Answer: Not as much as I expected.
Still, we know some stuff. Here's a look at the five things I know now that I may not have known (or realized) two weeks ago.
- Kodi Burns walks the walk: The junior quarterback learned last week that he no longer was under consideration for the starting job. He lost out to Chris Todd, who has been a consistent obstacle to Burns' upward mobility.
When Todd was named Auburn's starter, Burns had several choices.
He could have requested a transfer. Nobody would have been upset with him for making a decision that seemed obvious. Burns believes he has the skills to play quarterback and, surely, there are plenty of schools who feel similarly.
He could have sulked. Dreams fuel passion and when those dreams disappear, Burns easily could have become discouraged.
He didn't.
Burns instead asked where the team needed help. When it became obvious that wideouts were in short supply and the so-called "Wildcat" position was vacant, Burns said he'd make a push.
And he has. Burns scored a rushing touchdown out of the Wildcat formation during Auburn's second scrimmage and assistant coach Trooper Taylor said he's been amazed by how quickly Burns has emerged as a productive element at wideout.
This could be the story of the year. - Subtraction by attrition: Auburn is a surprisingly sparse program right now.
The NCAA allows teams to allocate a maximum of 85 scholarships each year.
The Tigers don't have to worry about running afoul of that provision this season. Including the three walk-ons who were awarded scholarships last week, the team now has 76 players receiving aid for their work on the field.
It's easy to see where those nine missing bodies should be.
Auburn doesn't have many linebackers. Freshman Jonathan Evans started in the scrimmage because Eltoro Freeman is out with a wrist injury. Behind Evans is another freshman, Harris Gaston.
Two other linebackers, Adam Herring and Spencer Pybus, are injured.
The Tigers have similar issues at safety and along the offensive line. It's critical that Chizik and his staff find a way to increase staffing levels in short order.
His lack of depth could become a terminal issue. - Freshmen are in the fray: Auburn typically uses only a few freshmen in meaningful roles, but this is no ordinary year.
The Tigers will play freshmen at wideout. It's clear that Taylor, the team's wideouts coach, is smitten with his group of youngsters. DeAngelo Benton and Emory Blake have been in the spotlight all along, though observers said Anthony Gulley (pictured) showed surprising ability in the second scrimmage.
Travante Stallworth also has earned praise.
Auburn's youth movement starts now. - Taking offense: The offense has "won" both scrimmages according to the scoring system Chizik uses for these events.
Surely that's not a good development.
Defenses almost always win fall scrimmage regardless of score. Offenses require precise timing that typically isn't honed so early in the season, giving defenders an advantage that cannot be mitigated.
The issue is this: Auburn's second-team defense is not very good right now. It's mostly populated by freshmen and players without a single meaningful performance on their resume.
Defensive starters will be asked to play more snaps than usual this season. - It's business time: Chizik doesn't like mess.
That's the primary reason behind three players leaving the program this summer. The coach has instituted a reasonably strict dress code and holds his players to reasonably lofty behavioral standards. He also demands that helmets be lined up almost perfectly during warm-ups.
No detail is too small.
It was reasonable to assume the no-frills aura he created upon arrival would wane as fall arrived. That was an errant assumption. Chizik is as guarded and focused as ever these days.
We'll soon see if Auburn's new tone, set by the head coach, makes a difference on the field.
Howdy do to you and you, it's me it's me, it's Ernest T.
ReplyDeleteI like okra with my substance
ReplyDeleteNorm...
ReplyDeleteThe latest Norm is outstanding. We've been waiting with bated breath.
Looks like we learned a good bit - now off to read JGT's analysis
ReplyDeleteAl Del Greco / DeAngelo Benton. My posting speed is closer to Del Greco's foot speed.
ReplyDeletePoint proven. That was supposed to be a reference to being #3.
ReplyDeleteThat is one swell shirt and moustache ensamble you've got there.
ReplyDeleteDo you know who it is? I told you it'd be obscure.
ReplyDeleteBodda Getta, Bodda Getta,
ReplyDeleteRah! Rah! Rah!
Sis! Boom! Bah!
