
mytommyd said...: But not an offensive lineman. Sure a receiver. And he never gets hit either. Why? Because he's Smooth, baby.; 12:23 PM
Will said...: If Freddie Smooth could squeeze an apostrophe in his name, he could start for any team in the nation alongside Barkevious Mingo.; 12:23 PM
Seanzie said...: Ben Tate
Running Back
Newark (MD) Snow Hill

Ht: 5-foot-11 (Events)
Wt: 204 lbs
Forty: 4.41 secs
Bench max: 350 pounds
Bench reps: 20
Squat max: 625 pounds
Vertical: 32 inches
Shuttle: 3.87 secs
GPA: 3.65
SAT: 880
Class: 2006 (HS - December Grad)

From Rivals...4.41; 12:24 PM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: Welcome to Monday.; 12:26 PM
mytommyd said...: See with the 40 Ben Tate actually gets past the starting line. If he had to get to the starting line a an angle, he'd never finish it. At least after the first 4 times he ran. On the same side.; 12:27 PM
michael said...: You know Ben Tate has good top end speed. He has broken a few long ones. The guy just takes longer to get going than most runningbacks. He is especially ill suited for running sideways 10 yards before cutting it up.; 12:29 PM
Seanzie said...: Tommy that's the problem, Tate is a downhill guy, he's had some moments, but running the zone-read was not one of them.; 12:29 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: You all need an Eltoro Warning, huh?

I'll be sure to provide that next time.

(Sounds like Calipari is headed to UK. If that happens, the Kentucky Basketball Reclamation Project is officially on.); 12:29 PM
patdyeswildturkey said...: Ok...boredom question. What player for Auburn is going to going to be on the cover of Athlons and Lindys? Usually they show a different player on each one.

I say Ben Tate again and AC.; 12:30 PM
Will said...: PF, that was a masterful piece of cinematography.; 12:30 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: I understand what you're saying about Ben Tate, about him not having that burst, but the way Auburn used its backs last year was funky.

They were told to run parallel to the LOS from the outset. If you're a downhill runner, that's exactly what you don't want to do.

I think Ben Tate can be a top SEC back when used correctly.; 12:32 PM
Monica said...: Nice work with the bammers, Seanzie.; 12:32 PM
patdyeswildturkey said...: By the way it seems Edddin, (OL) has not lived up the hype much. I recall he played in the Army All-Star game nationally, so who knows.; 12:33 PM
Harrison said...: wow! they were told to run parallel to the los? i'm no football coach, but i think thats a recipe for disaster. and we cooked it right up; 12:35 PM
mytommyd said...: Which is one MORE reason I was so frustrated with our coaching last year. I do honestly our staff this year is going to put our players in a position to succeed, and use their strengths.; 12:35 PM
michael said...: Judging from the way every running play developed during CTF's reign, either they were told to run parallel to the line of scrimmage and pick out a hole, or they were just morons.; 12:36 PM
mytommyd said...: there's supposed to be a "think" in there somewhere; 12:36 PM
WarEagleRK said...: I think Tate is a 1,000 yard back if used properly.

He needs to run directly into a gap instead of the east/west running they had him do last year.; 12:36 PM
Monica said...: Could someone explain to me why they would be told to run parallel to the los?; 12:36 PM
patdyeswildturkey said...: Everything about last year was bad, it didnt make sense we had talent on the field. It was the system and coaching, I thank god we canned it all, it just wasnt going to work. Kinda like a Bolgna flavored ice cream.; 12:37 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: I always thought Ben Tate was gonna be the real deal...hard to believe he only has one more year to prove himself; 12:39 PM
Seanzie said...: Ben Tate is monster in space with a head a steam, I wouldn't want any part of that situation. Now Ben Tate running along the LOS with undersized guys blocking for him, I might consider playing in that situation.; 12:39 PM
michael said...: Monica - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton and a number of other quicker running backs have had quite a lot of success at the college level. Our RBs aren't built for that, and they weren't helped by the sieve approach to blocking used by the line last year. With as bad as the O-line was last year, our RBs needed to get past the line of scrimmage as soon as possible.; 12:41 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Monica, I believe the design last year was for the RB to run along the LOS and read where the hole was and hit it when they saw the opening. Since the OL was a mess, there were no holes and they were basically running into defenders.; 12:41 PM
patdyeswildturkey said...: I asked Gabe McKenzies uncle at the gym yesterday what his status was. All would say is the same thing, that he had a minor medical issue and would be back "after" spring. He also said they wanted him back at TE, wonder what minor medical issue would not include the Auburn staff or doctors...strange...; 12:42 PM
michael said...: should be "Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton and a number of other quicker running backs have had quite a lot of success running parallel to the los at the college level; 12:42 PM
michael said...: "; 12:42 PM
Jet said...: Monica ...

As for the stretch play, it is designed for a back with the ability to run very fast parallel to the line of scrimmage and then turn on a dime into a gap as one presents itself. Put simply, it generally works fine for Carnell Williams.

As a rule, it doesn't work well for running backs like Ben Tate, who is required by law to have the "This Truck Takes Wide Turns" sticker affixed to the back of his jersey.; 12:45 PM
Seanzie said...: Jet it also helps when your O-line doesn't get blown up for being smaller than the D-line you're playing.; 12:48 PM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: I'm pretty sure it's because the coaches wanted to see their faces as they got tackled for a loss. The closer they could get them to the sideline, the better vantage point. So plays were called for that. The plan was to see who played with fear and who played with heart. The players with heart were going to be taken out in the fourth quarter, because Ray Lewis plays with fear, and he's a winner. Simple coaching.; 12:48 PM
WarEagleRK said...: I never want to see that play again.

Half of the time, I'm not even sure the OL knew what was going on with the play. Even after some games players were talking about how they had no idea what play was called.; 12:51 PM
Wakeriderof87 said...: I wanted to hurl things at the tv every time we ran the zone read stretch play with Todd handing off to Tate. Neither player had the ability to run that play (Todd no threat running the ball, Tate is a downhill runner). It was painful to watch.

I think tate has the chance to be very successful in certain offenses. I'm not sure Malzahn's offense is designed for him either, but I'm hoping hes successful.

I think if he played at Wisconsin he could be looking at a 1500 yard season.; 12:52 PM
mytommyd said...: It also help when the line is skiddish from having to reset over and over again because of false start penalties.; 12:52 PM
Wakeriderof87 said...: Turn the page; 12:53 PM