montgomeryadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:
11.19.2009

Rivals.com expert impressed with Auburn

Hey everyone. I'm working on a story about how Gene Chizik has changed Auburn during his 11 months on the job. I talked to several people today about that topic and I'm intrigued with some of the stuff I've learned.

It's one thing to be embedded like me. People who stand on the periphery see things from a different perspective. They bring up stuff I hadn't considered or re-affirm some things I think I know.

If that makes sense.

One of today's interviews was with Barton Simmons of Rivals.com, who focuses on recruiting throughout the Southeast and Texas.

Here's what he had to say about Auburn:
Q: What has been your impression of how Gene Chizik has changed Auburn's image in the recruiting world?
A: The way they've gone about it all -- they're clearly going after elite players in their region. They have the best of the best in their sights. Some people might say they're shooting for the stars, but I think it's going to pay off. It's already paying off. They're in the mix for a different level of recruit now. They're going after better guys and getting better guys.

Q: Like Michael Dyer?
A: Exactly. You didn't see Tuberville going after a guy like that unless he was in-state. Chizik and those guys went to Arkansas and got the best player in Arkansas. Same for Trovon Reed. They went to Louisiana and got the best player in Louisiana. People just don't do that with LSU down there.

Q: Simply getting Dyer and Trovon Reed committed ... is that a victory in an of itself?
A: Absolutely. I continue to hear kids say they're interested in Auburn. They've gotten themselves out there among these kids. They know about Auburn, what's happening at Auburn, who's going to Auburn. Guys like Dyer and Reed, it's like dominoes. Word gets around. Good players want to play with good players and that's what Chizik has done. He's created a reputation.

Q: Where does Auburn go from here?
A: There's still a lot of room and time for Auburn to get in with some big recruits. They're on several right now. This group is one to watch. Chizik has made recruiting an emphasis. They all work hard at it -- and that includes Chizik. They all work together to sell that idea of family. I've talked to kids who say they really liked talking to Chizik, said he relates really well with them. They're good at building relationships.

Q: What is your general thought of Auburn right now?
A: They have a sexy offense. Kids really respond to it. The defense -- recruits knows there is a chance to play right now. Auburn could be a sleeping giant. They're only two years out from being a challenger. If they keep recruiting like this, I'd say they're only a few years away from challenging again. It's a program that has really changed how people see them. They're a threat to some programs that probably didn't worry about Auburn before.

502 Comments:

«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 502 of 502
Blogger Unknown said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

6:54 PM  
Blogger Peter Frankenschmidt said...

it smells like FLIP? not exactly what I'd want to smell around dinner time, but whatever. I prefer a steaming hot plate of HATE!

6:57 PM  
Blogger Fearless Freep said...

Well if you FLIP "HATE" you get "ETAH", which is an anagram for

EAT

THIS

ALABAMMER

HALFWITS!

7:04 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

How many LSU coaches does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

7:07 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

Seriously, The Hat. That is just incredible.

Not saying he gets the TD; but, you have to know you can't spike it.

Run any play. Any play.

Ole Miss is whipped.

RTR.

7:09 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

Steve.

One with an empty hat.

Unreal.

How do you not have a plan to shut down McCluster with the LSU D.

CTT would do a better job down there than the HAT has lately.

7:10 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Things on my mind.

H -- for the hot bowl of chili I just inhaled.

Ha -- for the chuckle I had when UCOnn scored.

Hat -- for the Forrest Gump who coaches LSU.

Hate -- because I hate UAT.

7:11 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

What would a drunken Joe Namath say to Shelley Smith?

7:12 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

None. The LSU coaching staff has been in the dark so long that they cannot locate the light or a lightbulb.

7:12 PM  
Blogger FSJ said...

Is that the person Mangino was just talking to?

If so..I feared for her life.

7:14 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Got to watch Vandy vs UT. Any time Vandy upsets them, I kind of get this warm toasty feeling inside and Kiffikin sings Rocky Top all night long.

7:18 PM  
Blogger Peter Frankenschmidt said...

Mark,

Go to heck.

7:21 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

SIAP ...

AU defeats IUPUI, 80-65.

