More detailed practice commentary
Hey everyone. Let's get to business.MORE DB DEPTH ON THE WAY: As many of you have discussed, the (no city) Press-Register reported today that former LSU cornerback Phelon Jones is aiming to make the jump to Auburn. He requested and received his release from Les Miles. The next step, Jones' father said, is to request a scholarship from the Tigers.
If you think a step is missing -- ie asking Auburn if that would be OK -- you and I think alike.
WHERE IS GABE?: A few HOTTIES have emailed asking for the real story about Gabe McKenzie's "medical" issue. He has missed the team's first six spring practices and it seems likely he'll miss the other nine, too.
Short answer: I don't know enough to write about it.
AS FOR REACTION FROM CURRENT PLAYERS ABOUT FOOTBALL: We can do that as well. You're probably more interested in that.
- Wes Byrum technically is the No. 2 kicker right now ... behind sophomore walk-on Chandler Brooks. Byrum still is trying to shake off the effects of a miserable 2008 season. "I kind of got lost with all my technique. I started changing around, fooling around with stuff that didn't need to be fooled around with. Once I started to change too many different things, I came apart. I've been working on the offseason on getting back to how I know I can do it."
- Byrum on his spring performance: "I'm not hitting the ball my best, I know I'm not. I'm knocking them through right now, but I'm not satisfied with the makes because they're not how I know I can kick. I know I have a lot more work to do."
- Assistant coach Tracy Rocker (defensive line) always mixes positive reviews with critical assements: "I think at times you see greatness. You're trying to break the up and down situation on defense. You see a great play, you see a bad play, you see a great play. If we could just be consistent for four to five straight plays, then there are things you feel good about. But I feel good about the process. It's going to take time."
- Special teams, at least during the past few years, wasn't a primary emphasis during The Tuberville Era. That's clearly changing. Auburn now has a dedicated special teams coach in Jay Boulware and the team is spending more time toward honing their efficiency there.
Here's what P Ryan Shoemaker had to say about Boulware: "He really is a hands-on coach. He likes to dissect film. He watches our technique. He dissects everything we do. It’s worked out very well for us. I think it really has helped out in some things. We’ve had technique issues and I like the way it’s going." - We have a T'Sharvan Bell sighting. The redshirt freshman was one of Auburn's hyped 2008 signees, but missed two-a-days with a broken foot. That led to the inevitable redshirt season.
Here's what assistant coach Phillip Lolley (cornerbacks) had to say about Bell: "He was a quarterback in high school and he knows what offenses will try. He sees things that a lot of guys don't see because of what he was asked to do in high school; option, attacks, play action. He understands when guys cut their splits down, what routes they might try to be, progressing too and he's just a smart kid. He just picks up things very quickly."
Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University
Questions? Comments? Post directly to the blog below or email me at jgtate@gannett.com.
posted by Jay G. Tate at
5:45 PM
171 Comments:
being at work late pays off. Number One!!
Great haikus today.
Dangit!
thanks Jay G. We try to entertain.
I love the quote about E.Smith not being tackled by McNeil. Has Mike Mcneil tackled anybody?
yoyo... Jay G.... it's the weekend Baby!!!
I'm working the whole way through, too.
Just come visit the blog. That's all I ask.
Anyone know of the talk of Satan stepping down on the Slimebaum show? I heard mention of it, but I'm sure it was a bunch of caca.
oh we'll be here Jay, you can count on that.
Prow, someone asked me about that a few moments ago. I thought April Fools Day was Wednesday.
Scrimmage tomorrow, right? Can't wait for the reports.
I know, right?! They said something about Mal Moore and Saban getting into an argument and Saban stepping down, but I didn't get to hear anymore. Highly unlikely.
word on the street is Mal took Dorothy Saban (Nick's mom) to a nice seafood dinner and never called her again.
Closed scrimmage, of course.
I sometimes forget: Isn't Auburn supposed to be the state school with better access?
closed scrimmage = lame
JG, if the Advertiser goes down (which I hope it doesn't), I think you could turn to radio. You seem really comfortable on the air. Always enjoy the days you are on the Roundtable.
JGT, will you not even get you're obligatory 10 min viewing?
Pretty funny, Wake!
*your (grammar error)
what Jay?that's not fair as I am calling plays in this Saturday's scrimmage.
We expect constant updates Harrison.
Mike McNeil tackled somebody!!!!
HAHAHAHA!!!!
