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5.11.2009

Projecting the 2009 football roster

Hey everyone. So a few weeks ago, we reviewed the Tigers' 2008-09 scholarship allocations to get our bearings. It proved helpful in some ways.

Let's take it one step beyond that. Below find what I expect to be Auburn's 2009-2010 allocation chart. This should give you a better feel for where Gene Chizik has leigitmate depth and where The Holes may lie.

It'll be obvious.

For this exercise, I'm assuming the signees will qualify. A few of them won't, of course, but it's pointless for me to alter numbers based on academic projections.

GREEN = newcomer
PURPLE = physical status in doubt

QUARTERBACK (6)
QB Chris Todd, Sr.
QB Kodi Burns, Jr.
QB Neil Caudle, Jr.
QB Barrett Trotter, RFr.
QB Tyrik Rollison, Fr.
QB Clint Moseley, Fr.

RUNNING BACK (7)
RB Ben Tate, Sr.
RB Mario Fannin, Jr.
RB Eric Smith, Soph.
RB John Douglas, Soph.
RB Onterio McCalebb, Fr.
TB Brandon Jacobs, Fr.
TB Dontae Aycock, Fr.

RECEIVERS (17, possibly 19)
WR Montez Billings, Sr.
WR Tim Hawthorne, Sr.
TE Tommy Trott, Sr.
WR Terrell Zachery, Jr.
WR/DB Demond Washington, Jr.
TE Bailey Woods, Jr.
WR Derek Winter, Soph.
WR Darvin Adams, Soph.
WR Quindarius Carr, Soph.
WR Harry Adams, Soph.
WR Philip Pierre-Louis, RFr.
WR DeAngelo Benton, Fr.
WR Phillip Lutzenkirchen, Fr.
WR Emory Blake, Fr.
WR Travante Stallworth, Fr.
WR LaVoyd James, Fr. (probably headed to JUCO)
WR Anthony Gulley, Fr.
TE Brent Slusher
TE Gabe McKenzie

OFFENSIVE LINE (12)
OL Andrew McCain, Sr.
OL Lee Ziemba, Jr.
OL Ryan Pugh, Jr.
OL Bart Eddins, Jr.
OL Darrell Roseman, Jr.
OL Mike Berry, Jr.
OL Byron (Lee) Isom, Jr.
OL Jared Cooper, Soph.
OL A.J. Greene, Soph.
OL Vance Smith, Soph.
OL Andre Harris, Fr.
OL John Sullen, Fr.

DEFENSIVE LINE (14 to 16)
DL Antonio Coleman, Sr.
DL Jake Ricks, Sr.
DL Antoine Carter, Jr.
DL Michael Goggans, Jr.
DL Mike Blanc, Jr.
DL Zach Clayton, Jr.
DL Nick Fairley, Jr.
DL Jomarcus Savage, RFr.
DL Derrick Lykes, RFr.
DL Cam Henderson, RFr.
DL Terrance Coleman, Fr.
DL Nosa Eguae, Fr.
DL Jamar Travis, Fr.
DL Dee Ford, Fr.
DL Josh Jackson, Fr.
DL Andre Wadley

LINEBACKER (9)
LB Craig Stevens, Jr.
LB Josh Bynes, Jr.
LB Eltoro Freeman, Soph.
LB Spencer Pybus, Soph.
LB Adam Herring, Soph.
LB Marcus Jemison, RFr. (switched from safety during spring)
LB Da'Shaun Barnes, RFr.
LB Jonathan Evans, Fr.
LB Harris Gaston, Fr.

DEFENSIVE BACK (14)
DB Walt McFadden, Sr.
DB Aairon Savage, Sr.
DB Zac Etheridge, Jr.
DB Mike McNeil, Jr.
DB Taikwon Paige, Jr.
DB Neiko Thorpe, Soph.
DB Mike Slade, Soph.
DB D'Antoine Hood, Soph.
DB Drew Cole, Soph.
DB Christian Thompson, Soph.
DB T'Sharvan Bell, RFr.
DB Reggie Taylor, Fr. (probably headed to JUCO)
DB Izauea Lanier, Fr.
DB Daren Bates, Fr.

SPECIALTY (4)
P Clinton Durst, Sr. (I expect him to get a scholarship)
K Wes Byrum, Jr.
P Ryan Shoemaker, Jr.
DS Dax Dellenbach, RFr.

OFFENSE: 42-44 (my guess is 43; McKenzie returns)
DEFENSE: 37-39 (my guess is 38; Wadley returns)
SPECIALTY: 4

OVERALL TOTAL: 85
That's assuming all freshmen qualify

442 Comments:

WDCWE said...: One?; 2:40 PM
WDCWE said...: Wow, that's my first. Substance!; 2:41 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Nice effort.; 2:41 PM
tigercowboy said...: O-line and D-line seem to be the biggest needs....They are also the hardest to find when it comes to can't miss recruits. Just look at the big timers we have had that just did not pan out.; 2:46 PM
Monica said...: Way to go, WDCWE and welcome to the HABOTN. (at least this is the first time I remember seeing you post); 2:47 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Things that stick out to me:

*Thin at OL
*Sparse quality (despite numbers) at WR
*Too many quarterbacks; 2:48 PM
Jet said...: What?

