Spring winners

TUESDAY MORNING
Post No. 1,195

So that's another spring practice period in the books. All in all, it unfolded how I expected: Not much access, not much substance. That doesn't mean I'll keep my opinions to myself, of course, because a blog with no slog is a bore.

How do you feel about that?

I sometimes stroll down the avenue as people approach and ask: Mr. Tate, who surprised you this spring? My first instinct is to look for my dad, the real Mr. Tate, but he doesn't know anything about Auburn football. He's a Louisville graduate and a Tulsa fan.

You talkin' to me? Of course. Let me dish.

• Neil Caudle: Duh. Here's a kid whom many skeptics believed should be playing at Samford. Instead, he endured his season in exile and now appears to have become a serious contender for the starting job. It's important to note that the interceptions Tony Franklin hated so much really did occur. Still, the word I'm getting is that Caudle wasn't prone to interceptions this spring. He has a chance.
  
  
• Onterio McCalebb: He was supposed to be extremely quick and he is extremely quick. What I saw of him matched exactly what the scouting reports indicated. He looks like a future star to me. How far into the future? I think Auburn needs that home-run potential right now.
  
  
• Christian Thompson: I had a high opinion of him out of high school (he's a 2008 grad), but the safety driftd from my consciousness last year. That's what the scout team will do for you. I have heard surprisingly enthusiastic chatter about Thompson's refinement throughout the spring. I didn't get much of a chance to see him perform -- I spent most of my practice time watching offensive skill players -- but I expect Thompson to be a useful performer this fall.
  
  
• Clinton Durst: I'm not a football coach, but I know me and I know I'd have sent Durst packing this winter. He appeared to have left the team in January. He was upset that Auburn's new coaching staff hadn't yet offered him a scholarship. After the new coaching staff reaffirmed its position that Durst needed to prove himself in the spring, Durst lost his leverage. He came crawling back and did exactly what he said he wouldn't do: Competed for a spot without a scholarship in hand.
  
  He had a good spring. He's a good punter. He'll likely earn that scholarship, but he should be grateful that Gene Chizik doesn't hold grudges.

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University