Practice notes, 8/12

I'm going to do this in stages as I did last night.

STAGE ONE

• Trooper Taylor is very high on his freshmen (Emory Blake, D'Angelo Benton, Anthony Gulley and Travante Stallworth) and said he'll explore the idea of redshirting an experienced player to ensure playing time for the freshmen.
  
  
• Onterrio McCalebb: "When I score touchdowns, I think about money. If you ask the players, 'What does McCalebb say when he gets the ball on the 1-yard line?' Most of the players will tell you: 'That's money.' Because you have to get in the end zone."
  
  
• Blake said McCalebb is so fast that "he chases rabbits and squirrels."
  
  
• Tommy Thigpen said his top three safeties are Zac Etheridge, Drew Cole and Mike Slade. It looks as though Daren Bates, who arrived on campus for the first time late last week, is the No. 4 guy. He's going to play.
  
  
• Neil Caudle didn't seem very enthusiastic today. He said his first scrimmage drive was a three-and-out. His second ended with an interception -- despite alleged claims to the contrary from Birmingham-area radio guys. Caudle said he thinks he's done enough to start.
  
  
• Kodi Burns seemed even-keeled as usual; said he thinks he's done enough to start.
  
  
• Chris Todd seemed more jovial than usual; said he thinks he's done enough to start.
  
  
• Mario Fannin said he looks up to McCalebb because "he plays with a lot of heart. The coaches like that about him."

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University