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6.29.2009

Monday chatter

Hey everyone. I am on vacation in a wooded section of Kentucky and, honestly, pretty at peace with being off the grid for a few days.

The season begins pretty soon. Getting ready is important.

So feel free to talk amongst yourselves about:

Which player will make the biggest jump in value this season?

249 Comments:

Eddie McCoy said...: Substance is way over-rated. It's all about style.; 8:00 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Where's dear leader? Is he out chillin' too? :); 8:03 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: So, Eddie, what do you think of the QB Race?; 8:08 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Glad you asked, I think Tyrik Rollison is going to be the man by the end of the year. I like what i've read about the kid.; 8:09 AM
wtc said...: Rollinson has the most impact as the starting QB.; 8:09 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Absolutely he does. Chizik has said he believes that the true freshman qb can push for the starting job.; 8:10 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Kodi for QB 08, I mean Rollison for QB 09; 8:11 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: i'm in a posting mood. Anybody else?; 8:11 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: I think mccalebb will be a star four months from now. I also think an eligible montez billings could be a break-out guy.; 8:13 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Man, the Barry McKnight show is much better than the John and Barry show.; 8:14 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: and I maintain my earlier opinion on rollison.; 8:14 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: I agree with Montez Billings and I really like the way Mccalebb looks. Jay G, you've been following Mahlzahn for a while, what is his ideal qb type?; 8:15 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Duly noted Jay G, and I'll keep my position also :).; 8:16 AM
dan dan the AU fan said...: I think Mario Fannin will have a great year as well as Ben Tate and I agree with you Jay G. on Mccalebb.; 8:17 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Eddie: GM likes a strong arm.; 8:18 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Actually, I think Fannin will struggle this year. I think he doesn't clearly fit in at one postition and will struggle to find the right spot. I hope I'm wrong, but that's my take early on.; 8:18 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Too bad Kodi doesn't have accuracy, he definitely has the arm the get the ball down the field.; 8:19 AM
wtc said...: A. Benton will shine the most at WR. I like the McCalleb idea also.

We are in trouble if the three stars are three freshen.; 8:20 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: wtc- Can it really be worse than last year, wait a minute, did I ask this same question last year at the time?????; 8:21 AM
dan dan the AU fan said...: I like to think of "doesn't fit in" as versatile. Which means they can get the ball to him in many ways.; 8:21 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Blake and Benton will be impact players right away. I fully expect to see them play early and often.; 8:22 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Blake and Benton will be impact players right away. I fully expect to see them play early and often.; 8:22 AM
wtc said...: Eddie, I think Rollinson plays veyr early. Only because of who AU has at the QB spot. 3 guys on campus (Burns, Caudle, Todd)that can't move the ball. Maybe some attrition at that spot is needed.; 8:23 AM
WDCWE said...: Here's a topic: Rhode Island, tis neither a road nor an island. Discuss.; 8:23 AM
dan dan the AU fan said...: I also hope that D. Benton makes an impact, unfortunately that will depend a lot on qb play.; 8:23 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Dan- One way or the other, somebody is going to be slinging the rock deep down the field. This offense is based on vertical passing.

Rhode Island- Made famous by a family on Spooner Street.; 8:25 AM
dan dan the AU fan said...: What I like most about Mccalebb is it appears he is a legitimate threat as a kick returner.; 8:26 AM
wtc said...: Jay-I'm hoping Rollinson isn't needed but after looking watching springball. He may be needed quicker than we think.; 8:26 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Special teams in general should be better this year. Not sure about the kicking, but the general play should be improved.; 8:27 AM
dan dan the AU fan said...: If the rock is going to be slung down the field it will help to have someone with accuracy throwing it.; 8:27 AM
wtc said...: Justin Abert and McCalleb are the kick returners, IMO.

I hope N. Fairly is a high impact player on defense.; 8:28 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Rollison is only 15 practices removed from being equal with the spring QB's. Something is needed from that spot, at least from what I can tell by the spring game and what i've read.; 8:29 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Dan- You're not a fan of the spectactular catch?; 8:29 AM
dan dan the AU fan said...: Yeh Eddie, I'm a fan of it. But every now and then I would like to see a receiver catch a pass in stride and continue running for the end zone.; 8:32 AM
wtc said...: Eddie-I am fan of the swing pass-dump pass or whatever, but we have one QB that CANNOT throw that pass even when it is just him and the tailback.; 8:33 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Dan- Then Kodi Burns is not the QB for you. Chris Todd will have to prove he has some strength back in that arm of his and Neil Caudle needs, hell, I don't know about him, the last coach told me he sucked.; 8:34 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: If Kodi is the QB, then all his passes needs to go to Tommy Trott. Put those two together, and you have magic.; 8:35 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Did I mention...Rollison for 09?

Get on board.; 8:35 AM
Jet said...: The "15 days" talk is a window to the mindset of the coaches. No one has said anything about the fact that these other guys have 2-4 years more experience than Tyrik.

They have "15 days." It's a message. To me, that says he's got every opportunity to play.

As far as breakouts, if we start finding stars other than Tyrik, then he will not have played.; 8:39 AM
dan dan the AU fan said...: I agree with all of that Eddie. I was not saying that Rollison won't or shouldn't be the QB. I was just saying that D. Benton's impact will, obviously, be affected by qb play.; 8:40 AM
dan dan the AU fan said...: I am hoping an upper classman steps up but if they don't, let the best man play. As for Caudle, I have heard that a previous coaches assesment of him was not accurate. In other words, he doesn't suck.; 8:44 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: I wasn't trying to disagree Dan, I was really just rambling. Benton, Billings, Blake should all have chances to shine. I will put money on Kodi not being the starter. I'm not sure who will get the nod, but I feel pretty confident it won't be Kodi.