What happened to Lee Tilley? Jermaine Johnson? Freddie Smooth? Jerrell Powe?

We got linemen everywhere, don't we?; 2:48 PM
FSJ said...: Y'all need any LB's?

We have some to spare.; 2:51 PM
Jet said...: We're thinner than Chris Slaughter in the line.

If our first option off the sideline at LB is Pybus, then that's another issue.; 2:51 PM
Aeronaut said...: JGT.

Qty 01 Rudy Odom - missing?; 2:52 PM
digger4au said...: TE looks a little thin to me.
QB numbers way too big not to have one that can play in the SEC.; 2:52 PM
tigercowboy said...: JGT,

Too many quarterbacks = NO Quarterbacks typically.

Way to many WRs not to have any "go to" guys.

I think I see a trend...overload in one area = not a very good job of developing or assessing talent.; 2:53 PM
michael said...: Digger - don't worry too much about tight ends. I don't think this offense utilizes one in the traditional sense.; 2:56 PM
Aeronaut said...: As far as I know, Freeman is a Soph. Not that it matters, just saying.; 2:58 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Freeman is a sophomore. I'll correct that now.

Rudy Odom is not currently on scholarship.; 3:00 PM
j-z said...: I didn't see Justin Albert's name on there anyway. I'm betting he gets a decent amount of playing time for a redshirt freshman. Seems like he was a hit with the coaches in spring practice.; 3:02 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Michael is right: TEs don't technically exist in this offense. I just use "TE" to help remind me who's who.; 3:02 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Albert is not on scholarship.

I agree: He'll get a shot to play occasionally.; 3:03 PM
Monica said...: Faker = that earns you an Asshat for the day. ;-); 3:03 PM
michael said...: You can also show RB as one of Demond Washington's rumored position. From reading around, I think that is where he somewhat expects himself to end up. I am hoping he turns out to be a d-back myself.; 3:03 PM
j-z said...: anyway should be anywhere. Yes, I am CTF today.; 3:04 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: I just don't see how Demond Washington is going to play at TB. Too many good backs ahead of him ... and McCalebb is a better fast back.

Washington and Stallworth are the two new players I like as kickoff/punt return guys.; 3:05 PM
michael said...: I agree with you Jay. That's why I found it odd that he was listed as a RB at a few other sites. It seems highly unlikely he will end up there. They will probably "Dansby" him.

On the recruiting trail:
"If you come to Auburn, you can play offense"

After a few practices:
"You are about fourth string on offense right now. Maybe by your senior year you will be second string. Of course, if you played defense, you would probably play about 40% of the time right away. But you wouldn't want to play D, would you?"

Substitute "defense" with "wide receiver" if the need is more glaring there.; 3:09 PM
Jet said...: Monica ...

Don't you know we elected FSJ "@$$hat in Perpetuity?"

Just kiddin', Faker.; 3:27 PM
Will said...: I don't think the lack of depth at certain positions signifies a trend, I think it was more a product of the new staff being in OH SHHHH mode when they got here and they just took what they could get. I think/ hope that this staff will be more aware of the gaps and recruit to fill these needs.; 3:29 PM
Jet said...: Back in the late 1980s, Auburn promised Dennis Wallace, a high school QB from Georgia a shot at QB.

This was just before the 20 hour rule, and Dye ran 4 a days early in fall practice. That meant a 6:30a.m. practice to start the day. Dennis was at QB. At the second practice at 10 a.m., Dennis was at safety -- his new, permanent home.; 3:29 PM
Dadof3Girls said...: Talent matters, but I just hope they will play like they give a care this year. Maybe I'm too pragmatic, but we have too many holes to think we will WOW people, but if we play hard, play as a team and focus on special teams we will win enough to keep us looking forward and hoping for a brighter future.; 3:53 PM
Jet said...: UAT booster Ray Keller fails in bid to get new trial.; 4:02 PM
Miller said...: Is transfer WR Ralph Spry Jr. not on scholly?; 4:32 PM
Denny Crum said...: QB is not as deep with Trotter out. Better color him blue instead of purple. I remember one of the knocks on Gerry Faust at Notre Dame was that he had 5 QBs on scholarship. What does that say about us?

Now I know why we can't make OL people out of DL folks, there aren't enough DL people.

I am working on learning to read, write, and speak Middle English before the great vowel shift, I may use this forum as a form of practice. Michael is who has inspired me.

Soone I will speketh wonder loud in Middle English.

http://alpha.furman.edu/~mmenzer/gvs/dialogue.htm

Thanks in advance.; 4:37 PM
Jet said...: Whan that Aprill with its shoures sotte!; 4:41 PM
Monica said...: Drinking again, Guvnah?; 4:47 PM
michael said...: I am glad I inspired you, Denny. I often do that to people by accident.

