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5.29.2009

Big Cat Weekend

Hey everyone. We discussed earlier today that you would be impressed with the players Auburn would bring to campus in a few weeks.

Well, make it this week.

Auburn is in the midst of what it calls "Big Cat Weekend" and gobs of the country's top prospects are on campus.

Here is a partial look:
TB Lache Seastrunk, 5-star (Rivals and Scout), ESPN 150 watch list
TB Marcus Lattimore, 5-star (Rivals and Scout), ESPN 150 watch list
WR Trovon Reed, Scout.com 5-star; Rivals.com 4-star, ESPN 150 watch list
WR Jeremy Richardson, Rivals.com 4-star; Scout.com 3-star
WR Antonio Goodwin, Rivals.com 4-star (unclassified by Scout)
WR Demarco Cobbs, ESPN 150 watch list
LB Kahiri Fortt, Rivals.com 4-star (unclassified by Scout)
DE J.C. Copeland, Rivals.com 4-star (unclassified by Scout) **Tenn. commit**
OT James Stone, 4-star (Rivals and Scout), ESPN 150 watch list
OG Eric Mack, 4-star (Rivals and Scout), ESPN 150 watch list

That's an impressive group. Yes.

374 Comments:

Tar Heel Tiger said...: Substance abuse! Substance abuse! JAYGT has overdosed me with too many fantastic posts loaded with great information today. WARRRRRR EAGLE!!! 3 cheers for our hero, JAYGT. Hip hip Hooray! Hip hip Hooray! HIP HIP HOORAY!!! and WARRRRRR EAGLE!!!; 8:37 PM
Seanzie said...: Look at THT, he had him a few too many Diet Cokes today!; 8:40 PM
Seanzie said...: We appreciate your business, Doc.; 8:40 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Yo Sean- I'm going to use another DC to wash down my bowl of ice cream!

I can't believe they were able to coordinate and convince this many high school stars to show up on the same weekend, and on their own dimes! Simply awesome!!!; 8:41 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: I am taking HABOTN outerwear to LA ... I'll get us plastered across some landmarks.; 8:42 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: ps ... Look for me at the LA Galaxy game on Friday night.; 8:43 PM
chip chip said...: is/could tyrik going be there to help recruit?; 8:46 PM
chip chip said...: is the FIRST BIG CAT weekend? implying there will be more?; 8:47 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Enjoy the game JayGT. I'm sure THTjr will be jealous when I tell him. Do you want to adopt a grown child? He's a soccer nut, apparently a spontaneous mutation; 8:47 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Sean, I've made an executive decision. Instead of washing down a bowl of ice cream with a DC, I'm going to wash down a Classic Coke Float with a DC. We have some yucky brand of vanilla ice cream that I think will benefit greatly from being drowned in Coca-Cola.

BTW, see what you can do to get our Harris-Teeter to carry Diet Vanilla Coke.; 8:50 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Jay G- You need a Landon Donovan Jersey :)!!!!

Steve- Still need credible sources for the big news tonight?

The Big Cat Weekend Idea is pretty darn cool. What else can you say. This staff thinks out of the box big time. Tubs wouldn't even try to recruit a fourth of these players, if even that many.; 8:54 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: LOVE me some BIG CAT weekend!
Thanks for making my day jayg!; 9:05 PM
AUBigCat said...: Big Cat loves the Big Cat Weekend!!!

Luper is trying to wrap up the Recruiter award early this year.; 9:07 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: anyone who subscribes to the pay sites willing to share the weekend schedule, if such has been posted? what do the rules allow on unofficial visits?; 9:09 PM
Unknown said...: Eddie, in case you aren't up on current events, Jay has announced Big Cat weekend, as well as Auburn Undercover.; 9:11 PM
Monica said...: wow
meow; 9:16 PM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: donovan was critical in getting american soccer (football) to where it is. high five him for me jgt.; 9:16 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve- My point is that when I said this earlier today you refused to believe it. No crap that everyone is reporting it, it's a big story. Anyways, should be great for Auburn.; 9:17 PM
Unknown said...: Looks like there are 3 offensive linemen in the group and 7 linebackers. A couple of those linemen are very highly rated.; 9:18 PM
Unknown said...: Not sure what you are talking about eddie. I just said I hadn't seen a credible source. I have now provided you with 2 and you can add al.com. They are talking about it also.; 9:19 PM
j-z said...: Jay announced Auburn Undercover? Wow...Mr. Tate is slipping. That's old news.

BTW, would I become anyone's hero if I told you that Trooper Taylor is on facebook now?; 9:20 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: THT- It's a social weekend gathering. They are having a bunch of contests, video games and other events with the recruits. The current team will also be present. I think this is a huge thing for Auburn. It will generate a bunch of good press. Also, not be missed, is that each one of these kids and their parents are paying their way to get to Auburn and their accomodations. That says something to me. This is thinking way outside the box. They also have something big planned for July also. Should be exciting with this bunch.; 9:22 PM
Unknown said...: The recruits parents paying for them to be in Auburn does say a lot. And it is more than just who is showing up that is impressive. It is the splash that this staff is making in the media. When other high profile recruits read about it they will have to be going, dang, I should have been there. These coaches are being creative. Hokie or not, I liked the limo idea and this one may attract even more attention than it.; 9:26 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Eddie-Thanks for the info! I'd love to be down there this weekend, but I'm sure I'd just commit loads of NCAA violations if I were there.; 9:27 PM
Monica said...: THT I haven't found it yet, but I will when I find it.