Jet- Exactly.; 8:44 AM
dan dan the AU fan said...: I'm enjoying the chatter but I gotta go. Check back later.; 8:45 AM
dan dan the AU fan said...: Agree on Kodi.; 8:46 AM
wtc said...: Jet-Do our Qb's have 2-4 more years of experience, or 1 year experience 2-4 times?

not much improvement since they have been on campus, from my view.; 8:46 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Later Dan.; 8:47 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: WTC- I'm leaning with the latter assesment. Yeah, our qb's have experience of being in a crapy offensive system and all the practices that go along with it. In matter of fact, they have so much bad experience that it makes anybody coming in look more favorable.; 8:51 AM
Anonymous said...: Is it just wishful thinking that leads folks to always predict the new comers to be world beaters?

For several preseasons now folks have predicted Fannin to break out. IF WE HAVE A GOOD OFFENSE, both Fannin and Tate will good seasons utilizing diferent styles. Our best shot at a consistent producing WR this season is Billings.

Instead of focussing on the ever popular skill players, we had better hope most of our backup OL have breakout seasons.

My defensive breakout guy would have been Savage...now it depends on the status ofthe injury.; 8:53 AM
tigercowboy said...: TR may play but it will not be early. Caudle gets the nod early on. He seems pumped up and I feel that GM has told him it is his to lose. I also don't think CGC will be a fan of the rotating door at QB. They are going to get a guy and go with him IMO.; 8:56 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: TODD for '09 QB. take that Eddie! :); 8:56 AM
wtc said...: Gppd point Hoopie. Personally I would prefer just steady play from several players. I always hate to hang my hat on one guy having to come through al the time. That guy is good to have, but I would rather the other team have to concetrate on several guys than just one.; 8:56 AM
tigercowboy said...: Boy was the soundoff pages full of AL.com people Sunday..Big misconception about AU push to reclaim Mobile. The Williams kid committed to the bammers and they deem our recruiting efforts a failure. I still think the plan is in place but it takes more than one year to make an impact.; 8:58 AM
wtc said...: I have felt a healthy C Todd will be the starter with someone else (I thought it would be Trotter before the injury)would come in as Todd's arm wore down. I have had to change those ideas now. Replace Trotter with Rollinson.; 8:59 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Hoopie- I like to avoid the things that worry me to death, so I will not look at the OL this year and just hope and pray they stay healthy.

Offensive Pre-season MVP- Ben Tate
Defensive Pre-Season MVP- Josh Bynes

Just my hunch.; 9:01 AM
wtc said...: tigercowboy-his coach in HS made a great comment about that. He said that AU made a strong push late, but that UA had such an early lead it was hard to overcome. I am fine with that. At least AU was in the mix and according to that comment, made a concerted effort.; 9:02 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Your dead to me Scottie! :); 9:02 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: tigercowboy- The fact that they are making the claims of our efforts as a failure tells you that they are nervous about what we are doing. We are not going to win them all, but we are going to start getting our share of them.; 9:04 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: By the way, it has been reported that Rollison will wear #17. Hmm, I like that number...Reggie Slack, Jason Campbell.; 9:05 AM
Norm said...: Morning Hotties from way out West. Nothing to add here, have a good Monday.

Keep Hate Alive.; 9:06 AM
AUfan said...: ElToro Freeman. Big hitter playing with passion at a thin position.; 9:08 AM
tigercowboy said...: I find it amusing that the typical bammer fan sees what we have assembled on the Plains and laughs because we don't have NICKY recruiting.

I find it also amusing that they don't realize they have sold their souls for a few years of winnig. I say this because they have thrusted Nick up so high that when he leaves (not if) where do they go? They can not fill the void that they have created, not with the kids or the fans. It is like watching them move themselves into check-mate.; 9:08 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: morning Norm. Hate...from sea to shining sea. love it.

you're my boy Eddie. i don't care if we win every game 3-2 as long as we win. i may have a heart attack by game 4, though if that's the case. my heart wants Kodi to fulfill expectations and become the man but ultimately i don't care.; 9:09 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Screw it, I'll take the loss instead of winning every game 3-2. I couldn't endure watching every game like that.; 9:11 AM
Anonymous said...: Kodi...has athleticism. He doesn't demonstrate a knowledge of our offense or the opposing defenses..or passing fundamentals. Can he change this during one summer?

Todd...Has reasonable QB skills, but is slowafoot and who knows about the arm strength.

Caudle.....will probably start. He seems to have picked up the offense and has credible Qb fundamentals. Can he get enough reps and game experience to prevent ints prior to running into the premier SEC defenses?