Your endeavor reminds me of when we were supposed to memorize the beginning of Canterbury Tales, which was in Middle English. You know, the "Whan that apreel tha surah rootah" stuff that many high school seniors memorize. The school provided CDs with the proper pronunciation of the whole thing, as proper pronunciation was part of what you got graded on.

Well, since I was a senior and didn't care, and since I had seen TV shows where this method worked, I decided not to study the piece at all. Instead, I put the CD on and let it play the entire night before I was supposed to recite it. I was hoping to wake up the next morning having memorized the whole thing in my sleep.

So I wake up, and sure enough the CD was still playing on repeat. I turned it off and attempted to recite the passage - only I still couldn't get past "Whan that apreel." I thought, "Uh oh," and tried to memorize it a little bit at school before my class, but ended up getting about a 20 out of 100.

So the moral of the story - despite what TV tells you, you can't learn things subliminally by playing them over and over again in your sleep.; 4:47 PM
michael said...: I see Jet still remembers a little bit of it.; 4:48 PM
WDCWE said...: Thanks Mon,

I used to post a little bit under a different name, but I lurk daily. I have admired Jay G's work for the Advertiser long before HABOTN. I used to want to be a sports writer for AU like him, then I learned that objectivity was key. That idea went out the window. I am, for the most part, a sunshine pumper. I fully believe that we can have a 8-9 win season, even with this lack of depth at OL.; 4:49 PM
Jet said...: GaTiger and I had to memorize the opening of Canterbury Tales for junior English with the much beloved late Mrs. Ida Coon.

Of course, that was getting close to 30 years ago. That I can remember as little as I did is rather amazing.

GaTiger, he's a smarty pants. He can probably tell you about the shire-reeve, the abbot and everybody else.; 4:51 PM
michael said...: So I take it you guys did not attempt to put the 8-track on repeat to memorize it?; 4:53 PM
Jet said...: The last 8 track I listened to switched tracks in the middle of "Dr. Love."; 4:56 PM
Monica said...: I love Sunshine Pumpers!*

*as long as they aren't still pumping when we're losing to the West Virginia School for the Blind.; 4:56 PM
Miller said...: So, JuCo WR Jay Wisener and JuCo OL Bostrom (?) Have been accepted and start classes in May at AU.
On scholly or walkons?; 5:00 PM
Anonymous said...: 18 WRs......maybe quantity CAN equal quality.

18 Wrs and only 12 OL = YIKES!!!

6 QBs and none proven......ummmmm...

A bunch of potentially good incoming DL....Some of them will contribute this year...whew!

...deep breaths...

My head hurts now.; 5:11 PM
Quitstina said...: Some of these number aren't adding up right. That seems like a lot of WR's

But I'm not good at math so...; 5:13 PM
Unknown said...: What stands out the most to me on the list is the number of linebackers. The offensive line isn't in quite as bad of shape as I thought. Offensive line tends to be unique because coaches do not substitute there nearly as much as other positions.; 5:24 PM
Wakeriderof87 said...: All I can say is starting feeding those WR alot of Beef, if we can't get them up to OT size by September maybe we can at least reach 240 or so for a decent LB.

This plan can't go wrong.; 5:31 PM
Quitstina said...: Yes, excellent plan, Wake.

I really just want football season to start at this point...; 5:35 PM
Unknown said...: I am happy with the talent level at wide receiver. Guys like Hawthorne and Zachary were suppose to be top notch recruits until the got sucked into the black hole of Knox. I expect a lot from them this season. By the way, isn't Zachary a senior? I thought he showed up the same year as Hawthorne.; 5:39 PM
chip chip said...: watching darrell roseman getting mauled by goggans in a-day game says we may have OL numbers, but i hope some of the backups never have to see the field in meaningful minutes. i think there are a few who can contribute, but i don't think they are "strarters" in any way, shape or form.; 5:43 PM
JohnnyBones said...: So,

Dallas -2 or will Denver END it tonight?; 5:45 PM
chip chip said...: agreed steve. knox could make a WR disappear faster than i can a reese's pb cup. they will quit with the consequences of playing badly consistently under trooper.

fyi. prechae rodriguez was named cfl east division rookie of the year or some such award. 70 catches 1099 7 TDs. anyone believe knox was not an issue?; 5:48 PM
JohnnyBones said...: And that damned footvball is huge - like 2.5 feet isn't it?; 5:51 PM
Unknown said...: I think getting Benton and Blake is a big part of why we signed so few linemen. There are some players that you make room for, regardless of position. I think those two are that type.; 6:55 PM
Matt said...: Jay--
I don't know who your art teacher was, but there are more buttons than that on a year 2009 calculator.; 7:10 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Up in here up in here; 7:14 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: D.Miller -- those two JUCO guys are invited walk-ons. They're basically projects that could reap dividends or they could fade into oblivion. Either way, Auburn isn't on the hook.