I didn't realize we were so high on Lattimore's list.; 9:27 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Mon- It looks like there is a good possibility that Seastrunk and Lattimore will play college ball together...let's hope it's at Auburn.; 9:30 PM
Unknown said...: This limit on the number of signings seems to be causing quite a bit of stir too. Some seem to think it will put the SEC at a disadvantage. Personally, I am not certain whether I like it or not. To me the oversigning is misleading to a kid.; 9:30 PM
Unknown said...: Lattimore has said we are his leader but recently a couple of other schools have been pushing hard for him. I read it somewhere. I think it was South Carolina and Florida State.; 9:32 PM
Monica said...: If they both come to Auburn I will...i will...I don't know what I will do, but it will be GINORMOUS!

THT, ff you email me I'll send you the articles from one of those sites.; 9:33 PM
ehyou said...: I don't need any urging to jump on this bandwagon.

Three cheers for BCW!!!

Huzzah, huzzah, huzzah!!!; 9:34 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: My Coke float was so very tasty. Add Coke floats to the list of things I could eat all day long.; 9:35 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Add Chick-Fil-A ice cream to the list of things I could eat all the time also.; 9:36 PM
Monica said...: I've never had CFA ice cream...
Should I?; 9:38 PM
Unknown said...: I love the idea of a couple of new stud runningbacks showing up at Auburn, but I am really excited if we can get a couple of this high profile offensive linemen. People underestimate their value.; 9:38 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Mon - you are awesome! If you don't believe me, just ask Greg. A quickie sent to your yahoo mail.

Muchos Gracias; 9:39 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: It's good. Closest to home made without being homemade in my opinion. It's also realitively healthy in term's of ice cream nutrition provided you don't eat ridiculous portions, as I once did in a previous life. Give it a try.; 9:39 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve- I get it. I know you want some big uglies. I think i've seen at least 3-5 references today on that alone. We all want big uglies on both sides of the ball and we all need LB's, but skill positions are the positions that can really spark a recruiting class. As much as big uglies and LB's are needed, you want get near the momentum in recruiting as you will getting those highly sought after skill position guys.; 9:41 PM
ehyou said...: Alton likes CFA ice cream, it's right up there with 5 Guys fries.; 9:41 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Fast food restaurant ice cream isn't a huge craving of my taste buds. But ice cream is my most favorite food. I love Blue Bell big time, but we still don't have it here. So I settle for other brands and Baskin-Robbins Chocolate Chip and Gold Medal Ribbon when I'm travelling.; 9:42 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Perhaps a little CFA ice cream tomorrow won't hurt, though!; 9:43 PM
Monica said...: Khairi Fortt is going to be very very handsome when he grows up.; 9:43 PM
Jet said...: OK, how many of you have been to multiple drive-thrus to amass menu items for a single meal?; 9:43 PM
ehyou said...: Whoever he is, he reminds me a lot of myself.; 9:44 PM
Monica said...: you're way ausomer than me, THT!!; 9:44 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Blue Bell is pretty darn good THT. I give you that. Homemade ice cream is the absolute best, especially if you use eggs in your recipe :)!!!!; 9:44 PM
chip chip said...: as i said before, the new 28 signing limit puts a lot more pressure on schools to get it right with who they sign and keep them in school. i still think 30 is a better number. you are going to take a chance on a few guys each year and a few are going to leave your program because of grades, injury, homesickness, personality conflicts, playing time etc.

what if you graduate a senior class of 20 players, two leave early for NFL, two transfer for playing time and two are academically ineligible? you now have 26 to replace. You can only bring in 25 already. you have signed 28. four are iffy and don't qualify and two more are surprise non-qualifiers. now you are down to 22 in your class. do you give away 3 schollys to walk-ons or play below the 85 limit which is effectively a self-imposed scholarship reduction? maybe it will all add up to me eventually but, at first glance, the math says you better not miss on anyone and keep all the ones you get the full four years they can play.; 9:45 PM
ehyou said...: jet....
I'm raising my hand. I have a wife and two daughters. Enough said.; 9:45 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Jet- I've been guilty of that a time or two in the past, not so much these days. I always loved Checker's fries and Wendy's hamburgers in Auburn. Both were relatively close to each other.; 9:47 PM
Unknown said...: That is a good point eddie, and the big names being interested this early can only help futher. But two of the big uglies on this weekends list are highly rated. One I think was the number 2 tackle and the other is the numbet 4 guard. Numbers wise, it all looks good. I am not a big proponent of the star system, but it is the best indication I have of how good these guys actually are.; 9:47 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: oh yes, homemade chocolate chip ice cream. That's what I'll eat every day in the next life.; 9:47 PM
Unknown said...: Hahaha, I don't think I have ever build a meal from two fast food places at a time. I think I am learning something tonight.; 9:48 PM
chip chip said...: and i make some mean homemade ice cream using eggs. don't forget to temper the eggs or you will get a mess... my wife and kids have been bugging me to make some recently and you guys may have pushed me over the edge.

ben & jerry's: stephen colbert's americone dream and elton john: goodbye yellow brickle road are my current store bought favs.; 9:49 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Chip Chip- "What is Gray Shirt?" Alex.