Trotter..out for the season

Mosely..A redshirt season lie ahead

TR...Only one or 2 of the "exceptional" QB recruits contribute on the field each season in the entire FBS. Even less in the SEC. Take the 3 2006 "stud" Qb recruits. Tebow was only a situational player his first season and was not a QB. Stafford was weak and cost UGA several games. Most AU folks don't realize that Stafford played over his head in the UGA-AU debacle in 2006. Mustain started, was pedestrian and is now permenantly on the bench at USC. Predictions are nice, but who would really, really bet a lot of money that TR would start and have a breakout season as a freshman in the SEC. The odds against such are tremendous. If you wouldn't bet a LOT of money on it, then why predict it?; 9:14 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: that MSU game was painful for sure. just saying a W's a W.

as Bowden one said, W.I.N. (Whatever Is Necessary).; 9:15 AM
Anonymous said...: Eddie....ditto on the MVP predictions.; 9:21 AM
Roland said...: TR is going to have to hit the weights. 185 lbs can't take the punishment of SEC defenses. Caudle looked good in the spring game. Kodi had one good completion that bounced off a DB's hands.; 9:23 AM
AUfan said...: scottie b, If Chizik breaks out the slogan pins, you'll hear me screaming for miles around.; 9:25 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Scottie- Do you have one of those W.I.N. half-shirts? I still do. That is another item that is in storage until I have space.; 9:26 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: agreed Depressed. i'm still a little fired up from my dog hunt this morning. i promise not to bring up anything else from the Bowden era again this morning. :); 9:28 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: i still have one of the lapel pins but never had a tee. i wish i had snagged a DAmeyUne for Heisman tee though. i'd pay top dollar for one of those in my collection.; 9:31 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: I hear Chizik's slogan is F.S.; 9:32 AM
Anonymous said...: I like W's. Our defense shut out Miss St. I know, it was only Miss St., but it was still an SEC shutout.

If you look carefully at the things $aban is doing....he ain't going nowhere. Last year, he donated $ mil to setup another Bama scholly fund. I think the current contract negotiations will venture into the recriprocal buyout world and even more power for him. He may even be able to keep the REC under control.; 9:32 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Scottie- The Craig shirts went thru the SID office, or I would have had one as well.; 9:33 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: if you see one let me know.; 9:41 AM
Anonymous said...: Mark it down - Mario Fannin's best days at Auburn are behind him.

He's too much of a tweener (or, at least, he's thought of as such) to be effective for sustained periods of time.

Is he talented? Sure.

However, what is his best fit position in this offense? I don't think there is an answer to that question.

(And, no! Bailing out Kodi Burns on duck throws is not a best fit position.); 9:44 AM
Marcus said...: Weren't Caudle and Kodi 4-star recruits, just as Tyrik is? What makes us think the gurus are going to be any more correct about Tyrik than they were about Caudle and Kodi (and Cox for that matter, though I love me some Cox...whoa, that didn't sound right).; 9:47 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Marcus- You are correct. Caudle was a 4-star, but suffered a bad knee injury during his Sr year which I believe hampered his confidence. The thing that Kodi and Neil shared that Tyrik will not share, is terrible coaching. Terrible coaching affects them more than anything. JMO.; 9:50 AM
ADP said...: Nick Fairley; 9:54 AM
Anonymous said...: Terrible coaching affects them more than anything.

Agreed. Mario Fannin had a chance to go to Florida and play for Urban Meyer and Dan Mullen.

Instead, he played for Al Borges, Tony Franklin, Tommy Tuberville, and now Gus Malzhan & Gene Chizik.

No offense to the crew at Auburn, but who would you pick?; 9:55 AM
Anonymous said...: To answer the question on the front:

Lee Ziemba looks much better for his position going into this season than last season.; 10:02 AM
Jet said...: Nothing would please me more than for Tyrik to redshirt because it meant we had someone we can would win with at QB.

I want to be wrong -- dead wrong -- when I say that Tyrik plays. I don't think I am.

We've got 4 QBs: a) one who is injury prone and hasn't played significantly since his junior in high school five years ago. b) one who has poor fundamentals/judgment and can't the make one throw he'll have to make in this offense; c) one who is recovering from shoulder surgery again; and d) one who is out for the year.; 10:03 AM
Anonymous said...: If I was a top offensive recruit...who would I pick from the SEC? If all I was worried about was going to the pros...UF.

If I wanted to stay away from arrogance or lunacy...anyone but UF,UAT or UT.; 10:06 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: By Hoopie's criteria- Mark Richt is the correct answer.; 10:08 AM
Anonymous said...: Jet....I echo your hopes for wrongness.; 10:09 AM
Anonymous said...: Eddie...I wasn't intending to impose both of those criteria simultaneously.....but if so...you're right.; 10:12 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Hoopie- I know, just reading between the lines.

I love that QB talk can bring out opinions that differentiate among many.

Here's a question, who will be a big contributer that is not being talked about at all right now?

Walter McFadden?

I don't know that answer.; 10:15 AM
ehyou said...: My brother-in-law just texted me saying he was on campus for his first day at Auburn. You can't help but get that funny feeling in your gut when you think about it. He is in for an awesome time.; 10:15 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: I think....drum roll..the person with the biggest impact or value will be the kid with the yellow shoes...:); 10:17 AM
Anonymous said...: I hope one of the DBs steps up to the plate, Eddie. We need playmakers back there as well.; 10:18 AM
Hornet said...: I'm a little surprised by the Tyrik sentiment engulfing everyone. It's one of three things:
1) Wishful thinking that a Frosh QB can help b/c our QB situation has been so bad
2) He's that good and my head is in the sand
3) meaningless chatter in the dog days of summer

IMO - If we start a freshman QB we're looking at 2 to 3 conference wins at best; 10:19 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Me too Snow. DB's and OL scare me the most.; 10:20 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Hornet- How many conference wins we looking at by playing a non-true frosh QB?; 10:20 AM
Anonymous said...: How about someone returning punts that doesn't fumble them close to or in the endzone? (errr....Robert Dunn anyone)

I wish another Tim Carter would emerge.; 10:21 AM
Anonymous said...: If Jet is right.....we gotta trade some QBs for OL. We should probably do that anyway...oh wait..this isn't the pros..or fantasy football.

we have two 4 star Qbs that haven't produced...coaching problem?..YES. To what degree? that's debateble.