Zero risk + potential reward = good move in my eyes.; 7:16 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: jhag, what are you doing this summer?; 7:16 PM
Wakeriderof87 said...: I'm watching the Braves-Mets game (Lowe vs. Johan) and the Cavs-Hawks game. Both pretty good so far.; 7:17 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Basketball tourneys...and beaching it.; 7:22 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Got tourneys in Springfield, Mass. and Las Vegas, Atlanta..and a few other ones in Florida

Just got home from Virginia...played some absolute FREAK athletes; 7:23 PM
Monica said...: welcome back, hag

bazinga!; 7:24 PM
Norm said...: Whan that apreel...what a worthless exercise. Thanks for the reminder Brother Jet.; 7:25 PM
ADP said...: The droghte of March hath perced to the roote ...

I think Justin Albert plays more than a little bit.; 7:28 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Gracias, Miss Monica =D; 7:36 PM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: i always preferred chaucer's "he leet flee a fart likened unto a thunderbolt", myself.; 8:03 PM
Norm said...: scott from arizona - i do that daily. my wife loves me for it. ok, she doesn't really love me for that.; 8:06 PM
wartiger said...: jhag- currently in townsend Mass how far is that from Springfield? and what type of tourneys drag you that far?; 8:22 PM
Anonymous said...: Where is Poole for QB?; 8:26 PM
Anonymous said...: Nick Fairley redshirted at Copiah-Lincoln and is a soph. He will have 3 years to play three, not a JR. btw; 8:26 PM
NoVaTiger said...: Of the 6 QBs, 2 are freshmen and will probably redshirt. At least, they're unlikely to start. 2 more are injured and may not be ready for fall practice (counting Todd and the uncertainty over his shoulder here). With 2 remaining, it doesn't look quite as deep as the chart would indicate.; 8:36 PM
Jet said...: We could use one of long snappers at quarterback.; 8:37 PM
ehyou said...: Man, I was hoping the Hawks would be the first team to come back from an 0-3 deficit. It was not to be.; 9:01 PM
AUfan said...: Any chance that there may be some receivers that won't be around in the fall? Even in an offense that spreads the ball around, that looks like a LOT of people at the receiver position.; 9:07 PM
AU alum said...: I hate to be picky, but being a walkon was why you left Justin Albert off the list. Clinton Durst doesn't have a scholarship either, and he is on the list. Fair is fair.; 9:09 PM
wtc said...: My opinion only:

Blake, Benton, Fairly, McCalleb play early and often.; 9:10 PM
wtc said...: I also believe that if AU has a better than normal offensive output, the recruits for the OL will come.

Isn't it strange how success breeds success?; 9:13 PM
Anonymous said...: Mon....bazinga!...Wifey has every Sheldon show DVR'd since Jan 09.; 9:13 PM
Anonymous said...: AUalum.....JGT went out on a limb and predicted Durst to get a scholly. I think that is why he is in the count.

Wouldn't be at all surprised to see some WR attrition.; 9:16 PM
wtc said...: Jay-I did not read thepreviuos post, but I think the baseball coach will make some big changes for next year. Maybe even get rid of some players.

My nephew coaches softball at the college level and this is his 1st recruiting season. He persuaded 16 scholly athletes that it was time to look elsewhere becasue he was replacing them with new players. He just felt they were not qualified to get them to the next level.

I found that interesting.; 9:19 PM
Jet said...: WTC ...

It's not your opinion only. I agree.

Your fellow sad dad,

Jet; 9:19 PM
Jet said...: Another point ... Durst is a returning starter.

It is hardly a fairness issue to not include Albert.; 9:22 PM
AUBigCat said...: Ahhh the chatter of football!! I love it! I wonder how many (and which) WRs will be "guided" in another direction after the season? We might have a long way to go to make a decent 17-20 commit list for 2010.; 9:22 PM
AUBigCat said...: Hey isn't Durst a Sr?; 9:27 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: As far as I know, Justin Albert will not be on scholarship next season.

As far as I know, Clinton Durst will be on scholarship next season.

One is a starter.

One hasn't yet touched the field.

Fair is fair.; 9:29 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: You're right on Durst. I thought he had lost one year with his "reclassification"; he lost two.; 9:30 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Auburn has Durst listed as a junior, but I think that's incorrect.; 9:31 PM
AUfan said...: On the final numbers Jay has listed for Offense and Defense, does that mean he thinks McKenzie and Wadley will return, or is that just the numbers he projects IF they return? I may be reading it wrong, I am just a little unclear about what he means there.; 9:32 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Justin Albert has a lot of guys, quality guys with plenty of skill, ahead of him.; 9:33 PM
wtc said...: Just asking, but why do we have a long snapper on scholly? Really. Can he play another position? not looking for joke answers, just asking.