The oversignings are getting a little crazy, but most times it is done with some certainty of who will not be qualifying and then having the opportunity to place those said players in a juco / prep school that is best suited for your school.; 9:50 PM
cincytiger said...: THT,
We have got to get you some Graeter's ice cream from Cincinnati. That is the one thing I miss so much from Cincy! Toffee chip is the best. It is the French pot method of making ice cream and they pour melted chocolate in it as it is freezing and the chocolate hardens in big chunks... it is good that I am going to Cincy next week for a wedding.; 9:50 PM
Unknown said...: Jay, you may want to take a look at the JCCW. Hinnen seems to have taken offense from your blog about Lowder.; 9:51 PM
Monica said...: ehyou HA you funny

Khairi Fortt, the nation's No. 2 LB, will be in Auburn this weekend.; 9:52 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Chip Chip- You have intrigued me, what type of flavor is the Ben & Jerry's Stephen Colbert Americone Dream?; 9:52 PM
Unknown said...: Isn't a grey shirt a guy who is going to wait to enroll for the following recruiting class, but doesn't go the Juco route?; 9:53 PM
chip chip said...: eddie, i know about grey shirting but then you only have say 22 schollys to give out the next year because they count against that total. what i'm saying is some unexpected big time attrition for whatever reason can get you behind in the numbers in a hurry if not very carefully managed.; 9:53 PM
chip chip said...: americone dream:
vanilla malt ice cream with caramel swril with chocolate covered waffle cone pieces

it may have chocolate chuncks in there too,; 9:55 PM
Unknown said...: I do think the 28 number is a bit low. Somehow the absolute limit of 25 each season hasn't made since to me. Shouldn't the limit be the number of slots you have on your roster within the 85 player limit? It would seem more reasonable. If you have 70 players returning, you have 15 scholarships to offer.; 9:56 PM
chip chip said...: elton john's goodbye yellow brickle road.

chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie pieces, white chocolate chunks and brickle candy pieces.; 9:56 PM
Unknown said...: And by the way, these limits are for good reason. Remember the good ole days when Bear would have every player in the south on his roster, but half of them would never see the field. I like the idea of these limits. There just needs to be some fine tuning.; 9:57 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Agreed Chip Chip. These numbers games can be almost like playing russian roulette in my opinion. You can usually bank on at least 1-2 freshman that will not be on the team at the end of the season that started out practicing in the fall. Seems to always happen.; 9:58 PM
chip chip said...: the 85 limit addresses bahr's old trick. i'm with you steve. let a school bring in the number of schollys they have open. 15 or 35 doesn't really matter. if you have 35 open spots, you probably suck and need all the help you can get.; 10:00 PM
Jet said...: In re JCCW ...

He'll never get rich. But at least it's better than diggin' a ditch.

Translated, I don't care.; 10:00 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Elton John's Yellow Brickroad looks like something you would find in the restroom by the way you are describing it. As tempting as that may be, I think I will pass.; 10:00 PM
Jet said...: Here's my ice cream winners:

Bruster's Fudgie Cheesecake

Homemade Milky Way; 10:03 PM
chip chip said...: i would say the same thing about sushi and some other trendy foods i've seen people eat. but we are talking ICE CREAM here!; 10:04 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I'm real simple when it comes to ice cream. 90+% of the time it's vanilla with chocolate syrup, or it's chocolate chip... and no, never mint chocolate chip. Once in a while I'll stray from those, but never for ice cream with nuts in it.

MONICA - That was better than ice cream!!! Thanks a million!!!; 10:04 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Guys / Gals, I made my first post at 3:08am this morning. I've tried to be as loyal as I can, even with a 4.5 hour trip to Florence. I'm calling it a night. Take care and good night Hotties!; 10:04 PM
Monica said...: JZ - Great pics of you and the fam with Coach Trooper "I want to rub his bald head" Taylor.; 10:05 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Good night Eddie. See you in a few hours?; 10:05 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: p.s. Sweet dreams, hatin' bama, of course.; 10:05 PM
Jet said...: Eduardo ...

No shame ... thanks for your leadership. Sleep well.; 10:05 PM
Monica said...: You're a champ, Eddie. Sweet dreams.; 10:05 PM
chip chip said...: i'm right down the road from the only known breuster's in my area in orange beach. if i hadn't stopped by burris farm market and got two pies i might check it out.
i'll try it my next trip over here.; 10:06 PM
Unknown said...: JCCW is a different animal than here. Jay is primarily facts. JCCW is primarily opinion of facts. Some I agree with. Some I don't.; 10:06 PM
Jet said...: Chip ...