I'M A GRANDMA!!!!!!
War Eagle, Hey!
His lack of depth could become a terminal issue.
ReplyDeleteAs in terminal to the season or his coaching career at Auburn?
I'd be inclined to say terminal for this season. I think he gets a pass good for a couple of years.
ReplyDeleteNorm, you are "The Spirit in the Sky" (or the Nova in the Sky, if you prefer).
ReplyDeleteNorm...
ReplyDeleteI believe that's Norm Greenbaum of Spirit in the Sky fame.
Dang, you two are good. And quick.
ReplyDeleteTHAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!
Sincere congrats missinit! Hope all are doing well.
ReplyDeleteTerminal issue: This season and beyond. He needs to get that up to 83, 84, 85 as soon as humanly possible.
ReplyDeleteI'm ready to learn if we can kick some La. Tech booty !!
ReplyDeletewhat's the deal with antone carter???
ReplyDeleteSounds like we may be on the look-out for JUCO's
ReplyDeleteFunny, he doesn't look Jewish.
ReplyDelete[/rimshot]
Great, now I can't get that funky guitar thing from "Spirit in the Sky" out of my head.
I saw Hot Carter after the scrimmage. I don't think he had been playing. I think he has a leg (ie hamstring/quad) issue.
ReplyDeleteJGT, you said we've haven't learned as much as you expected from fall practice thus far.
ReplyDeleteWhat haven't we learned that surprises you?
Lack of depth = more plays for starters = more injuries for starters = further lack of depth = viscious cycle
ReplyDeleteCongrat's Missinit!!
ReplyDeleteI think our starting unit on D can be very good. But, they netter stay healthy because if any of them go down, we're in trouble!
ReplyDeleteAfternoon Hotties......
ReplyDeleteI have finally come back to Planet Earth today. I left the planet last Tuesday when my first grandchild was born.
So I am trying to catch up. I was going to ask for Cliff Notes but Jay G. just did an excellent job of getting me up to date in this post. The only thing is that when I try to click on the videos that have been disabled from last week I get the blogspot page that says...
Page not Found
Sorry, the page you were looking for in the blog The Hottest Auburn Blog On The Net does not exist.
Help Jay....I need to see those videos from last week!!!!!!
Jay G.,
ReplyDeleteHow will the new 28 rule effect that goal of getting the numbers up quickly?
missinit - Congrats!
ReplyDeleteTry going to the video archives instead of where the video was previously posted. I was having the same problem, but that worked for me.
We also learned that the offensive offense we had last season was likely in a large part due to the split over who should be the starting QB. The split was apparently wider spread than I thought, including coaches. Who to blame? The coaches that allowed it. I expect a coach to say either get with the program or you are no longer needed. That, apparently, didn't happen.
ReplyDeleteSteveFC,
ReplyDeleteI pull a yellow card on you for mentioning the past and disparaging the memory of the late great Tubs.
You, sir, are in time out.
missinit - to be more clear, the "Video Vault" section is what I'm referring to.
ReplyDeleteHahaha, I didn't mention names.
ReplyDeletecongrats on the grandchild, missinit!
ReplyDeleteJust wondering... last year, did the coaches split opinion on who should be QB cause Ziemba to false start, Todd to throw ducks, and Kodi to throw it in the dirt? Like many other issues, I am sure it would have been a non-issue if we had won games.
ReplyDeleteI am sure it was a factor, but I think it is an overstatement to say it was a "large part". My opinion? Didn't have good wide receivers, didn't have a good quarterback, the offensive line was too light to block the way they had previsouly, and the players didn't buy into the system. Dissent about who was playing QB is probably down at reason #14 or so.
Assistant: Coach, can I speak with you?
ReplyDeleteCoach: Sure.
Assistant: I think the new OC made a bad QB choice.
Coach: He is the OC and you have to respect his ....
Assistant: But he says he is a dumbass.
Coach: Ummm, nevermind.
Puppet Hour?
ReplyDeleteWe had good receivers, or at least talented. We had good QBs, or at least talented. We had big linemen and had is the proper word here.
ReplyDeleteThe basic issue is team unity and the QB thang is only a part of it.