Jet-It is getting to be sad times around here. Got any graduation seating tickets you want to sell?; 9:33 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: There are no firm answers about McKenzie or Wadley. It is my OPINION that they will return.

I have asked people who should know and got the I'm not sure answer on both.; 9:33 PM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: o-line looks pretty understaffed at this point. our qb is gonna need protection.; 9:34 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: I don't understand the Dellenbach thing at all.

He's absolutely is on scholarship and that's how it is.; 9:34 PM
wtc said...: Jay-I was thinking Albert would be the punt returner. He caught most of them at A day, except for one I think. Whoever tried to catch the one, dropped it, I do remember that.; 9:35 PM
Jet said...: Unnamed AU assistant coach: "Mr. Dellenbach, I'm not sure we have a scholarship available for your son."

Mr. Dellenbach: "You remember when you stole that cow, and you tried to make it with the cow. Well, I've got pictures.

Unnamed AU assistant coach: "I think Dax would make a fine member of the Auburn family. I am here to offer you a scholarship."; 9:38 PM
Dyren said...: Wasnt it McCallebb that dropped it?; 9:40 PM
Jet said...: WTC ...

I'd sell six of them, but Mrs. Jet might clip my wings.; 9:41 PM
AUfan said...: Thank you for clearing that up for me, Jay. It is nice to have you back. The long-snapper being offered a scholarship and Pybus as the only fallback when J Harris went to Bama were some sure signs of the downward trend in recruiting under the former staff.; 9:44 PM
AUBigCat said...: I think the dropped punt was McCalebb.

I keep trying to figure out how we could possibly get 17-20 recruits next year and I think thats just wishful thinking on my part. We'd have to have like 7-10 players go elsewhere and I cant see who those players would be. I'm sure some walk-ons like Alberts and Spry (WR) will get scholarships at some point too. This will be an interesting recruiting class.; 9:44 PM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: is dellenbach from luchenbach?; 9:44 PM
Dyren said...: Why isnt Brent Poole on the list? Did he leave the team? I know he was there for A-day; 9:45 PM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: oh, and at what speed is our long snapper's snap delivered? i understand that baylor has a longsnapper with a 75 mph delivery. inquiring minds want to know.; 9:46 PM
Anonymous said...: Jay G.,

I remember you said on D&B Radio back in April you were waiting for some word on Montez Billings' status.

Did you hear something affirmative about his role on the team?

Thanks.

- Sensi; 9:47 PM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 9:48 PM
wtc said...: My guess the dropped punt was by Carr, but I could be wrong.

I see 10 seniors opening schollys and several guys that are perennial MIA's due to injuries being asked to step aside. You can look at the list and see several that should be asked to move along.; 9:52 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Dellenbach lives right down the street from me; 9:59 PM
Jet said...: Dellenbach from Luckenbach? No.

Let's go to Luckenbach, Texas, with Luper and Trooper and the boys

The Hummer that they're driving is really makin' noise.

Huntin' 5-star O-Linemen, and a QB who's solid, and just one more snapper.

Out in Luckenbach, Texas, ain't nobody feelin' no pain.; 9:59 PM
Monica said...: Waylon and Willie and the boys...; 9:59 PM
Monica said...: great minds, Guvnah; 10:01 PM
Jet said...: I'd pay good money for Willie to sing "Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain" and Ray Charles to sing "I Can't Stop Loving You" to watch my mama and daddy dance one more time.

OK, enough of that.

I hate UAT.; 10:03 PM
wtc said...: Jet-Can't get a break here. The apartment complex the daughter is moving into has already asked for money. I was hoping for at least a one month break.; 10:05 PM
AUBigCat said...: WTC I see several guys that could be given walking papers, i just dont see 7+ guys, which seems to be about what we'd need to sign a 16+ class in 2010.; 10:06 PM
chip chip said...: i looked position by position for players that could likely leave due to perpetual physical injury or pride injury due to position on the depth chart after 2009 and seeing the 2010 class and came up with this list:

e. smith
b. jacobs (may be lost to mlb draft)
b woods
b. slusher
d. roseman
a. wadley (i've heard he is likely done)
a. herring
d. barnes
t. bell
d. dellenbach

+10 sr. players
+ 3-4 2009 signees that go juco
i also expect a few surprising names to transfer as well for as of yet unknown reasons.

that would put it right at about 20-25 players to replace for the next class. i think chiz & co. are planning on making the 2010 class big on talent whatever the numbers are.; 10:09 PM
wtc said...: BigCat:
Carr, Bailey, Slusher, Eddins, Reggie Taylor to JUCO, Dax, Shoemaker, James to JUCO, am I missing any?; 10:12 PM
wtc said...: chip-I posted too soon. Good job with the list. I just posted some names I could think of.; 10:13 PM
Jet said...: I agree in re Wadley ... I think he's done.; 10:13 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: re: Billings.

I later received word that Billings had a physical issue. I don't know what's really going on there. He didn't look injured to me.; 10:17 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Brent Poole? Scholarship? Seriously?; 10:18 PM
Jet said...: WTC ...