If coaching is the problem with those guys, and these coaches don't correct those players, then are these coaches bad also?...not necessarily.

Last season, I really thought that the Franklin experiment would have Kodi taking over the starting role and producing by midseason.; 10:22 AM
Hornet said...: touche eddie; 10:24 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Hoopie- Except that Franklin had already cherry picked his QB before he even gave Kodi a shot. Kodi mental state of things are just as bad as his mechanics at this point. I really hate it. If I would love to see anyone rise up to be a leader, I would love to see him do so.; 10:24 AM
Anonymous said...: Hornet..I think it is #3. I try to promise myself not to discuss Qbs, but alas, Eddie's reasonable, inquisitive posts sucked me in.; 10:26 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Hornet- That is my point about playing a true frosh qb this year, provided, he is remotely close to what we have on campus already. This year is going to have growing pains, and why have this happen in two different seasons if you can make it happen in one.; 10:26 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Hoopie- If i was a vacuum, I'd be an Oreck :).; 10:27 AM
Miller said...: Current player(s) who I think will have a great year:
Offense - Ziemba (healthy knee and added weight)
Defense - Bynes (fresh coaching outlook will improve his play, add consistency).

Current player(s) who I WANT to have a bust out year:
Offense - Caudle (with fresh start and renewed confidence, I think he can be the guy)
Defense - Bynes (he needs to be a leader, and stay healthy!)

Incoming player(s) who I think will have an impact this year:
Offense - McCalleb (speedy and versatile) and Benton (playmaker with something to prove)
Defense - Fairley (needed to fill role vacated by Marks) and Eltoro (high energy at position of dire need)

Incoming player(s) who I WANT to have an impact this fall:
Offense - McCalleb (AU needs a guy who be a potential game-breaker each time he touches the ball, a guy that makes you get on the edge of your seat when he gets the ball)
Defense - Fairley (I want to see AU get pressure on opposing QBs from the middle as well as the edges); 10:29 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: Here is the thing that is exciting and scary.

Until Summer practice starts we have no idea,

Some guys will have gotten bigger,stronger...some will have stayed the same or gotten worse.

Plus we have no idea what freshman will step up, if any, and which ones will put on that red shirt.

I recall last year we didnt have many freshman play and some of the coaches knew right away after a week that they would redshirt.

So that is exciting and scary to see who steps up and who is ready for the limelight.; 10:29 AM
Anonymous said...: How about Ben "Don't Run Me Sideways" Tate?

I know he was the leading rusher last year, but hopefully this year will work more towards his skills set.

From what I keep reading on here about McCalleb, maybe he's going to be the guy over Tate.

What do you all know about McCalleb that I don't or haven't seen?; 10:30 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: I definitely think Tate will shine in this offense.

All of those high on Bention, be aware that he has not played football in over 2 years now I believe? I look for Emory Blake ot have the better season of the two. Of course, there is always the exception to the rule, just ask Rodney Daniels.; 10:33 AM
Miller said...: Tate will be the main guy. I think with the downhill style Malzahn likes to use, Tate will have a big year. McCalleb will be the change of pace back and provide a spark of excitement.

Speaking of DB's... I look for Neiko Thorpe to have a big year. I am also looking forward to seeing T'Sharvan Bell back there.; 10:35 AM
Luke said...: Offense - Ben Tate...he's gonna have a lot more rushing up the middle and a lot of opportunities on swing passes, etc.

Defense - Eltoro is going to El Rip Someone in Two; 10:36 AM
Anonymous said...: Eddie...I get your point regarding training for next year.

I'm never in favor of not putting the best players on the field. This for the sake of the seniors, team morale and wins this season.

If TR is the starter and plays poorly, then we may have to consider that a coaching failure. That would mean that our coaches couldn't take any of those guys already on campus and train one of them up to a level better than a poorly playing true freshman....YIKES.; 10:40 AM
Unknown said...: Todd will be the starter at QB. Burns will come in when it is an obvious run situation. Todd will be viewed as an okay QB, although someone will get excited about the big plays we see in the passing game.

The big name to develop will likely be Tim Hawthorne, although Billings will be there too.

The offense will rely upon Tate and Fannin. Tate will be the tailback, and Fanin will be the h-back. The success of the offense will depend upon these two. McCalleb will get significant playing time and be the guy that can bust long runs.

Trott will have a very solid season.; 10:45 AM
AUNugget said...: Snow,

you are trippin about Fannin man. Go back and watch the georgia. our whole offense that game was Fannin. that wheel route he ran and scored that 52 yard td catch, the ball was thrown behind him and he still made the play. i believe he should be the #1 tailback. when he runs, he runs like he expects to gain yards as opposed to Tate who i have seen be ankle tackled more then any other running back in memory. blame it on the O-line if you want but Fannin also ran behind the same o-line when he scored the second td of the game.

The coaches just need to play him consistantly and get the ball in his hands.; 10:45 AM
Unknown said...: Tate will end up playing on Sundays, although I don't expect him to become a star. He is by far the best returning tailback we have. Fannin was very mistake prone.; 10:50 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve- I don't agree with you much, and I certainly don't agree with your qb assesment, but I do like Tommy Trott to have a big year and could be a pleasant surprise for this offense. All that other stuff, we can agree to disagree :).; 10:50 AM
AUNugget said...: Steve,

i understand about the mistakes but they came from when he was a freshman. at least the bigs ones. everyone seems to forget Cadillac was prone to putting the ball on the ground every now and then too.; 10:52 AM
Unknown said...: I do hope we see Tyrik get some playing time this season.; 10:53 AM
AUNugget said...: sorry...forgot to say good morning to everyone first.

mornin yall.; 10:54 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: AUNugget- Good afternoon from EST, well in 2 minutes that is :). By the way, that is a clever name or I am reading to much into it.; 10:58 AM
Unknown said...: By the way, Tate was injured most of the second half of last season, although many probably don't realize it. I didn't at the time.; 10:58 AM
AUNugget said...: Eddie, it is a very clever name. appreciate you noticing.