Not sure whether breaking rules, however:
ReplyDeleteon Sportsnite on CSS at 6 - 7 and 11 - 12 timeslots (EST) tonight a friend is doing a piece on Malzahn's "numbering system". He says it will be on right after the NASCAR segment - approx 6:30 and 11:30.
Passing along in case there's interest.
I quote a famous philosopher: "A George divided against himself cannot stand". It is also true of football teams.
ReplyDeleteThanks AllenD.
ReplyDeleteThanks ehyou, mytommy, ScottChoc, and michael. There's nothing like it! Another Tiger Cub has been added to the fold and a little doll at that!
ReplyDeleteNow ScottChoc, where would I find this video vault??????????
Oh yeah, it is Puppet Hour. Sorry for the post of substance earlier.
ReplyDeleteDeath to puppets.
Speaking of numbering, from a previous thread, I brought up a question about the big sign that Tulsa used when their offense was on the field. Auburn's not using that, right?
ReplyDeleteGuys, that sign is not the play. It is the cost of regular at the RaceTrac at Exit 51.
ReplyDeleteI think Auburn is using the big sign, tommyd.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I shot a picture of it somewhere ...
Freep: Can't tell if this team is going to be good. I can't tell if Gulley is a real talent. Same for Stallworth, Evans, Gaston, Daren Bates, Demond Washington, etc.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could assess those guys myself.
missinit - It's just below the first post from Sunday on the main HABOTN page. You can also see if this works:
ReplyDeleteVideo Vault
Wow, cause there were some Hotties that went to the GMAC Bowl last year and could predict the offenses play by the sign. And if fans can figure it out, DC's I'm sure would figure it out. I guess the speed thing is going to make it irrelevant whether the defense knows the play or not
ReplyDeleteThankfully I don't think we will be holding up the sign we apparently held up on a frequent basis last year ....
ReplyDelete"Ziemba, jump offside!"
I hope we've lost the "Chris Todd, make your arm fall off!" sign, or the "Mario, put the ball on the ground!" sign.
ReplyDeleteThanks JGT.
ReplyDeleteI am taking the approach that this is like 1981 all over again. We know we were bad the year before, and we have serious talent/experience deficiencies, but our new staff is laboring mightily to instill a completely different attitude from the previous regime.
In that light, I'd be willing to accept 1981-like results on the scoreboard, if that same feeling of the start of something special we felt at season's end is there like it was back then.
Like a charm ScottChoc, thanks bunches!
ReplyDeleteYou techno savy guys are 'da bomb'...I'm doing all I can just to type correctly!
PAROLED!!!
ReplyDelete"Chizik is as guarded and focus as ever these days."
ReplyDeleteI assume the Chiz will be all over JGT for this typo. This kind of transgression is up there with misaligned chin straps. $50 the media boy blows chunks during his up/downs.
We really need to impress some people this season. This recruiting class isn't looking as good as we have had in the past, even last year and the year before. The difference maker could be if we can get a couple of these high profile tailbacks to sign early. We need something to spur some big uglies to sign.
ReplyDeleteIf we can't impress them with the obvious chance of early playing time (as did UA-T 2 yrs ago) we're in deep cole slaw.
ReplyDeleteAre we talking vinegar based cole slaw or more mayonnaise heavy?
ReplyDeleteI think it would be easier to climb out of maynnaise heavy cole slaw. That way it kind of chunks together would make it easier to get out of it.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of teams out there that can offer playing time. Auburn has the issue with not being the "state" school. We have to show progress from last season, which shouldn't be hard. I predict a large reduction in the number of meerkats spotted on Pat Dye Field.
ReplyDeletevinegar based - I'd be out of that in a flash
ReplyDeletemayo based - I might just sit around and enjoy myself for a while
I think the whole vinegar vs mayo debate was what undermined the BC coaching situation
ReplyDeleteJ-Z, I didn't mean to ignore you earlier. My wife said that we needed to go to Wally World and Lowe's. That does not mean later, tomorrow or next week. That means now. "I have an itch to spend money and the only way I can scratch it is to buy something". $200.00 later, I am back home. Congratulations missinit. Wow another Tiger cub,the Auburn family is ever increasing. J-Z, you give me far too much blame, I mean credit for helping you to attain your present status in life. By the way, when do you get off of parole?