They don't have it often at my location, so I either go without, or call an audible.; 10:07 PM
Unknown said...: Goodnight eddie; 10:07 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: chip chip - throw the pies out if'n they weren't homemade. Ice Cream always trumps pie.; 10:08 PM
Unknown said...: Butter Pecan is the ice cream. Everything else is settling for less.; 10:08 PM
Jet said...: I'd sure love some maters from Burris'; 10:08 PM
chip chip said...: as long as they haven't gone fishin' and i get some ice cream...; 10:09 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: THTsr, God rest his soul, was a HUGE fan of Butter Pecan ice cream. Occasionally peach ice cream. oooh, that reminds me, we haven't made homemade peach ice cream in years. That's some good stuff.; 10:10 PM
chip chip said...: they were made by hand in the burris farm market bakery. the only reason i get those. store bough pie = yuck.; 10:10 PM
chip chip said...: the silver king corn is in season. good stuff.; 10:11 PM
ehyou said...: Brewster's is good, it's just so doggone expensive. They've been boycotted.; 10:11 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: video game competitions as part of Big Cat Weekend. I'll take on all comers on Mattel Electronic Football, or whatever it was called.; 10:13 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: sweet corn, probably my second favorite food after ice cream. I could eat that stuff all day, too.

anyone planning to watch Jay Leno's last Tonight Show? Think he'll mention Big Cat Weekend?; 10:15 PM
AUfan said...: I'm late to the news, this is an incredible job of salesmanship being done by the AU staff. It is exciting to see some new ideas being applied to the recruiting area. Chizik said he would aim high in recruiting and he has been true to his word.; 10:18 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: are you about to be formerlydepressedAUfan?; 10:22 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: the latest spelling bee winner was a lock to win. Once she learned how to spell her name, any other words were child's play.; 10:27 PM
Jet said...: I think it's pretty funny that none of the media got the biblical significance of the winning word.; 10:28 PM
ehyou said...: tht...
that's pretty funny; 10:29 PM
wtc said...: I like this Big Cat stuff. Maybe we can see some results before the weekend is over.; 10:35 PM
AUfan said...: THT, if Chizik and Co keep this up, a change may have to be made. I'm trying to keep expectations in check, but it is exciting to see Auburn being mentioned again as a program to watch in recruiting.; 10:36 PM
wtc said...: Jet-Cooking chicken and corn on the grill Saturday. Having a blowout to feed 50 at the Ponderosa. We will finish up with 4 home made ice cream makers putting out strawberry, oreo, chocalte, and vanilla ice cream.; 10:36 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I would rather that you were hot or cold, not Laodicean.; 10:38 PM
Jet said...: By definition, Hotties cannot be Laodicean.; 10:40 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: a couple of minutes until Frazier on Lifetime; 10:59 PM
ehyou said...: jet...
Thanks a lot, I just spent 5 minutes googling:
national spelling bee
dictionary
laodicean

Cool word, both in rolling off the tongue and definition.; 11:03 PM
ehyou said...: ehyou threadkiller?.....

INCONCEIVABLE!; 11:23 PM
ehyou said...: oh well, g'night all

i hope everyone has beautiful big cat dreams; 11:27 PM
Unknown said...: I am with you depressed. I am trying to not get too overly optimistic, but I got a good feeling about this coming season.

I do hope everyeone caught where I named Chris Todd the starting QB. Wouldn't want anyone to miss that.

Usually there is a changeover period when a new staff comes in, but sometimes things click, like with Bowden's first season. It could happen because I don't think we are nearly as far off in terms of talent as some may think. Depth is an issue, but there are teams with bigger depth problems.; 12:35 AM
Aeronaut said...: Holy mother. I am officially impressed by this coaching staff's 'effort'.

Xaff's home-made ice cream uses honey mangos that you can get at a supermercado, or harry's farmer market (rarely though). Milk, egg yolks and cream are involved in the process.

Do not attempt with regular mangos.; 1:00 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Eddie, you up yet?; 2:19 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Off to Los Angeles. Weather looks clear.

I'll talk with you all from the West Coast ...; 4:55 AM
NoVaTiger said...: Steve, I thought you said 7 wins this year and 4 years to rebuild?

Chocolate Cookie Dough is the best Ice Cream. Eddies is the best brand available around here. I used to love Texas Gold Cherry Cordial, but it's been 20 years since I've seen Texas Gold.; 5:39 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Mornin' NoVa!

All you other Hotties, it's time to rise and shine!
It's BIG CAT WEEKEND!!! Don't waste it sleeping.

WARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!; 6:18 AM
Anonymous said...: Have fun, Jay G.; 6:25 AM
NoVaTiger said...: Hey THT,
A couple of weeks ago when you were up here, I was standing on the corner of K and Connecticut around 6:00 PM on Thursday evening and saw a limo go by with DC cops and Secret Service escort. Was that you?; 6:43 AM
NoVaTiger said...: Gotta run, pool dives are today. Part 2 of the certification process.; 6:44 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: NoVa - That was obviously someone who either wanted to be seen or was a VIP. Therefore, I think we can deduce that it wasn't me.; 6:58 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: 12 HOURS til PUCK DROPS.

GO PENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; 6:58 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: jay,

have fun at the galaxy game, cut me a lock of alexi lalas's beard, also is beckam playing or is he still over in England on loan; 7:13 AM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: welcome to the hotel california...; 7:18 AM
Jet said...: Bad news: I think my coffee maker is dying.; 8:06 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: beckham is on loan to Milan until July.