Steve, i don't want to sound like i don't want to see Tate out there, i just want to see a lot more of Fannin than last year. i just feel like he is such an explosive player to not be used.; 11:01 AM
Anonymous said...: AUNugget,

Fannin fumbles a lot too and goes the wrong was often on blocks and runs.

Is he exciting? Yes.

Is he the answer? At this point, I don't see it. Part of this is the inability (or lack of willingness) of coaches to let him play one position and be good at it. Instead, he's okay at a couple of spots. It's a misuse of talent.

Same goes for Kodi Burns. He talks about being a thrower. The coaches always talked about him throwing more, but when they put him in the game, he ran/runs a lot. Part of this is lack of QB decision making skills and part of it is coaching.; 11:03 AM
Unknown said...: I think some of the problem with Fannin and most of the problem with Ziemba last season had to do with coaching. Both will be bigger this season and I expect to see much more out of them. Tate is just a very all around good back and many don't realize how fast he truly is. I wish I could recall what the injury was that nagged him the second half of the season, but I don't recall.; 11:33 AM
Unknown said...: Kodi has just had too much playing time for me to think he is going to finally get it. I wish this wasn't the case because he is by far the most athletic QB we have returning. He just hasn't been able to make the transition from high school and relying upon athletic ability to college where decision making is the key.; 11:36 AM
AUfan said...: Trott is a player who coaches love during practice, but never seems to be able to put it together when the lights come on. I would love to see him have a big year, but I'll be surprised if he does.

Honest question- if Auburn needs a 1st down on 3rd and 5 in the 4th quarter, who would you choose between Trott and Gabe McKenzie to be on the receiving end of a pass?; 11:38 AM
Anonymous said...: Kodi does throw ....but that's, one of his problems...he doesn't pass well.; 11:38 AM
Unknown said...: Biggest jump in value?

I think Mario Fannin will finally be what we all see in him. I think Lee Ziemba will be infinitely more productive than last year. Yes, I think Tyrik will be getting SOME playing time as the season unfolds.

But the biggest jump in value will be on the defensive side. Neiko Thorpe will develop into our first lock-down corner since Carlos and that will take our defense to a whole nother level.; 11:39 AM
Anonymous said...: I've had 2 different friends tell me that even last year, Kodi didn't understand the value of film study. IF that is the case, that lack of knowledge would explain the recognition and confidence problems. It would not explain the failure to commit to proper passing fundamentals. The greater the athleticism..the easier to accomplish fundamentals if the desire is present.; 11:48 AM
ADP said...: Y'all are all crazy. Mario will be a superstar this year.; 11:48 AM
Anonymous said...: Jason...I was pumped when Neiko committed to AU. I agree that he could become a lock-down corner,I just think that level of play comes in 2010-2011.; 11:50 AM
Anonymous said...: Mario's arms are now large enough to help prevent/reduce fumbles. Now if he can fulfill assignments, I say don't take him off the field if we have the ball.; 11:55 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: i love Phreddie coming through on a Monday. "Yall are all crazy." love it. whattup cuz?!; 12:00 PM
ADP said...: Howdy Scottie B. I'll give you a ring in a day or two.; 12:02 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Does film study do any good if you you don't know what you are looking at?; 12:11 PM
Unknown said...: This is truly going to be one of the most interesting QB battle we have had in a long time. There was a point where I thought Caudle had a better chance of seeing the game from the stands than from the field, but I do think that Malzahn is giving him a serious look.

My money is still on Todd as the starter, but it is going to be interesting.; 12:13 PM
Anonymous said...: I root for Caudle to be the starter because the kid has had a lot of bad luck and few chances.

I root for Kodi because he could get us the most wins.

I root for Todd because he has played with guts/pain for us.

I won't root for Trotter this season b/c he is hurt.

I won't root for Mosely this season b/c he is coming from such a small evironment and will need to mature a bit with a redshirt

I won't root for Rolleson because of reasons mentioned in Jet's 10:03 am post.; 12:13 PM
Scott M. Brannan said...: could you really blame Kodi last year for not having a clue? with Malzahn i would say there's no excuse. somebody show the boy what's going on!!!!!; 12:14 PM
Unknown said...: I do agree that Kodi has the most potential to win games. If the decision making was there, my money would be on him.; 12:16 PM
Unknown said...: As long as we aren't running the RFYLK offense this season, I will be happy.; 12:18 PM
Anonymous said...: Eddie..re: your 12:11 post

"Does film study do any good if you don't know what you are looking at?"

Todd knew what he was looking at, so it wasn't coaching that caused Kodi to not know. Kodi made good grades in HS, so I'm running out of conclusions to draw.; 12:20 PM
Unknown said...: I think Todd knew better because of his high school experience and experience at Texas Tech.

Part of the issues with Kodi could very well be coaching. I don't think Borges was that high on him. I think Tuberville pushed for him to play sooner than he should have.; 12:25 PM
Anonymous said...: Scotty.....Kodi didn't have a clue in 2007 OR 2008. Different OC's...and Borges is the guy that gets credited with completing Jason Campbell.