ReplyDeleteJ-Z, I am not as concerned about the Lions as I am about our Auburn Tigers. The Lions will have over 150 players this year, our Tigers 76 scholly players to date. Gotta be more concerned about the Tigers.
ReplyDeleteI didn't mean to kill the thread. Sorry 'bout that.
ReplyDeleteI think Jay is on to something with why the offense is winning the scrimmages. The defense has to be practicing a lot of second stringers.
ReplyDeleteThis team could end up being very good, but we won't have a clue until the first game.
Freepazoid ...
ReplyDeleteI agree with you ... in times like these, I turn to the Good Book, where in Ecclesiastes 1:9, the Preacher says that "there is nothing new under the sun."
I see this season to be like 1981, perhaps a tad more successful in record.
I hope to see a well prepared team this season, and that is really what you saw in 1981. The losses last season didn't bother me as much as how we played.
ReplyDeleteI like cole slaw. I like tater salad. And I like sliced maters with Duke's mayonnaise on top.
ReplyDeleteAnd fried okra, too. But it doesn't require mayonnaise.
I use vinegar and mayo. I can't stand sweet cole slaw.
ReplyDeleteNo mayo for me. vinegar based is good, especially when added onto a hot dog.
ReplyDeleteJay is correct in his assessment of the team. We are getting ahead of ourselves since we, nor anyone else, has seen them practice. I am just optimistic that we will be better than last year. We can't be wor... never mind. I said that last year and it we were worse.
ReplyDeletestill sticking with 8-9 wins if things go our way. 6 if they do not.
I cant wait to see all our helmets lined up at the first game!
ReplyDeleteArrggghhh - Finebaum is now on both FM and AM sports radio in B'ham every day from 2:00 - 6:00 live and then replayed for an hour or so after that. Time to load some more songs on the Ipod!
ReplyDeleteFYI: If you live in Montgomery, all the Auburn shows (ie Auburn Football Review) are moving to Fox this year.
ReplyDeleteNo more WSFA.
wtc, I am with you on the couldn't get worse thing. I thought our offense had become so terribly predictable in 2007 that it had to get better in 2008. My mistake.
ReplyDeleteJay,
ReplyDeleteIf you have a moment (and forgive me I dont remember when you started the AU beat) but could you compare the 1999, 2004, and 2009 teams from your viewpoint prior to the start of each of the seasons mentioned.
Hi guys/gals. Spongy checkin in. Any news on just what Pybus' injury is? I am really really getting worried about the D. I don't think we can consistantly win playing a nickel defense 100% of the time. We have absolutely NO leeway regarding injuries. One key injury, we are toast. Can't believe we are so short of talent. Here's hoping for the best.
ReplyDeleteSteve & wtc... i really hope you two didnt just ruin the 09 season by uttering the phrase that must not be spoken. Now someone's got to make a sacrifice to negate the curse of Murphy's Law.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone see where Victor Beasly, LB recruit that chose Clemson and son of former AU player, said that Ladarius Owens "tried" to commit to Alabama? That would be a blow if that happens. I understand that Chizik told Rocker, who is recruiting Owens, to make him his Number 1 priority.
ReplyDelete1999: Thought they would suck. Leard was awesome (when he wasn't hurt) and made them better than I expected. I thought that would be a 3- or 4-win season.
ReplyDelete2003: I was all over that drop-off. I said on the radio, prior to the game at USC, that players seemed to be taking their improvement for granted. Mark Murphy of ITAT told people on his board to "consider the source" after they raised concerns over what I had said. Mark said Auburn would be really good. Oops.
2004: Knew they'd be awesome.
2009: I figure 6-6 or 7-5.
If Auburn's second- and third-team defense didn't seem so weak, I'd have higher expectations.
ReplyDeleteScottatl,
ReplyDeleteI know you didn't ask me, but I think this team could be a lot like the 2000 team with the Tate/McCaleb combo playing the role of Rudi Johnson.