Memphis airport is a rat trap.; 8:13 AM
AUBigCat said...: Is it still Christmas...I mean Big Cat Weekend??; 8:30 AM
Unknown said...: Yea Nova, that is what I am thinking. Also, I think our low period will be 2011 and things will improve from there.; 9:28 AM
Jet said...: It's only appropriate that a Hottie be honored with a weekend.

Next weekend will be "Michael Weekend," when the nation's top puppets will visit. Little do they know that the joke will be on them when Harrison shows up with his trusty 4-iron.; 9:38 AM
Unknown said...: Hahaha, I was thinking something similar Jet. BigCat actually posted in here asking about what the big announcement was about when we found out. Looks like they would have told him ahead of time.; 9:41 AM
Unknown said...: One of the things that happened just before the Franklin Experience was promoted from OC to moving man is that he had the famous piss everyone off practice where he was apparently yelling at everyone.

Later he said that he did it because he thought he was losing the players, which I think he meant the were losing the belief in what he was doing. To me, it is easy to see why. You ask the offensive linemen to lose wait and then block those big defensive linemen from MSU and it has to make a player wonder.

From what I have read recently it appears that not only recruits, but players, are buying into what these coaches are doing, particularly the receivers.

What this means is that the players will be putting in extra voluntary work this summer so we will be good to go in the fall.

At the same time I read where Todd's arm is much better and better than it was any time next season. He also mentioned that last season at times he wasn't sure which throws he could make. He seems to be close to being passed that. Having a healthy Todd would make a huge difference to this team.

The only other thing I see holding this team back is the depth issues. We had the talent last season to contend for the west and I still believe we have enough remaining to do so again. A lot just has to fall into place.

If Todd or Kodi can be the man at QB, we may have a shot. Somehow I doubt an inexperienced Caudle can do it, which is why him being even with Kodi bothered me so much.

There is potential here. We just need to have a lot of things fall our way. Yea, 7 wins is likely. 8 wins would be a good season. But team chemistry is the most important think and we got an F in chemistry last season.

I keep trying to tell myself to not get overly optimistic, but there are reasons to hope.; 9:52 AM
Anonymous said...: Too many good and bad things are possible between now and 2011 in order to allow for accurate predictions.

Steve...I noticed that JCCW used 2 facts to support his calling JGT's comments... "curious". Obviously Hinnen hasn't forgotten and probably knows many new examples. I'm not sure whether AU fans have short or exhausted memories on the issue, but there is apathy. At least it has been nice for the AU family to not have to deal with divisive disinformation since Tub's leaving. Notice how wierd rumors and accusations no longer float around?; 9:53 AM
Unknown said...: Yea, I have noticed. I really don't like it when JCCW questions Jay because if it comes to HABOTN or JCCW for getting information, I will go with HABOTN any day.

As for the lack of rumors, I think the one thing that really sticks in my mind is how I am hearing a unity from this staff. Last season I read comments from the Franklin Experience and Tuberville that seemingly contradicted each other before the season began. So far, I haven't seen anything like that this year.; 10:00 AM
AUBigCat said...: My expectations are a bit lower than yours Steve. I think 7 wins would be a great season with Burns or Caudle at QB. 8 wins with one of those being over Bama and Chiz should be coach of the year. If a healthy Todd wins the starting job then those numbers go up for me.; 10:06 AM
AUBigCat said...: By the way, there is an AJC article with Luper addressing our current commit numbers and why we are taking our time to add commits.

Not Padding Commit Stas; 10:10 AM
Unknown said...: Big Cat, I should mention that it is Todd saying how much better his arm is. He was also saying he would be able to participate sometime in the spring, which didn't happen. So, he is definitely still a question mark, but to hear from him is encouraging.

The article I read also confirmed what I thought was happening last season. Sometimes he could make a throw. At other times he couldn't make that same throw.

What I saw from Todd last season seemed to be a QB that new what to do but didn't always have the arm to do it. I am very interested in seeing him if he does have the arm. If not, go with Burns or Caudle. A Todd that will be healthy for a handful of games would probably be more detrimental than beneficial.; 10:20 AM
Unknown said...: As for the quality not quantity in terms of recruiting, I don't think it is necessarily either at the moment. We have about 4 commits and I think 3 of them are 3 stars. They may be much better than the 3 stars indicate, but at this point who has committed doesn't really matter. We seem to be getting interest from a lot of highly rated players and we don't seem to be betting everything on a few players. Last season we seemed to go all in on Cotton being our QB signee. While that strategy has worked in the past, I would prefer to have several good recruits interested and narrow the field later in the year.; 10:24 AM
Anonymous said...: My take on the AU recruiting sit is that starting from scratch and being very selective at the same time will take more time to produce results. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

UGA lead the SEC in early, quality commits for several years running. Recruiting is not engineering and can't be quantified as such, but you wonder why the change.

I commented in March/April that we seemed behind other schools when offering to quality OL. We have made up most of that ground. Now let's bring some home.; 10:31 AM
Anonymous said...: Only b/c we are in the football doldrums.....