I will send you updates via Twitter and/or Facebook
Thanks, Prow. I gotta keep an eye out.
Closed scrimmage sucks. I hate it for you all because you're the ones who make Auburn what it is. If you want to see some spring stuff, that really should happen.
We don't even get the 10-minute video window tomorrow, which is so odd to me.
I guess Chizik thinks the MSU and LSU coaches aren't smart enough to review Tulsa's 2008 film and get a feel for Gus Malzahn's offense. Same for Ted Roof and his season at Minnesota.
I had forgotten about Bell, hopefully he will contribute in the future.
Anyone ever listened to Roger Alan Wade? He has some really funny songs (Sioux named Boy, D-R-U-N-K) and some REALLY good songs (Jingle Jangle, The first time I saw Waylon, and Cars and Guns).
Rats....foiled again!
Jay G.....
Other Coaches review Game file from Last Season....Say it aint so!!!
I on one can understand not letting some of the practices be open but DAMN!!!! AU Peeps want some lolo!!!
We talking bout PRACTICE!!! PRACTICE Man!
I wonder if Chizik is going to do a better acting job than Tubs on the Golden Flake and Ford truck commercials.
ok off to drink down a couple of cold ones and smoke a good cig on the Veranda!!!
enjoy the sunset and all....
I might pour a little out for my HOTTIES who ain't with me!!!!
I love this story about Steve Sarkisian at U. Washington.
a.) The story complains about how restrictive Willingham was. Even he had practice open for 30 minutes a day.
b.) "I want our kids used to performing in front of people," Sarkisian said. "Because the last thing I want is for us to be enclosed and it's quiet and we are just out there with ourselves. And then we show up to play LSU and there are 73,000 people here and our kids are looking up in the stands like, 'Oh my gosh, they are here to watch me, to watch us.'"
c.) Gene Chizik, March 24: "We just feel like this is a deal where we don't want any outside or any extra pressure on these guys."
d.) Auburn lets Tigerettes into practice.
e.) Do you really think a reporter is more distracting than an attractive, 20-year-old college gal?
If the reporter looks the likes of Erin Andrews...otherwise, negative.
I've never met Jay in person, but I am doubting he could be mistaken for Erin Andrews.
This Closed Practice Crap SUCKS!!!!
We need details of BEN, PPL...aka FRENCHY, Wario, O-Mac (a play on Arky's D-Mac) and Q- Carr... we need some freak'n real reporting not what's spoon feed to us...
Plus we need to know if CT aka noodle arm can take a few simulated snaps, and if Burn-Notice can freak'n throw a spiral, or hell just keep the ball from going maganetically to the WR's feet.
I think Chiz just wants to avoid any scrutiny on what is going on in practices, especially if we suck something fierce. If we are remotely successful this year, do you think it's possible for the closed practice rule to change next season?
Ditto Jay G.
if it works why change it!
and hell if it doesn't work why change it!!!
Well that sucks! I understand your frustration and share the same sentiment.
You always wonder if certain policies are for the best. I sure hope this one works out. I'm skeptical.
I knot for a FACT that this policy doesn't work best for ME!
I vote the HOTTIES install some super secret wireless Video Cameras that only we can see through the HABOTN!!!!
Then everyone will come here for the LoLo on Auburn like the rest of us already do!
Comin to the HABOTN for the Lolo.
Yessir!
JG, do you have any interest in having a HABOTN page on myspace? If so, I would be glad to put it together.
I mean, closed practices are easier for me. I don't have to go, which means fewer hours needed to get the job done.
I wish you could get the footage and insights you want. Many of you all are financially invested -- some quite heavily -- into Auburn's athletic enterprise ...
We've been pretty loyal to Facebook and, really, that's all I wanna do at this point.
Kristina is our social-messaging czar, though. I'd defer to her wishes on this issue.
That's cool...just a thought.
I know I'm in the minority, but the closed practices don't bother me. I think CGC needs some time to repair the shambles he was left with and I honestly believe that will be easier if all those young men aren't constantly under scrutiny by the media and homers like me.
Yes, I'll admit it. I was drive up to practice to watch drills guy. There, I said it.
Conversely, I feel Mr. Jay G. Tate's pain. It has to be a royal pain in the Hoopie to have a job covering a certain topic and then to have that closed completely off. I don't know how you come up with the insight that you do, Mr. Tate. That speaks strongly of your abilities. The stuff today was really good.