Chris Todd if his arm is healthy will probably be a lot like Ben Leard in his senior season where you just ask him not to lose the game and let the running game control the clock.
Just my thoughts.
War, I think we will be pleasantly suprised by the offense, dissapointed w/ the d.
ReplyDeleteBen Leard of 1999, when he wasn't out of the game with a concussion, was an outstanding quarterback.
ReplyDeleteHe doesn't get enough credit.
Jay. You remember Leard the year or two before that season. He was awful. Looked like he was running in wet cement. Then I found out he had a disc problem in his back that he played with all season. Kinda like Todd's arm, huh.
ReplyDeleteLeard in '98 was basically unplayable. He made a ton of improvement between November 98 and Sept. 1999.
ReplyDeleteSpong I heard the Owens rumor. I think Beasley is wrong on that. I think Owens is ours and has been for a while.
ReplyDeleteJay did Kodi chose to play this wildcat/WR position because he was out of hte running for the #2 spot as well?
ReplyDeleteGood read JGT. My biggest shock was the 72 now 75 scholarships at Auburn. I knew we had attrition but had no idea things were that bad. I would love to see Kodi win the wildcat position but I think Fanin would be better.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty sure Kodi wasn't in the top 3 of QBs. He just hasn't shown QB abilities. He has a strong arm, but I am sure you can find dozens of players on the team where that is true.
ReplyDeleteI feel good about what they are doing with Kodi. It would be a shame to waste his talent. I doubt he could ever shine as a QB, but he could shine in special roles.
JGT:
ReplyDeleteYou're about where I am regarding our current condition. Unfortunately I think the weakness of the 2nd team defense will end up costing us a game or two along the way.
Bro Jet:
Somehow I always pegged you as an Ecclesiates Man, like myself. And it gives me a perfect excuse to quote Chapter 9, verse 11, my favorite scripture in the entire Good Book, which is entirely appropriate to discussions of AU Football circa The Year of Our Lord 2009:
"I returned, and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all."
Boy, I wished the first game would hurry up and get here in order to stop all this evaluating and speculating. We are going to be who we are, God love them. I am just ready to celebrate a win. Hate UAT
ReplyDeleteBigCat: Not sure. Burns doesn't seem like the kind of player who would be OK with being the No. 2 guy. He wants to play. He's playing.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Burns may have found his niche. This could be the best thing that's happened to him in the last 3 years.
ReplyDeleteSponge...
ReplyDeleteHow do you "try" to commit to a school?
Does that indicate that Alabama didn't accept his commitment?
I would say we were going to be okay depth wise if it weren't for the linebackers. The problem is, the linebackers are the key to any good defense.
ReplyDeleteIV - I am so glad that you are setting such a fine example. I was concerned that perhaps my hate for UA-T might wane with age. But you leadeth me on the path of hateousness!
ReplyDeleteHATE UA-T!!!
FSJ, I was wondering about that. Maybe he has a stuttering problem or something,
ReplyDeleteSIAP:
ReplyDeleteReality show coming to Auburn?
FSJ - that is indeed a very good question. If he can't even figure out the nuances of a successful commit, how on earth will he be able to play any D?
ReplyDeleteJust kidding, of course. I'm betting the story is a bunch of poo.
Sorry..forgot the link..
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.al.com/goldmine/2009/08/reality_tv_coming_to_auburn_fo.html
reality show? please, PLEASE no no NO!
ReplyDeleteI have read rumors that Owens would go to Bama, but I am not much into rumors.
ReplyDeleteI liked Rumours pretty much.
ReplyDeletebtw, just finished up tomorrow's Kickoff Kountdown tidbit. We have a dead heat! Plus several in the money.
ReplyDeleteTHT..
ReplyDeleteAre you going to name the 12th day to kickoff Brodie Croyle day?
He had a whale of a day in the 2005 Iron Bowl....
Brodie was totally screwed in that Iron Bowl. There really wasn't much he could do. Stop, drop, and fetal position was the norm for the day. I can't remember a Bama OL having such a bad day.