1. Todd...can he get it done if his arm is well?

2. Kodi....can he truly commit to proper passing fundamentals and film study?

3. Caudle.....can he stay healthy and overcome many years out of the arena?

4. Rolleson.....Will he qualify and can he really show up at fall camp, practice for 3 weeks and then produce as a true freshman against SEC defenses?

We have 4 "opportunities", we need at least one of them to happen.; 10:42 AM
AUBigCat said...: Good info guys! Has there been anything written about Coach Chiz's/Roof's philosophy on defense concerning speed vs size? Tubs liked the smaller, faster LBs which probably helped us beat keep up with fast teams like UF. Will the new staff keep that style of play?; 10:43 AM
AUBigCat said...: Hoopie you might as well throw Moseley and Cooper in that mix too. Man we have a lot of QBs on scholarship.; 10:45 AM
chip chip said...: where's the love for brent poole?; 10:48 AM
Aeronaut said...: rivals. haha.

Jake Holland is the 9th best LB in the nation. As bammer don't need LBs this year, rivals would rate all LBs as 3* and below.

Shon Coleman is the highest rated 3* OL. because he's an Auburn commit.

lucky is a joke.; 10:49 AM
Unknown said...: Rollison, Moseley, and Cooper could all probably be lumped together in terms of potential contribution. Now, if one of those ends up being the starter it will likely cost us a couple of games and mean that Chizik has chosen to do what he did at Iowa State, namely sacrifice some wins at first to get younger guys some experience. I believe he has said that isn't necessary at Auburn, but if Kodi/Caudle/Todd isn't significantly better than the incoming freshmen, look for the freshmen to get their shot.; 10:50 AM
Unknown said...: I do think the reason we have so many QBs is because of a couple of reasons. Cooper may actually play a different position. Moseley was probably offered in case we didn't get Rollison.

I think the luck on offensive line recruits went the other way. We recruited several and missed out on more than expected.; 10:53 AM
chip chip said...: the comments below that ajc blurb make al.com looked like a G rated lovefest. i didn't see any comments from AU fans. i guess only cousin humpers, lizard lovers & dawg spankers post there.; 10:54 AM
chip chip said...: i saw highlights of cooper on local tv last night in mobile. didn't see the sec qb arm. mosely looked like a brandon cox on the touch passes with the ability to add a little more zip at this point.

cooper was at the AU club meeting in robertsdale, al a few weeks ago. his body type screams LB or safety. maybe d-end if he adds 30 lbs.; 10:57 AM
Aeronaut said...: Oh.. and Cody Parkey was recently evaluated as the #1 kicker in the nation.; 10:59 AM
chip chip said...: who's the #1 long snapper? AU needs to hurry up and get in on him before north texas offers him a preferred walk-on opportunity!

i kid... i thought bammer said they had the nations #1 kicker interested and about to commit?? oh, wait. that was rivals.com (i.e. REC recruiting service); 11:04 AM
Unknown said...: If Cooper is really a Brandon Cox type, we should give him the nod at some playing time. We desperately need someone like that.

Sometimes I make the mistake of reading the bleacher report. I just read an article on there that stated that they didn't think Chizik would be able to straighten out Auburn's offense, and I must agree. Chizik can't fix our offense. Now, Malzahn will have a much better chance. I find the logic of the bleacher report articles often escape me.; 11:09 AM
Seanzie said...: Steve, Bleacher Report = amateur hour; 11:33 AM
Unknown said...: Yea, Parkey is going to be interesting. As a junior in high school he was 3 of 5. While that doesn't sound impressive, it gets more interesting when you find out he was the long range field goal specialist. All of his makes were of 49 yards or longer. The two misses were blocked. Hopefully those numbers are correct, but they are the gist of what I read a while back. The kid apparently has the leg to do some great things.; 11:33 AM
Unknown said...: Sean, I don't mind amateur hour and differing opinions, but some just don't seem to be based upon reality or facts.

I have also seen several blogs of people that were upset about the Chizik hiring and now have changed their tune. It seems to be the norm. Judging Chizik by his record at Iowa State wasn't a good idea. So far I think he has done a great job or at least as great of a job that you could expect without actually coaching a game.

Eddie mentioned they have something else planned for June to attract attention. I like the idea of looking for ways to keep Auburn football in the headlines without pulling a Kiffin.; 11:38 AM
Seanzie said...: That's the thing about BR, though, there's not many standards and people can write total opinion pieces if they so choose.; 11:43 AM
Unknown said...: There is an interview with Jay Coulter at Team Speed Kills that is interesting.; 11:57 AM
Unknown said...: I also read at bleacher report that this is the first decade in Auburn history where we haven't had two back to back 0.500 or worse seasons. I find that interesting and certainly this decade isn't over yet. I do expect us to have a winning season this year. The predictions I am seeing seem to range from 6-8 wins typically, so I am thinking 7 wins is a good possibility.; 12:04 PM
Jet said...: I have a different take on FG kickers ... when I hear a kicker has range 50-55 and beyond, I cringe.

The bottom line is that most coaches rarely pull the trigger on something like that -- usually it's desperation, or the end of the half.

What is far more relevant to me, and I believe to football in general is what he does 47 yards and in.

Translated, if we make to 30 and down to the 25, do we have an 85 percent expectation of making a field goal? And if we make it inside the 25, do we have a virtual certainty we'll make the field goal?