I've always thought highly of Kodi. I think that he has the most ability to control his own destiny of any of our Qbs. Let's see what happens.; 12:26 PM
AUNugget said...: ugh...i hate that we are going through this qb debate again this year. guess it had to come with the coaching change, but it seems like last year produced nothing in terms of answers for this year....which makes it even worse than just the 5-7 record.; 12:29 PM
Anonymous said...: QB film study involves knowing your own offense and the opposing defense. Todd knew both. Kodi many times knew neither, thus the RFYLK offense.; 12:29 PM
Unknown said...: The issues with Kodi may be similar to the issues with Jason Campbell early in his career. Giving a QB significant playing time before he is ready can cause more harm than good.

I also think the issues may be tied to the poor receiver play too. Cox was one of the better QBs we have had, but the lack of playmakers at receiver and the decline of the running game after Irons graduated caused him to try to do too much.; 12:30 PM
Scott M. Brannan said...: i totally agree Hoopie. as a true Frosh in '07 Kodi was thrown to the wolves to bring a spark to the offense. i may be wrong in doing so but b/c of the failed CTF experiment i give the entire offense a pass on the debacle that ensued. someone made a comment about Kodi not understanding film study or something along those lines. i'm guessing that if anyone could get across the correct coaching to him it would be Malzahn.; 12:33 PM
Scott M. Brannan said...: i love the "RFYLK offense" phrase. don't think i had heard that before today.; 12:34 PM
Unknown said...: The issues last year with the QB won't happen this season. I seriously doubt Chizik will tell Malzahn which QB to play and I am pretty confident that Malzahn will choose one and go with him.

The offense coordinator and the input he has will be drastically different this season than what we saw with Borges and Franklin.

If Chizik is dumb enough to not allow Malzahn to make the offensive decisions, we will be discussing who the next head coach will be.; 12:34 PM
AUNugget said...: i agree steve, i think Chizik picked a guy that he thought could run the offense by himself and has every intention of letting that happen. i just hope our defense can hold up till the O gets it going.; 12:38 PM
Anonymous said...: Let's see there's 3-4 Qb possibilities: any bets on the AU fan satisfaction level for the game one starter? No matter who it is...some folks will be severely dissatisfied. A few on the HABOTN will express displeasure. A whole bunch on AL.com will do the same.

It's a good thing Gus went through that mess at Ark. That should prep him for what to expect at AU. Unlike at Ark., he should have the HC's full support. Will our fans quit being so fickle and give him and the QB a chance if things start badly?; 12:40 PM
Unknown said...: By the way, I ran across an episode of the Bear Bryant Show where he discusses our issues from last season. It is wild how he shows so much more class than the Bama fans of today. He would be ashamed to see what has happened with Bama.; 12:42 PM
Anonymous said...: Scottie..the rumor I heard was not film watching intellect...it was more effort/time related....that kinda explains the problem, but I personally dunno and am not saying so.; 12:45 PM
AUfan said...: Hoopie, I agree totally on Malzahn picking the right guy. I will personally be happy with whichever QB he chooses, he has the track record as OC AND the HC's backing to pick the guy he thinks is the best choice. I still hope to see Kodi come around, but I don't know if that will happen.; 12:51 PM
Anonymous said...: In regards to this Roundtable show on 740 in Montgomery today...

Sports writers take themselves waaaaaaay too seriously.

I realize it's the dead season, but c'mon. Talk some baseball or something.; 12:54 PM
Miller said...: I got a good laugh out of the 2 on the roundtable calling out websites for being unethical and biased in their coverage.
They said that the "media" is ethical and unbiased.
Where is this ethical and unbiased media? JGT, is the only in-state sportswriter that I have read in years that didn't try to push their own bias or agenda, at least occasionally.; 1:02 PM
Unknown said...: I am fine with whoever Malzahn chooses also and I wouldn't be quick to criticize Malzahn if the starter has issues. Sometimes there isn't the right answer.; 1:02 PM
Will said...: I like Tim Hawthorne and Eltoro to be breakout players this yr.; 1:06 PM
Scott M. Brannan said...: thanks for clarifying Hoopie.

SFC, i haven't clicked on your link yet, but what the heck are you doing browsing old Bear Bryant videos? i'm confused. :); 1:12 PM
Unknown said...: I plead permanent insanity. It was linked in an article I read on Auburn comparing the 1973 team and last year's team. The circumstances are very similar. I just hope that the results this year are different than 1974.; 1:15 PM
Unknown said...: I have a more intriguing question. How smart was it for Blackmon to go to the CFL, a pass happy league with a larger field, when his weakness has always been coverage skills. He is on my list of players to most likely become an assistant coach at a highschool somewhere within the next few years.; 1:21 PM
Scott M. Brannan said...: Steve, i watched that clip. probably the most complimentary video i've ever seen of the Bear. you're right, you seldom see that these days.; 1:24 PM
Unknown said...: Many forget that Shug and Bear were good friends and use to take a fishing trip together each season prior to the Iron Bowl.; 1:26 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Hoopie- From your earlier post, I will feel good about whatever qb that Gus choses because for the first time in a long time, I know that there is not an agenda behind it and he is putting the best possible person onto the field.; 1:30 PM
Monica said...: Totally off topic, but Bernie Madoff in a federal penitentiary should be interesting. I wonder how long he'll last.; 1:32 PM
Unknown said...: Personally, I think we put the best QB we had on the field last season too. We just didn't have a good choice. I am not sure what personal agendas might have been involved. What agendas are you refering to Eddie?; 1:32 PM
Unknown said...: Omnica, I won't be upset with anything that may happen to Madoff. They guy caused more harm to more people than anyone I can remember in recent memory.; 1:33 PM
patdyeswildturkey said...: I Believe after this holiday weekend, the writers and coaches will be back in full swing. Here are some questions I have.