ReplyDeleteGreat, so we don't let pesky reporters into practice, but we'll put it all out there on TV?
ReplyDeleteI assume by reading Goldberg's snarky caption that he's not particularly impressed with the medium. . .
Sorry about the poor link...
ReplyDeleteI hate having to type out that long string of characters.
Freep.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious to see JGT's take on the reality show.
If I were a reporter I would think that it was ridiculous.
As a "fan" of football, I think it is a pretty good idea....UNLESS the season is a total bust.
FSJ - I hadn't really thought along those lines, but you may have a valid point.
ReplyDeleteUAT I hate you more than yesterday, but only half as much as tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe anything Goldberg says. "is coming to a TV near you."
ReplyDeleteHA! CSS isn't on any TV near me.
I am wondering how long it will be before college teams have advertisements on the back of uniforms. I can see it now: "Ben Tate: Sponsored by Chico's Bail Bonds". College football is sure changing.
ReplyDeleteFWIW-I think I read a story somewhere (rivals or scout0 that stated when Owens visited UAT the first time he wanted to commit but was told by either his dad or uncle to hold off since he had not visited many schools.
ReplyDeleteBryan Matthews seems to think it is only a matter of when Owens commits to AU.
The competition between McCalebb and Smith for the backup tailback roll is going to be interesting. They are the same height, but that is where the similarities end. Smith has nearly 70 pounds on him. My bet is that if we need an every down back, it will be Smith.
ReplyDeleteMy guess for tommorrow's honoree would be Danny Arnold.
ReplyDeleteDanny was 18 when he graduated from Berry High School in Birmingham and accepted his scholarship offer to be an Auburn Tiger.
Am I right, THT?
AUbie - sorry to disappoint, but he didn't quite make the list this time. I think he's used up his eligibility. You should have asked for a redshirt on day 20.
ReplyDeleteWe just picked up a commit from a sleeper DE, justin delaine, 6'5 215lbs...Insiders say this kids is the real deal.
ReplyDeleteI read where Taylor is thinking 14 of the 21 qualifiers for this year will play. When is the last time that has happened?
ReplyDeleteFSJ:
ReplyDeleteActually, for the casual viewer, I would imagine the season being a total bust would make for a much more compelling storyline.
Can you imagine what the ratings would have been for "AU Football Every Day - 2008"?
Or better still: "Alabama Football Every Day - 2000"??
I know I would have really enjoyed watching that one. . .
Steve FC, if money can be made from advertising on a jersey and the NCAA and the SEC get their cut, it may not be as far fetched as it first sounds. You are right, these tired old eyes sure have seen alot of change in college football over the years.
ReplyDeleteThey already have the nike swoosh.
ReplyDeleteNot on Auburn's Jersey. They have Under Armour. The Evil Empire has Nike.
ReplyDeleteRussell Athletics would work well for me, thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteFor those of you around Bham...
ReplyDeleteLarry Langford is toast.
Looks like William Blount is going to roll over on him.
THT,
ReplyDeleteDarn, I knew I should have asked for a Danny Arnold redshirt.
FYI, to explain the Danny Arnold stuff.
His best friend in high school was my next door neighbor. I was just a kid, but he would come over and play football in the front yard with us.
In those days, the kids could jump the fence at Cliff Hare and run on the field as the game clock hit zero. The players would give the kids their chin straps and sweat bands.
Danny would always find me and give me his sweat bands and chin strap. I played little league football and had dozens of Auburn chin straps.
He also got me one of his jerseys one year (number 20, pre-Cribbs). Mom cleaned out my room when I went off to college and that went to goodwill. ARRGH.
Jay-Maybe I missed it, but did you post things you thought you would have learned by now? If so, hit me with the post time and i will look for it.
ReplyDeleteI read where Taylor is thinking 14 of the 21 qualifiers for this year will play. When is the last time that has happened?
ReplyDeletewtc ... last year at Iowa St maybe?
Ok Im starting to get a little frightened here.
Bigcat-They won't all start but look for:
ReplyDeleteFreeman, Fairly, Washington, Bates, Benton, Blake, Gulley, McCalleb, Stallworth, Eguea, Ayecock, Lutzenkirchen, Evans, Gaston
to play early and often.