To me, that's what's important.; 12:07 PM
Unknown said...: Jet, you make a very good point. There have been times we have had kickers where it seemed like it was a 50/50 shot no matter what the range. I wouldn't say a kicker should be automatic from 47 yards in, but to expect him to be nearly automatic from less than 40 yards isn't outrageous. We have had kickers that made almost everything from less that 44 yards.; 12:47 PM
Anonymous said...: 9:00 tonight at Toomers corner. All fans are invited to come out for the traditional rolling of the trees. The "Big Cats" will all be there. The way I see it, this staff has worked really hard to get all these guys here this weekend and we should do our best to get out there and show the guys some love. This is the Auburn family and this staff is busting it right now to get these guys on campus. They got them here, now it's our turn to do our part by showing up. Plus, how wouldn't want to spend a Saturday night in Auburn??? Count me in! WDE!!!; 1:35 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: I'm not worried about jerry hinnen's opinion of my work.; 2:40 PM
AUBigCat said...: Thanks for the update Jaywall! I might be able to make it out to Toomers tonight. I need to practice my nighttime camera work anyway. Also for those that are too far away to make the event dont forget you can probably watch it on the campus cameras if you go to the auburn.edu website.; 3:14 PM
Anonymous said...: Bleacher Report isn't even amateur hour.

It's more like blatant homer and idiot hour.

Seriously.; 3:25 PM
Seanzie said...: What's everyone up to this afternoon?; 3:35 PM
Anonymous said...: Listening to the GHSA AAA baseball championship game on the radio. It's too hot to go to the game.; 4:25 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Hi Sean and all the Hotties,
Sean- I'm about to have another DC.
JayGT- glad to see you arrived safely on the left coast. Enjoy the football.

I snuck out this morning whilst (I like that word) Mrs THT was away, spending most of the day doing research and avoiding yard work.

Got my 45rpm and LP back from Lawrenceville, GA ( playitagainsam.biz ) with very high quality CDs so I can listen to a few songs I haven't heard since the '70s. Very pleased with results and reasonably priced.

Saw a car in Raleigh with 2 Pittsburgh Penguins flags flying from the windows... GO PENS!!!; 4:27 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Sure wish I could be at the hockey game tonight. But I wish a billion times more I could be at Toomer's Corner tonight. WARRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!
I'm giddy over Big Cat Weekend!; 4:29 PM
BinOBA said...: Toomers Corner>any hockey game

wish i was hittin TC tonight, too.; 4:36 PM
AUBigCat said...: Toomer's Corner Webcam"; 4:40 PM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: i think the big question of the day is "if espn is headquartered in connecticut, why is jgt in l.a.?". espn 2 just broadcast the spelling bee championships. will august ever arrive?; 4:52 PM
BinOBA said...: ESPN is the debul.; 5:01 PM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: binoba, i have an encyclopedia sized book devoted to nothing but varieties of potatoes and rice. never knew there were so many--and that you could be so creative with such seemingly bland stuff. espn is, indeed one of satans minions.; 5:05 PM
Jet said...: Jay G is taking Becks' spot with the Galaxy. He will also talking with officials from a major Hollywood studio regarding a movie on his life story.

Working title: The Blogfather; 6:01 PM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: the hottest indie film on the net!; 6:12 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Hey Hotties. Wish I was in Auburn Tonight and at Toomer's Corner. Sounds like things are going well there.

I on the other hand am getting ready to take my oldest daugther to see "Up".

Check in with you guys later for the late shift.; 6:30 PM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: heard really good things about "up". enjoy!; 7:04 PM
ADP said...: I think this is fantastic stuff. I hope everybody will remember how great a job we think they are doing right now when it gets to be say ... end of October? They are doing it right, no doubt about it. But fans have short memories. Like me.; 7:24 PM
Monica said...: eddie true blood june 14th

be there; 8:01 PM
Jet said...: Creative thinking. Auburn. Same sentence.

Wow.; 8:07 PM
AUfan said...: Monica, do you mean True Blood on HBO? I enjoy watching the show during my Big Love withdrawal.; 8:14 PM
Monica said...: That's it, Depressed. Eddie got me hooked on it. It's a great Big Love antidote.; 8:29 PM
Monica said...: Forgive me and allow me just a brief moment to fantasize with the material provided by Lattimore and Seastrunk in the latest auburnsports.com article.

Have any of you read it?; 9:17 PM
Monica said...: So, Lattimore was hanging with Lache, Trovon, Jake Holland, Shaun Kitches, Khairi Fortt, Coach Luper and Coach Trooper.

From Jeff Lee @ auburnsports.com Lattimore said. "It definitely helps. We get a chance to see if we all were to come here how great it would be. And the potential for us to all come here is real high.

"It would just be great to play with all of these great players. We had a good chance to just hang out and get a feel for each other. They are all great guys, too. They're not thugs. They are character guys. That's what I like about all of them."; 9:26 PM
wtc said...: I can't geta good pix of Toomer's Corner. When you got to the origianl site, the phot has a date from 11/2008 and nothing happens in the photo so it doesn't look live.

Any help is appreciated.; 9:32 PM
Monica said...: I've been trying to get it too, WTC.; 9:39 PM
Jet said...: Here's my vision of some of what they're doing ...