1. Injuries- How are Trott and PPL looking? What is the deal with Savage? Out for the season? Is Gabe McKenzie going to back full speed at summer drills? What about Mike McNeil's leg? What about Chris Todds shoulder? All very important to our season.

2. Linebackers? will freshman have to play? Besides Herring and Pybus we have no backups.

3. Kicker? Has Bynum gotten his head screwed back on or is he towards Yost(former hs all-american reference) status.

4. DBs- If Savage and McNeil are hurt and not coming back, or at least for awhile? Who steps in then, most definitely freshman and Bates the JUCO guy.

5. DL- How does Fairley look? did he report in shape like Freeman coming from JUCO. Do we have anybody that can rest the starters this year?

6. WR-How many more years does Tim Hawthorne have of eligibility? He has been there a decade.

7. RB-How are we gonna split reps? I say Tate/Fannin/Mcalleb

8. OL-How does Bart Eddins feel? Is Jared Cooper going to step up? Do we have any OL walk on prospects?

9. Who is going to return kicks/punts?

10. Is anybody not qualified on the signee front besides the one DB.; 1:35 PM
mrdude said...: Caudle will be the QB. Kodi can't throw an accurate pass whether its a short or deep route. Todd doesn't have enough arm strength to throw the ball beyond the line of scrimmage, and Tyrik won't be able to learn the offense and run it to Malzahn's expectations within a few weeks.; 1:36 PM
AUfan said...: I am not trying to speak for Eddie, but Franklin knew Todd was going to be the QB when he arrived at Auburn. Todd was not even on Auburn's radar until Franklin came. I'm not arguing Todd vs Kodi as players, I just think Franklin had already settled on Todd way earlier then he would admit to.; 1:39 PM
AUfan said...: PDWT, Sportscall reported that LaVoyd James, the WR from Mobile would also not qualify.; 1:45 PM
patdyeswildturkey said...: I am die hard fan, and as of today I cant tell you that any of the QB's impress me, I guess none of us will know till Sept., last year they raved about Todd, then the games came, so who really knows, I dont, I say let the best man stand out..; 1:46 PM
patdyeswildturkey said...: Depressed, being here in Mobile, didnt hear that, thats good news, we didnt need any wide receivers anyway, (sarcasm) :); 1:47 PM
patdyeswildturkey said...: I have read the big four magazines and none of them give us a chance this year, so maybe we can surprise people, there is now way we should be as bad as we were last year. I havent seen anything like i did last year, that was like seeing a unicorn, or a shooting star, lol. Loch ness, I dont know I couldnt describe it, still cant.; 1:49 PM
patdyeswildturkey said...: Did anybody catch the Mobile newspapers top 18 preseason recruits? Seems we have three, bama had six or seven and UF had one and Arkansas had another I believe. We have a shot at a few of the others.

But without an early signing period it really doesnt matter does it. Its like asking a decent looking girl to the prom too early and then finding out you could have gotten the prmo queen. You dump the decent looking one and go for the prom queen.

Most of the hot recruits now earned their offers last year and will all now coast this year and take the year off. The teams know what they can do.; 1:55 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve- Personal ageenda's, let's see...as depressed said, the Chris Todd to Auburn move with Franklin or maybe the fact that Franklin has publicly stated that Tubs forced him to put Kodi into the game. Steve, come on man, you're off your game today.; 1:58 PM
WarEagleRK said...: It's really hard to have good or bad expectations heading into this season since we really don't know what we have at almost every position.; 2:02 PM
michael said...: I have a personal agenda... to be awesome!; 2:06 PM
Seanzie said...: Michael, I must ask you to cease and desist as that is my copyrighted personal agenda. TM#892798347. You can look it up.; 2:18 PM
Scott M. Brannan said...: i think i just saw a puppet. of course, i'm an hour ahead here in TN.; 2:21 PM
Seanzie said...: I saw a newscast once from a neighborhood in Mobile where a resident claimed to have seen a puppet and drew it for everyone.; 2:29 PM
Unknown said...: Franklin put the best QB we had into the game. To call that a personal agenda seems a bit bizarre. I am unsure about what was personal about it.

We saw the Kodi flop and why Borges and Franklin didn't want to play him. That is pretty self apparent.

If choosing the best QB means it is a personal agenda, I do hope Malzahn has a personal agenda.; 2:31 PM
Seanzie said...: Eh bullocks Steve!!! Borges had a senior QB, no wonder he didn't want to play a frosh. The Kodi flop was not a function of the Franklin experience but the constant changing of the playbook that occurred when Nallsminger Redux took over.; 2:35 PM
WarEagleRK said...: I've mentioned it before, it's an Auburn trend over decades that we never get the back up prepared to play the next year behind a senior QB.; 2:37 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Sean,

I'm still not convinced that Kodi would have been an average SEC QB in the best of situations.

I haven't seen anything that shows me he would be even average.; 2:38 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steven- Who said that there was only one person with a personal aggenda? I believe it was a power fight last year at the QB position.