Delaine could be a sign and place. Someone explain that to me please.
ReplyDeleteOk my one and only beef with this new staff (at this point anyway) is the way the LB position is being (mis)handled. We knew 6 months ago that Dee Ford would need to get a look at LB but he's just now practicing there. It seems we only plan to take 4 LBs in 2010. You'd think we'd take more. Doesnt it seem like we should have at least 6 in this class?
ReplyDeleteFrom what I have heard on the Owens rumor... lil nicky was pressing him for a commit and Owens wouldn't give it to him. Saban then turned around and told Vic Beasley and CJ Mosely that he had turned down Owens in order to hold a spot for them.
ReplyDeletethin is not the word for LB position. Other than Bynes, Evans, Freeman, Gaston, who are the others?
ReplyDeletewtc do you think Gaston and Evans will be ready? I liked Gaston more when we were recruiting him and his stats were 6-4 220. Now he's 6-1 219
ReplyDeleteGiven the 28 signee limit and the fact that we'll need every one of the 25 limit next year, I can't see signing anyone we know is a sign and place.
ReplyDeleteBigcat- I actually think they all play this year. AU just needs some guys to fill in to give the others some rest.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like lil nicky.
ReplyDeleteWe're just 1 week into Fall camp... Ford got a shot at DE, his natural position, now is being moved to LB for depth purposes. I don't see how that is being mishandled.
ReplyDeleteOn the recruiting question... You don't want to overload in 1 class. It is ideal that you space them out from year to year. Everyone one of our current LB's will be back next year, and then we bring in 4-5 who could all conceivably play early, then take another 3 or so in the next class. If you take 6 LB's in this class, along with having all returning starters... you'd see some guys leave the program, transfer, whatever. It wouldn't be the best situation.
Agreed Nova... that would be pretty crazy of us if we did that
ReplyDeleteOnly way I can see a sign and place at this juncture, is if the guy oozes natural talent, but has only played football for 1 year, so very very raw... Then take the chance that his upside develops and you then have the inside track....
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, I don't think we can afford a sign and place in our current situation...
I thought so also, but Rivals says he may be a sign and place.
ReplyDeleteD Miller ...Ford was cleared late June and was on campus like the following week. There was no way he would have gotten a shot at DE this year because of his size. Why wait til 3 weeks out before trying him at LB? We knew this was the most likely senario when he signed in Feb.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't we have campfires anymore? What happened to us, Jay G? Are we not attractive anymore?
ReplyDeleteThey were hoping to redshirt Ford. (coaches cannot be present at practice in June... therefor he started out at DE in summer workouts).
ReplyDeleteThey hoped to redshirt him, but recent injuries to Pybus, Herring, and Gaston have forced their hands.
Delaine seems to have good stats on paper. He is 6'5", 210 lbs and runs a 4.5 second 40 yard dash. Reports to have had 60 tackles and 12 sacks last season.
ReplyDeleteBy the way does anyone know how all of these LBs are getting hurt? Is it in practice or working out? It seems several were hurt before the very first practice.
ReplyDeleteA sign and place does sound odd considering our current situation.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any inside info on the LB injuries, but common sense tells me that the coaches are playing the 2nd team much more trying to find out who can play. This also reduces injuries to the starters. This may also explain why the offense looks so good.
ReplyDeleteMy question would be how bad are the injuries and when will each of them be back.
WR Philip Pierre-Louis officially back on Auburn roster, Auburn spokesman confirms.
ReplyDeleteI seem to recall that if we sign any JUCO guys, those will count towards the 2009 class (25 limit) and shouldn't count against the 28 signings allowed for 2010. We need JUCO players to fill the roster and so far not too many are interested.
ReplyDeleteHas PPL been practicing, but not on the roster? If he is just now getting on the field, he will be pretty far behind.
ReplyDeletePPL hasn't been at school. He had "personal" issues to take care of. He reported today.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that PPL was sent home because of cutting up in class. He has not bee practicing with the team and I dont even know if he is fully recovered from his knee injury. Remember he was still bother by it during the spring.