I'd be somewhat surprised regarding Carr. I think he sticks it out. Eddins hangs on until his next injury, and then he'll be done.

Dax is so gone.; 10:18 PM
Anonymous said...: Thanks, Jay G.

I hope things work out for Wadley. I met him last summer. Nice kid. Tough break.; 10:18 PM
wtc said...: I thought Billings was academic problems. Didn't the WR coach say something about?; 10:19 PM
Anonymous said...: Brent Poole - academic scholly. Maybe.

Saw him play (at two places) in high school.

Not SEC arm.; 10:19 PM
AUfan said...: Jet or wtc, did either of you see Eddins and/or Trott play in high school? They were both highly recruited, but have yet to show much at the college level. Were they just private-school standouts, or is that too simple of a conclusion to reach on the two of them?; 10:20 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: You're right on Billings.

I'm still getting back into the flow after furlough!; 10:21 PM
Monica said...: you're getting extra mushy in your old age; 10:22 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Anyone who thinks Brent Poole is on scholarship needs to put the drink down before posting.; 10:23 PM
wtc said...: I was just posting Eddins because he has been hurt since he go there. Only a matter of time before another one. Some of the WR's will have to go. 12 straight up WR's (not including TE's) is a bunch and if AU picks up a couple they are after, they are back to 15 plus.
As mentioned earlier, I think the staff will load up on talent this time around regardless of the position.; 10:23 PM
Anonymous said...: LOL @ JGT

New HABOTN rule:

Put the drink down before posting about Brent Poole.; 10:24 PM
wtc said...: I saw Eddins and Trott play several games. Eddins was just bigger than most kids at Class 4A. He also played DT, NG, LB at times and ususally rotated over to the weakest link on the OL and blitzed, blitzed, blitzed. He was good, but I didn't think he was dominate when he matched up on someone his size, but that rarely happened.; 10:26 PM
Monica said...: if we have to post sober there will be a drastic decrease in the post count; 10:28 PM
Jet said...: Depressed:

Eddins' struggles: Not a surprise to me. A good high school player, but was always bigger than the guy lined up across from him. I never saw greatness.

Trott's struggles: Absolute shocker. I thought he would be a Dallas Clark for us -- a clutch receiver.

He had one bad habit in high school, which bit him in the butt in the Florida game in 2006. He would not secure the ball, holding it in front of him like an option quarterback. Remember his fumble inside the 10.

He's seemed gun shy to me ever since, and this was a guy who looked like he played high school football with total joy.

Gun shy: That's what I think of guys who drop balls. I've heard a lot of yap about him, but I don't know about that. I just know he's not done what I thought he could do, particularly in the passing game.; 10:28 PM
Anonymous said...: Brent Poole, to his credit, followed a legend at Charles Henderson.

Jared Lofton's last two games (both come from behind, upset wins - Stanhope Elmore and Jess Lanier) looked like something Disney put together.

It was a fun night in the booth for sure.; 10:29 PM
wtc said...: Trott could catch any ball thrown his way. I always felt it came easy for him and the play calling almost always put him in the slot position against small db's. He was a tough player in HS. He was never cut out to be a TE. Good hands and quick feet, but not a lot of speed. Not sure what happened to the hands since coming to AU.; 10:29 PM
AUBigCat said...: wtc I dont think Carr goes anywhere. Trooper sounded like he wants this guy to succeed. I think that kind of encouragement will pay off. OL is too thin to get rid of anyone unless they just are aweful. I dont think Bart is there yet. I think you are right about the others but the 09ers that dont make it (Taylor/James) will be replaced with walk-ons like Alberts and Spry.; 10:30 PM
Jet said...: Brent Poole: The Man Who Followed a Legend and Caused Binge Drinking on HABOTN; 10:30 PM
wtc said...: Jet-Looks like we both saw the same thing on the two Trinity kids.; 10:31 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 10:32 PM
Anonymous said...: Randy Orton - Legend Killer & Wrestler

Brent Poole - Legend Follower & HABOTN derailer; 10:32 PM
Anonymous said...: Live to Punt

I want it on a shirt.

Scottie B. to the helm.; 10:34 PM
AUBigCat said...: Brent Poole was "turrible" during A-day; 10:34 PM
Jet said...: Looks like we shouldn't have tried to dive into the shallow end of the Brent Poole.; 10:35 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Drinking while posting: Encouraged.

Drinking while posting about Brent Poole: discouraged.; 10:35 PM
Jet said...: Mr. S ...

Man, that's so 2008.

I want "No Drops!" or "You Can't Make the Club in the Tub!"; 10:36 PM
Monica said...: That was a stretch, Guvnah.