Your pal,
J-Z
Good stuff JGT
I can understand closed practice with a new coaching staff in heavy teaching mode.
But to continue it after this year is asinine.
It would not really help the team just irritate the fans.
I pay to sit, three rows from the very top, the same as some people with sweet seats. I think that stinks.
Agreed, Harrison.
Do those seats come with binoculars?!
yes, but they are mysteriuosly filled with whiskey
Awesome! The best kind!
Harrison, my seats are also mysteriously filled with the dark liquor. Once mixed with a large coke product, we refer to it as "rocket fuel".
I saw a dude back in the day get his whiskey filled binoculars confiscated. The security peops were all over that.
Like I have always said, the safest way to get a flask in is put it in your underwear.
Speaking of fuel...I'm off to go eat. Have a good night, Hotties!
DY no mite
anybody remember that skinny kid on that sitcom.
Stress on Special Teams is a virtue. I hope this staff shows perseverance in this aspect of the game.
Tubs talked a good game in regards to special teams but don't believe they spent much time on it last year. Hope it is much better this year.
The large flask taped to the inside of my leg has never failed me. I'm pretty sure that I look too innocent to arouse suspicion.
Where is Kristina, I want to know what is in a Jolly Rancher...kind of looks like a Skip and Go Naked.
JGT - On a side note, knowing your KY background....there may be an issue with the second leg of the triple crown.
Jya-great job on the info today. Not sure how you do it with the restrictions but you do. Speaks volumes about your abilities. No wonder ESPN is all over you.
For me, I don't mind the closed practices. Maybe because when I played no one wanted to come watch us practice. Not even the parents.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Is the Navy going to be the HABOTN sponsor as well?
Tubbs used to like to "talk" a lot about Special Teams. I'm not sure that the efforts or results were equivalent.
Now there is an idea
They would furnish beer right
I saw two good kickoff returns at the WVU game and that was about it.
Digger - I would hope, then we could sing "What would you do with a drunken sailor?"
Link for those interested.
Says link is broken
Or how do you tame a drunk tiger
Let him keep drinking till he passes out?
That would be one way
Some of us old tigers could might outlast you.
could or might not both
A Working Link! Sorry
No fear guys, a drunk tiger can provide appropriate links.
That is a goofy story
We forgive you, ehyou. But we won't forget.
PF-I'm answering a question from yesterday just so you know. Someone asked who the DB was that got burned for the last touchdwn against UAT last year. It was #15, Neiko Thorpe.
This is the first blog I have ever been on. Been on many forums and I can usually copy and past an addy then you can click on it. That didn't work above. And I see where you guys attach it to a word or statement. How do you do that?
How to do it is right here:
http://www.w3schools.com/HTML/html_links.asp
Once again, I choose not to hyperlink the instructions on hyperlinking just to be ironic... also, I am lazy. Copy and paste it yourself, you lazy bums
Thanks michael
No problem at all.
I'm a bum.
My favorite part of the first Rocky is where some dude calls Rocky a bum, and Rocky yells back at him, "No, you're a bum!" I remember thinking it was really funny when I was about 12, and I don't think I have seen the movie since then. I wonder if that scene is really there.
Breaking news from the Advertiser:
Advertiser phones out: If you need to contact us e-mail to following addresses
JZ - Get your own material.
Your pal,
Monica
That's a "story" on our website, btw.
jay, Bear showin off the HABOTN Tee in the new photo..about the yellow cleats... do kids have to "make the team/roster" or be on scholly in order to get all the free underarmour clothes/shoes, etc that the players get?
I think they have to be on scholarship, but I don't know that for a fact.
Bear, did you get that from Scottie.
yup... i was the 5XL...
Nice! You're rocking that thing to the hilt.
I agree. I thought Bear looked particularly Hottiesh.
Hottified
Hottilicious
Hottietastic
Did I see on here the other day that the "T" shirts are no longer available?
If so when will they become available in the future.
thanks, I assume that is not a fat joke...slow posting night on the HABOTN.. I guess now that it is warming up, people have lives and stuff... not me, no, I am here with the wife watching DVR episodes of Dollhouse, Criminal Minds, and Without a Trace. Seems like only last week there were back to back days of college hoops. Oh wait,.. I am going to one of my student's Bat Mitzvah (sp?) tomorrow. Any idea of how much cash to give on this day to the kid? Anyone?