ReplyDeleteHoopie I thought the 28 limit included those that would count back to the previous class. We can only take 25 per class so theoretically we could sign 25 for 2010 and 3 for 2009 right?
The 28 should be only applicable to the 25 limit. Any JUCOs signed against 2009 shouldn't count.
ReplyDeleteBut it isn't likely we end up with 25 on campus next season either. So many of these players are on the bubble, it is difficult.
What really hurt wasn't the attrition of this class but more what positions the ones that showed up play. We should have signed at least a couple of more OL during this last class, but the coaches had to get what they could get.
D2 schools have a scholarship limit of 65, so we should be able to get by with 76. We just need the right pegs for the right holes.
NFL teams carry a 53 man roster...just sayin...
ReplyDeleteIt's not that we have 76, it's that everyone we're playing has more which equals more depth.
ReplyDeleteBut it would be nice to bring in as close to the 28 as we can...if not get the full boat.
ReplyDeleteyep, I'd feel much better about our chances if all our opponents had 65 scholly players
ReplyDeleteThe number of scholly players is not the problem but the quality of the scholly players we have. As Jay mentioned on another post, you don't play that many (compared tot the 85 limit) but our quality drops off big time after the first 22.
ReplyDeleteAU is has one JUCO DE for next year and is looking to add another (ken Adams a former AU commit) and a few 2010 recruits.
ReplyDeleteAU is still not looking at too many OL prospects. It seems they are trying to load up on defense and skill positions on offense for now. They must be thinking the OL will mature with what they have and the new kids will step up.
ReplyDeleteA brief announcement for the Hotties out there...
ReplyDeleteAs the much anticipated College Football season approaches, we all have our own thoughts about how the season will go for our team, and others. During the season, we love to toss around our predictions and make picks on the weeks big games. This season, make your picks mean something.
How you ask? Enter the HABOTN Pickers!
Go to Yahoo! Fantasy Sports and enter our College Football Pick'Em contest.
Group ID# 9404
Password: wareagle
I hope this year the recruits can get in. AU doesn't need another 21 out of 28 qualifiers, EVER.
ReplyDeleteJay G mentioned Ben Leard of 1999 was an outstanding QB, and he is right.
ReplyDeleteLeard didn't throw an int until his last pass of the Iron Bowl. I think his TD:INT ratio was 12:1Gross and Klein not so much.
Leard was named All SEC QB by the coaches his senior year, but didn't quite put up the same numbers, but did get us to Atlanta.
D. Miller,
ReplyDeleteI'm signed up and ready to go.
From Michael to Jay G.
ReplyDeleteDMiller...Is this going to be straight up or ATS?
ReplyDeleteI have posted the group info to the Facebook group as well...
ReplyDeletePlease include your HABOTN ID in your pickset entry name.
Maybe we can solicit prizes for the winner like we offered for the Bracket Challenge.
Good luck, and Happy Picking!!
Spread the word!
Dusty - I signed up.
ReplyDeleteI was debating on that.... Once we start filling up, I'll take a straw poll.
ReplyDeleteI will donate one free hour of counseling. :-)
ReplyDeleteI vote for ATS.
ReplyDeleteI'll donate a pine cone.
Monica, what form might that counseling take?
If you mean how will it be delivered here are the options:
ReplyDelete1. Telephone
2. Instant message
3. Face to Face in WV
4. Face to Face in AL
If that pine cones doesn't draw the contestants I don't know what will!!
ReplyDeleteI can offer armadillo removal for a prize.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, I think ours is gone!
new thread
ReplyDeleteMonica as psychoanalyst:
ReplyDelete"I have diagnosed you, Jet. You are, what we call in the psychological community, a blooming idiot. Not a blooming onion. That would be useful. No, you are a blooming idiot. You are of no use to anyone. In fact you are so useless that I refuse to analyze you further. There is no help for you, nor a way for me to recapture the 55 minutes I've lost that led me to this obvious conclusion that I reached 30 seconds into this session."
I am in. Love me some competition.
ReplyDelete