Got it, Jay G.; 10:37 PM
AUfan said...: wtc and jet, interesting thoughts from both of you. Fairly or not, I wonder about all players from private schools based on the level of competition they face. And I agree with jet on Trott since that UF hit, he seems to play with little confidence to me. I am surprised to hear him described as being a tough player in high school.; 10:37 PM
AUBigCat said...: Jet let's have both! "You cant make the club in the tub" on the front and "No Drops" on the back!; 10:38 PM
Anonymous said...: Anyone know where I can find some Southampton Abbot 12?; 10:38 PM
Anonymous said...: Jet,

How about this:

"No Drops" on the front
"Live to Punt" on the back; 10:39 PM
Monica said...: I love Jane Lynch.; 10:40 PM
AUBigCat said...: Trott is one of the WR/TE players on the team that is in the high school record books. Zachery and Billings are as well.; 10:40 PM
chip chip said...: i have two words to explain what happened to tommy trott: ensminger & knox; 10:41 PM
Jet said...: Depressed ...

The private schools in the Gump play a half and half schedule -- half against each other and half against public schools in their AHSAA area. Because of the 1.35 rule, they're playing teams from larger schools.

Trott willed them to a title in 2003. Every time they need a play, he made it.

Not many of these kids go big-time D-1, but he looked like one ready to me.; 10:43 PM
chip chip said...: but drinking while posting encourages posting about brent poole??? it is a vicious cycle one is unlikely to escape...; 10:43 PM
Anonymous said...: This is nice.

I've been missing the late night HABOTN rambles.

Ahh to long for the fall...; 10:44 PM
Jet said...: I no longer Live to Punt.; 10:44 PM
AUfan said...: BigCat, that is an interesting piece of trivia on the AU receivers. It is amazing how little they have produced at Auburn. Hopefully that will change this season.; 10:46 PM
WDCWE said...: Mr. S, I guess you have a little more time on your hands to post now that the semester is over.; 10:47 PM
chip chip said...: how about: "de-nallsmingerfied!" on a shirt for the O.; 10:47 PM
Monica said...: Hey Mr. S.; 10:49 PM
Anonymous said...: Still busy during the days, but at night, not as busy.; 10:50 PM
Anonymous said...: Yes, Mon?; 10:50 PM
wtc said...: Depressed-I played in public school (6A now) years ago and never thought much about those inthe private school ranks. There are some bery good players there but if you are a good player, you can really stand out.; 10:50 PM
AUfan said...: jet, I didn't know that about the private schools in Montgomery. That would seem to give a better reading on the players as opposed to playing all private schools. Everyone who watches Trott in practice say he never drops a ball, but the easy ones seem to give him the most trouble in the games. That has got to be frustrating for all involved.; 10:51 PM
WDCWE said...: Tommy Trott pretty much was the greatest thing to come out of Montgomery in a long time. I wish he would get his swag back. As for our favorite scholarship long snapper, Mr. Dax is a fun guy. I met him in Organic Gardening. Almost half the football team, including Barret Trotter, was in there.; 10:54 PM
AUBigCat said...: Depressed it actually is pretty intereting. I did some research last year to see how bad our WRs were and if there was any reason to believe that they could thrive under Franklin. I think there was one more WR from AL in the record books,Hawthorne maybe. And Swinton (now gone) was in the GA record books. Looking at there HS acheivements, these guys were studs.; 10:56 PM
Jet said...: In 2003, Trinity defeated Daleville, Thomasville, Saint James, Demopolis and Deshler to win the championship.

As I recall, Daleville was a weak team. Thomasville was a very good team. Saint James had gotten hot in the playoffs, and Demopolis and Deshler had been ranked 2 and 1 coming into the playoffs.; 10:57 PM
Anonymous said...: Organic Gardening.

Got to be one of the most popular classes at AU.; 10:58 PM
Anonymous said...: BigCat,

Hawthorne was the other one. Can't remember the record though.; 10:59 PM
WDCWE said...: Without a doubt. Dr. James Brown is crazy, but a great guy, and he loved Dax. He came in every day to say MR. DAX, how are you today?; 11:00 PM
Jet said...: UAT and UT wanted Hawthorne ... that's what matters more than high school records.

UAT wanted Trott. I presume they wanted Zachary.

Swinton has been the "Player Most Likely to Have a Breakout Season" each year since integration.; 11:01 PM
eaglesteeler said...: I'm pretty sure that Hawthorne is a JR.; 11:02 PM
Anonymous said...: Whatever CFL/Arena/NFL winds up with Swinton will still be waiting on said breakout...

Nothing against the guy, but rumor has it John Mayer wrote "Waiting on the World to Change" partially inspired by his play.; 11:03 PM
wtc said...: Jet and I have several frineds that have kids that play for a private school. As he said they play several regular high school teams but none of them are in the major classification. Usually they play 3A-4A with 6A being the largest class. If you are good at this level you are a big fish and many will talk about you but very few could play for a productive 6A school.; 11:06 PM
WDCWE said...: Or Mayer's other song "I don't trust myself loving you".; 11:08 PM
wtc said...: Jet-The thing that bothers about our recruiting in the past few years is the number of 'big' schools that did not recruit many of AU's current players. We have mentioned them before, and some of them were 'coached up' but you need quality guys from quality programs. Not everyone is a Herschel Walker (He came from lower dividion school in GA) or a Tebow.; 11:10 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Girl Im not the man i used to be lately..; 11:14 PM
wtc said...: Later all.; 11:14 PM
Anonymous said...: All this HS talk makes me want to organize an unofficial HABOTN field trip to check out some "big in-state recruits" play ball this fall.