This year, it will be nice to know that the offesnive staff, OC and HC will all be on the same page. When is the last time that statement can be made at Auburn? 2004, maybe, but not completely sold. 2002 is my best guess.; 2:39 PM
Seanzie said...: RK, you misunderstand me. I never said Kodi was 'good'.; 2:41 PM
WarEagleRK said...: gotcha; 2:43 PM
Seanzie said...: I agree with your overall assement of Mr. Burns.; 2:44 PM
Seanzie said...: Eddie, Steve has a Chris Todd mancrush. He says it all the time how he thinks he's the best QB on staff. Even if he is, do you really want him to take all the snaps for one mediocre season and deprive another kid of valuable experience?; 2:45 PM
Seanzie said...: By the way, Steve, I'm just having fun with you. No offense intended.; 2:51 PM
Unknown said...: Eddie, I agree that there was a conflict between Tuberville and Franklin over the starting QB. Jay has said that Tuberville didn't meddle with the offense and I believe what Jay says, or at least he didn't meddle with the offense during the week. I believe Tuberville wanted Kodi in the game and would say so during the game.

The entire problem is that Tood gave us consistency, while Kodi gave us big play ability.

I don't believe Franklin was doing anything other than trying to play the QB he felt gave us the best chance to win. I also think that even if Franklin hadn't been fired, Kodi was going to take over. Todd's arm wasn't going to last.

I do think things will be different this season. Chiz has made good decisions and I don't think he will meddle with Malzahn's decisions. As for Malzahn, he may end up being a head coach soon, but his personality hints at someone who would love to be an OC that could call the shots offensively.

This truly will be an interesting year.; 2:54 PM
Unknown said...: Todd has already proven he is the best QB between him and Burns. As for Caudle, who knows. I assume there is a reason he is a bench jockey.

Todd will likely be the starter if what I have read is true. What I ready was that his arm is stronger than it was any time last season.

This isn't saying I want Todd as the starter. If his arm has the same problems it had last year during two-a-days, he shouldn't be the starter.

We just have few choices here. Tyrik will eventually be a choice, but not against Louisiana Tech.; 2:57 PM
Miller said...: Consistency isn't necessarily a good thing when you're talking about being consistently ineffective.

Todd may be a superb quarterback IF he had any arm strength. But he couldn't hit a target over 15 feet away from him. My 2 year old cousin has a stronger arm than he had.
I know... He was hurt. Then he shouldn't have been playing. Has his shoulder healed? I seriously doubt it.; 3:02 PM
Unknown said...: He was pretty consistently effective early in the season. As for the 15 feet comment, that is ludicrous. He had completion much longer than that.; 3:14 PM
Unknown said...: Miller, what is the latest you have heard on the health of Todd's shoulder and why are you doubting it healed? I have concerns but the latest I read was that his arm is stronger than any time last season. That isn't to say that it will stay that way, but it is encouraging.; 3:16 PM
Miller said...: Stronger than any point last season isn't saying much. He had arch on his WR screens from the near hash! That is begging for a pick 6. He was lucky not to be picked off more than he was last year. He hit several DBs in the chest with throws, but they were so soft the DB dropped them. Think of it like trying to hit a 68 mph changeup after taking BP off 95 mph heat. You're going to be early and misjudge it.

I base my doubt off of knowledge of how shoulder injuries heal. 3 surgeries on it in 2 years? The best athletes in the world don't come back full strength from that. He'll never regain full strength in that shoulder, and what he can regain won't have the stamina to hold up over the long haul. He's not that far removed from his last surgery either. (That is why he wasn't allowed to throw at all in the spring). The arm strength he would need to be effective won't come until next summer (if he doesn't re-injure it before then).; 3:37 PM
Unknown said...: By there way, Here is the story I read on Todd. It is pretty old now, so I would appreciate any more recent information.

Why am I sceptical? Because Todd talked like he would compete in the Spring and didn't.; 3:41 PM
Unknown said...: I thought this was the first surgery on his shoulder, not the third. They chose to not have the surgery when this first occurred.; 3:43 PM
Miller said...: He had surgery prior to entering the JuCo and again while he was there prior to coming to AU.
He was just a few months removed from the 2nd surgery when he got to AU and was thrust into the gig by Franklin.
Truth be told he probably should have sat out all of last season to rehab, but he didn't.; 3:46 PM
Unknown said...: I read where he decided not to have surgery after the injury. Do you have a link to any of this information. It conflicts with what I understood.; 3:48 PM
Miller said...: Sorry, first surgery was after injuring shoulder at JuCo. He had a 2nd to clean it up after that prior to entering AU.

If he's named the starter, I'll support him. But, I don't think his arm will ever be strong enough to be truly effective.
I hate it for him. He's a nice kid. He's a competitor.; 3:51 PM
Unknown said...: Here is an article that discusses his history, but doesn't mention earlier surgeries. Still looking for those.

It does mention Drew Brees and Troy Aikman had similar surgeries.; 3:54 PM
Scott Chocolate said...: Is Norm paying attention? It's almost new page time!

Wish I had something to contribute to the QB conversation. I just hope the coaches make the right decision.; 4:00 PM
Miller said...: I can't find the links.

Maybe my memory is wrong... But, I remember having disucssions of this nature last summer wonder why we bringing in a kid fresh (fairly) off shoulder surgery to compete for the job.
Yes, Brees had a similar procedure done, but he also had a longer rehab/ recovery time. His arm strength (while still good) isn't as strong as it used to be either.

Remember Chad Pennington rushing back from shoulder surgery only to reinjure it after being ineffective due to loss of arm strength? Twice. Then finally he took the proper rehab time to regain about 80% of his prior arm strength.
That is where Todd is now. He needs to properly rehab the arm just to get 75-80% of his original arm strength back.; 4:02 PM

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