Friday night. Looking at baby crib bedding with Dirty via email and instant messenger.
technology is your friend
Hotter than Texas Chili
yeah, thanks Mon. i spoke to digger yesterday about inviting you to live with him. I told him I was your Kevin Costner.
Dig - I'll look in Greg's purse for an extra tshirt.
wow, there he is... type about him and he shows up. hey there digger...
Mon do that and don't listen to that other guy.
Hello Bear
Good looking out, Bear! That Digger is a slippery character.
The Silver Fox knows all
he is watching at all times
even when you hibernate
Well, the hubby is finally back to the land of consciousness. He got a shot of demerol today for his "welcome to 50" procedure. He doesn't drink and the strongest med he has ever had is Tylenol, so he has been pretty hysterical coming off of this demerol!
Tell him to relax and enjoy the ride.
That stuff does a job on me also
and yes, i'm coming to see you digger when I head south for the arrival of the new baby
so just get yourself ready
Monica,
We need to have a Birmingham hotties reunion when you come down.
Just let me know date and approx time. Hit it pretty close last time. But that is because Gman did all the calculating.
I am really concerned about CGC's need to close practice. When I was at the University of Louisville in the 70s, we used Crawford Gym for our practice facility. On more than one occasion, we shared the gym with intramural games and anyone else who wanted to come in there. I found that the kids did better when there were things like that going on. In a game you have all sorts of distractions. You even have another team do their level best to distract you. We did alright. Went to a six final fours and won a couple of national championships.
My point is that life is an open book. Spring practice should be like that. But what do I know. It is not like I run Colonial BancGroup or anything.
I asume it is because they are in a teaching mode and want their undivided attention. Hopefully it won't be this way next year.
Cincy - That's a great idea. We'll make it happen.
Digger - I should tell you my pink boxing gloves arrived today and I think you'd make a great sparring partner.
learning to play in front of people should be part of the teaching mode.
Mr. Tate,
Good job on the movie review. I just returned home from watching it, and I have to say, it was the best flick I've seen in several years. I'd probably give it a B+. The soundtrack was A+.
Denny - It seems to work for some teams we willjust have to wait and see
Mon- I am very quick agile and sometimes hostile
I wish.
Got to ease on out catch you hotties tomorrow.
well, I can't wait for A Day.
Control the information, control the result.
Gotta hit the sack. Goldfinger with Sean Connery is on.
Auburn beat Ms State 9-8. There were 33 hits in the game.
Denny ...
A hoops man like you, and you're not watching the deciding Game 3 of the CBI Invitational between Oregon State and UTEP.
Home court advantage for UTEP doesn't matter when Oregon State's coach can tell the officials, "I can get you audited. Or worse."
Would it be cost effective for Auburn to go ahead, get rid of its pitchers and just use a machine instead?
Looking forward to the Heels hushing up the Nova love.
Go UConn. Go Heels.
awww, mon, i need nova to win. not only will i do well in the HABOTN challenge, but I am in another pick'em where winner gets 390 bucks, and I am in 7th and the top 6 guys all did not pick nova. i neeeeeeeeeeeed them to win.
Well thank goodness my wishes have zero BEARing on the outcome. :-)
hardy hardy har... :)
If UConn beats UNC in the final, the T-shirt is heading to the Gump.
That was pretty cheasy Mon, just gotta say
I'm listening to Live Aid.
There was some good stuff going down there. Thompson Twins signing "Revolution No. 9" with Madonna and Duran Duran's Andy Taylor. How's that for a crew?
If Michigan State wins tomorrow, that t-shirt is headed to Montgomery ...
to my HIZZLE.
you don't really wanna mess with me, Austin
You know they found a mass grave in the old city cemetery in Montgomery ... it was the bones of ex-Hotties who had dared mess with Omnica.
Guess I'm going to have to do the cheer here that we did in the office yesterday...
Don't mess with the best
Cuz the best don't mess
Don't fool with the cool
Cuz the cool don't fool
Private school cheer when you're losing (which we did a bunch)
That's all right, That's OK
You will work for us one day.
Woo Hoo! We closed on our house!
Now I have a lot of work to do. Any volunteers to help out?
HAHAHA That's great, Jet!
Miller, If I lived close I'd be there to help every single day.
:-)
Congrats DMiller ...
I know you're glad to get that behind you.
Cleaned and weeded out muddy flower beds today. Part II tomorrow ... refill with some mulch, straw. Something.