Any takers?; 11:16 PM
AUBigCat said...: Hey I'm down Mr. S. I definately plan on checking out Corey Grant at Opelika HS.; 11:20 PM
WDCWE said...: HS football? I mean we would have to be talking some quality football. Hoover meets Pratville High or something.; 11:21 PM
Jet said...: John Mayer = HABOTN Thread Killer

Mr. S ... I'm obligated to be where my daughter is on Friday nights. I'll count on your reports.

WTC ... I was bothered that Tuberville opted to switch his emphasis than fight Saban ... that he was unwilling to do what Dye did ... cut loose those closest to him to save the program.; 11:22 PM
Anonymous said...: Deal BigCat. I'm always down for some Opelika action.

Prattville HS is a fun time as well.

I'd like to catch Davidson HS at some time too; I know the coach.

Let's flesh this out offline. Email me.; 11:24 PM
Anonymous said...: Later, gang.

Jet, maybe a Thursday night game? There's a few out there.; 11:25 PM
Jet said...: Hasta manana, HOTTIE-migos.; 11:32 PM
WDCWE said...: Goodnight Sensi, Goodnight Jet, Goodnight John Boy, Goodnight Mary Ellen, Goodnight Ben, Goodnight Jim Bob, Goodnight Erin...; 11:36 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Morning Hotties,

Well, I'm seriously ready for football. Penguins totally blew it last night with Marc Andre "The Sieve" Fleury in goal.; 4:57 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Michael,

I fell asleep once with Rolling Stones album playing. The needle got stuck and it kept playing at the same spot all night. The next morning I had a very deep groove in the album.

That reminds me. I just bought a 45rpm. Where is my best option to have it converted to digital file?; 5:01 AM
Anonymous said...: Good Morning, TarHeel and the rest of the Hotties! I can't believe it's only Tuesday...; 5:26 AM
Norm said...: Morning Hotties - it's Tuesday and more importantly (to me at least), my baby girl is 17 today. Dang.; 6:48 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Luv- I think it's GREAT that it is Tuesday. I had to work yesterday. I'm on vacation the rest of the week (not to be confused with furlough).

Right now I'm having the incredible vacation experience of sitting at the Toyota dealer waiting a few hours for my car to be tuned up. You won't find this kind of vacation experience via expedia.; 7:00 AM
Norm said...: THT - you're a wild man.; 7:02 AM
ehyou said...: Good morning!!!

THT - Unless it's a super-rare recording, you're better off just downloading the song. I have ripped music from vinyl and the sound is pretty "dull" compared to today's digital recordings. If you're dead set on it, I can give you some links to sites that tell you how to do it, it's not hard.; 7:03 AM
wartiger said...: Morning Hotties...hope everybody is doing well..think I'm gonna do some hiking today and then read a book..yep busy busy busy...

eh-dig the avatar!; 7:09 AM
wartiger said...: THT-did my email get to you?; 7:10 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 7:14 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 7:18 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 7:19 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: HOLY COW! an 8' tall man just walked in to the toyota service area.; 7:22 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: wartiger - unless it was classified as spam by Google. I usually don't open any spam email. Put HABOTN in the subject so I'll know it's legit.; 7:25 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Norm- How fast did those first 17 years fly by since Chelsea was born? My daughters are only 3 and 11months, and I swear it's flying by. I hope your Chelsea has a great b-day and I enjoyed your FB update.; 7:30 AM
Unknown said...: I totally agree Jay...we've got a lot of WRs, but somehow I don't feel good about that position. On the other hand, if Trooper Taylor is as good as advertised, a couple of them may surprise you this year. I really think the right coach can make that much difference.

To me, the biggest concerns are OL and LB with LB being particularly worrisome.

I'd put our starting 3 LBs against any group in the SEC, but after that there is a HUGE drop-off in talent.

The strength of the team is RB so I would imagine that we're going to do a lot of running this year. That's why I think Neil or Chris will be the starter at QB.

In A day I thought Neil blew Kodi away passing, which is sad since Neil has never been a starter and doesn't have near the experience that Kodi has.

And with our strength at RB we really don't need a running QB as much as a QB who can get the ball downfield. Neil will make Safeties act like Safeties and not like LBs. That's been the problem with the Auburn offense since 2006. Defenses have no respect for our downfield passing game.; 7:31 AM
wartiger said...: tht-sent; 7:32 AM
Jet said...: Make it flip, Daddy!; 7:44 AM