Trooper's riding the bull through the mosh pit of Auburn fans, and chest bumpin' everything in sight, screaming "NO DROPS!"

Gus is on the sidewalk in front of Toomer's Drugs, messing with test tubes and Bunsen burners, creating our offensive game plan.

Luper is hidden from view in the clock tower at Samford Hall, wearing his shades and issuing directives to recruiting aides by talking into his sleeve like a Secret Service agent.

Chiz is walking around with a big box full of lemonades and limeades, passing them out to the fans.

Rocker is showing the guests the plaques on the sidewalks, reminding them that they could have one with their names on it one day.

Boulware is combing the crowd, looking for long snapper prospects.; 9:41 PM
Miller said...: I have not read it.... but would love to.... can you send it to me, mon?

Anybody know how the 'Big Cat' is prowling this weekend?; 9:42 PM
Monica said...: Email me, Miller and I'll reply with the article.; 9:51 PM
Miller said...: done... thanks Monny!; 9:59 PM
Monica said...: you got it, Miller; 10:27 PM
AUfan said...: Love the idea of getting so many top players to come in at the same time(during this time of year, especially). Past recruiting classes at other schools(and Auburn)have shown that top players want to go where other highly-rated players go. I'm rarely accused of being optimistic, but I am really excited to see such creative recruiting ideas being used.; 10:34 PM
riskman108 said...: Toomers was great... End of story; 10:49 PM
Unknown said...: I love to hear these guys aren't thugs. I wondered about Brice and Oku after they took so long to commit. I think they had the big head. These guys just seem to be having a good time.

By the way Jay, although you may not care about Hinnen's opinion of your work, he apparently cares about your work. He references it often enough.; 11:11 PM
chip chip said...: brown and oku had someone blowing smoke in their ear creating that big head. i've said before UT got two head cases and only have one football. that place is gonna be a certified looney bin if they don't win quickly and i don't see it happening. the meltdown should be fun to watch.

by all accounts i've read, BIG CAT weekend was a roaring success. i found it curios demarcus milliner was not there, but he was in AU last weekend. maybe because he already knew he couldn't make it for whatever reason.

Keep up the good work coaches and may i suggest an encore!; 11:56 PM
chip chip said...: one recruit reportedly said, "$aban is SOL". possibly seastrunk, but i've seen conflicting reports. apparently he has promised he will announce his commitment at the army all american game. so we have to sit and wait until january...; 11:59 PM
chip chip said...: since it is after midnight and i've brent pooled the thread here are some more things bammers deserve:

microwave dinners, busted radiators, stepping in a puddle of water while wearing socks, one table leg shorter than the others, in-grown hairs, porno mustaches, the "stink eye", jet's neighbor finding their dog alone in the street, rural gas station restrooms, crops failing, hard water stains, french-style body odor, pink eye, enjoying the macarana, nancy pelosi, windows 98, wicker furniture, spilling candle wax on the rug, their dog pees in their bed, unitards, zero tolerance, spyware, garbage water, looking like my avatar, over fried catfish, having the epiphany of one day understanding how much they s*****ck!!!

i will hate them in my sleep.
that is all. gnite.; 12:25 AM
Anonymous said...: Would one of you Rivals.com members please relay whatever it was Lache Seastrunk said about Nick Saban? It's got the Bammers "throwing up in their mouths" after hearing it apparently.

Thanks.; 7:12 AM
Jet said...: Just saw photos on Scout.

I LIKE IT!; 7:30 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Sensi- here's hoping they all aspirate; 7:33 AM
Anonymous said...: LOL @ Sean; 7:34 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: too excited to link, video on OA news sports page:

http://www.oanow.com/oan/sports/

"hey, tell nick saban he's SOL"; 7:41 AM
Anonymous said...: Nice work Recruiting - NOT!

OL James Stone, ATH Victor Beasley, and DL J.C. Copeland were no shows.

ATH Jessel Curry said he is still committed to WVU.

WR Jeremy Richardson said AU is his favorite even more now. He sucks so whatever!

RB Marcus Lattimore said he's not ready to commit to anyone.

WR Trovon Reed liked his visit, but everybody says he's going to LSU.

DB Ryan Ayers liked his visit but everybody says he's going to GA Tech.

LB Khairi Fortt is going to Penn State.

LB Nigel Terrell is not ready to commit to anyone right now. FSU will get him.

In general: Big Cat Weekend EPIC FAIL!

Just like your whole football program.

Roll Tide!; 7:44 AM
Anonymous said...: Everyone hide your cousins!; 7:45 AM
Jet said...: It was a pure "TEXTBOOK" response from Guacamole Guppie.

"TEXTBOOK," ha! I kill myself.; 7:52 AM
Anonymous said...: THT,

Where does he say that? I must have missed it.; 7:57 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: oh heavens, let me watch it again, Sensi.

it was about 1/3 way in, I think.; 7:58 AM
Anonymous said...: Kodi Burns got the rock star treatment as well. That's interesting.; 7:58 AM
Anonymous said...: Sorry, THT. It's right at the start. Thanks.; 7:59 AM

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5.29.2009

Big Cat Weekend

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