Later dudes and dudettes.
So, does anyone want to fill me in on the whole Phelon Jones thing? Or do I have to go back and read all 400= comments in the Drew Smith thread to find out what I missed today while buying a house?
anybody?
Mon, those pink boxing gloves are hilarious! Get out there and bloody someone's nose with 'em!
Byrum = Kicker on a stick
I think the inside defensive line will struggle this season.
Bell could really be a bright spot, but we need more big uglies on both sides of the ball.
miller, congrats on buying a house! i'm buying a house, too; we have the inspection in one hour. fingers are crossed!
I'm sure that clinton durst gets pissed about every new person who gets a scholarship. If phelon jones gets a scholly, I'm sure durst will have a voodoo doll of jones made
Steve,
You are correct regarding Byrum. Kickers are the biggest head cases on the face of the earth.
Mr. Dude ... I personally think we ought have a kicker-long snapper scholly moratorium.
i think we should get some long snapper video going on to see our scholly money at work.
Is JGT going to be sitting in a tree with a notepad trying to spy on the scrimmage?
mrdude, good luck... the process is just beginning. Who knew there was so much stress in buying a house?! They certainly don't show that side of it on the HGTV Property Virgins or House Hunters shows.
D - Evidently Mr. Jones has been released by LSU and has said that he is going to ask for a scholly from AU. The challenge seems to be that they have not talked to AU before making the decision to want to come.
But, it seems that he was very good prior to going to LSU. That is might be a good addition to the secondary.
This comment has been removed by the author.
I can see the headlines now: "Reporter Jay G. Tate jailed after being caught sneaking in to Auburn practice disguised as Aubie". Film at 11:00.
Saw on al.com that linebacker Jake Holland of Pelham committed to Auburn
Steve,
I was thinking he could go disguised as one of the long snappers on scholarship.
I'll be heading up there soon.
I expect to be back here around 1:30 p.m. CDT with updates and information.
It's a sunny, lovely spring day here.
Alright we got our 2nd commit for the c/o 10!! I like this LB. His eyes remind of of Brian Urlacher. I sure hope he plays like him.
Nice pickup I believe.
Hey, I saw my name on the front page. I had my wife take a pic of me next to my laptop with the quote pulled up so one day my kid will know her father did something with his life!
I am wondering about the Brooks kid's shoes as well. Don't they have a pair he can "borrow" for practice? Someone get Under Armour on the phone.
I live in Baltimore, I will ring Kevin Plank CEO
D Miller, you are so right. they also don't tell you about all of the escrow deposits and closing costs. I had to put 5K upfront for deposits plus my closing costs will be almost 5k. I was also unaware that property taxes are paid in advance for 6 months(that's another $2500), plus two months of PMI upfront. I thought I was going to have tons of money left over to put into upgrades, but it's all going towards fees and taxes.
mrdude - ask the seller to pay the closing costs, or is it too late.
Seller is paying 5k for closing, and the closing costs came in at about 4800. We just had the inspection, and we're negotiating that the seller either fixes everything (and pays for a second inspection) or gives us cash to fix everything. the seller is very motivated to leave, so it's working out to our advantage. we had already knocked 20k off their list price.
on the recruiting front, Jake Holland (LB from pelham) committed. There's a video of him on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/jakehollandLB5
Who out there is about to wet themselves waiting for scrimmage info?
Anyone? Anyone?
OK, just me.
I'm with you Jet!
Mr. Dude great vid on Holland. He sure has a nose for the ball and looked pretty good in coverage too. When he hit the ball carrier they usually went backwards.
We want!
In-fo!
CLAP CLAP ... CLAPCLAP!
Had to step away for a few mins. Seems I wet myself waiting for scrimmage info. So what'd I miss?
Mrdude, I would guess that in this slow real estate market you would hold a few more cards in the closing process. If it hasn't been done yet, see which, if any, fees you can negotiate with your lender and closing agent. I would bet they are pretty hungry for a good deal right now and would be willing to budge.
Waiting for info
From today's AU scrimmage
Hurry up Jay G!
Well the good news on the recruiting front just seems to keep on coming today. Michael Dyer 5* RB from Arkansas told Husker Illustrated that Auburn is still his favorite thus far. That's after visiting Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia Tech and Oklahoma.
New thread up ... if you're around.
How is the US Navy our official sponsor for the A-Day game? Is that typical for such an event like an A-Day game that's not being nationally televised?
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home