7:24 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Anyone watching the KY/GA game? How many times have they mentioned Auburn in this first quarter? They talked about how that game against Auburn turned Kentucky around as well as the game vs Georgia. I'm so glad Auburn could help Kentucky and Georgia out. Maybe we can turn AL's season around too, and change that undefeated season they have going!!!

7:29 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

So how bad does MS beating LSU hurt us in the bowl pecking order? I thought we were maybe ahead of them if they lost, now definitely behind them.

7:34 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

I'm watching Kathy, and getting tired of hearing about it.

7:35 PM  
Blogger cincytiger said...

Good evening, Hotties. I have finally come up for air after moving my sister and getting her unpacked and settled. I am ready for everyone to stay put for awhile!

What have I missed since Thursday? I haven't had internet or TV. I did listed to Auburn's BB game on the way home tonight.

Catch me up :)

7:39 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

In a battle of wits, Les Miles and Houston Nutt showed up unarmed.

7:40 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

I don't hate the people that are associated with the University of AL. I don't hate the coaches or players or students or alums.

I just hate uat. I hate bammer. I hate their traditions, their fake NCs, their colors, their songs, their obnoxious cheers, their sense of entitlement, their sidewalk fans who've never been to tuscaloosa. I hate everything about them.

Just want to make it clear what I mean for the next few days when I say that I hate them.

7:41 PM  
Blogger cincytiger said...

I heard about LSU - my sister called just incredulous about how awful Les' last minute was played. What did Nutt do?

7:42 PM  
Blogger FSJ said...

cincy,

He started chasing points in the first half by going for two and it almost cost him the game.

7:44 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

I liked the way the Stanford coach went for 2 against USC to try to get to 50 points.

I wonder if Chizik has enough hate to do that? I would.

It pains me that the only time in my life that we've ever had a chance to do such a thing was when Connie Fredrick ran a fake punt about 80 yds for a td with AU up 42-20 late in the game in 1969.

He did it on his own; his teammates on the field didn't even know he was gonna do it.

He will always be one of my AU football heroes.

7:48 PM  
Blogger Peter Frankenschmidt said...

I want to make it clear that I am okay with hating individuals that are somehow related to, or a fan of UA-T. I would hate Mother Theresa if she had shown up in a Bama hat.

7:49 PM  
Blogger Peter Frankenschmidt said...

Is that clear, FSJ and Mark. I hate you. Personally....

7:55 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Crystal.

7:58 PM  
Blogger BigEZ said...

I am the only Auburn fan that is just sick of tired of being mediocre at every major sport collegiately. Sometimes I just don't see the same frustration that I have, that and maybe it's just me. Maybe I shouldn't care so much. No way AU shouldn't be able to hang in the top 25 regular in football and Boise, BYU and these other teams can. Sorry, just blowin off steam on an off weekend. 2004 don't count.

7:59 PM  
Blogger FSJ said...

I love being hated...

8:00 PM  
Blogger Peter Frankenschmidt said...

BigEZ, are you saying Swimming and Diving is not a major sport?


Yeah, I want Baseball to be really good. I'd like basketball to not suck. I'd love for the football team to be 12-0, but I know that won't happen until next year.

8:02 PM  
Blogger Peter Frankenschmidt said...

Shut up bammer, nobody asked how you feel.

8:02 PM  
Blogger BigEZ said...

Kathy, I'm not being negative and I hope and pray that we hang with Bama but people that know football know how good they are and where our holes are. Ingram wins the Heisman against us I'm afraid. If Mcluster had 200 he'll have that unless we can sign about five LB's and a couple of Dlinemen who can penetrate and tackle. God!!! I can't wait to be good again.

8:04 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

EZ ...

I'll say this ... we're taking the right steps.

1. We made the football staff change.
2. We've built the arena, and Lebo's on the clock.
3. We got rid of Slater.

Now, we've got to see if the changes we've made are the right ones. I think they are.

By the way, ElTurbo and I are supporting new VCU coach Shaka Smart as the next basketball coach.

I can hear it now.

Shaka can! Shaka can! Shaka can!

8:06 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

I wasn't aware that Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley were roommates and fishing buddies. Had any of you heard this before?

8:07 PM  
Blogger FSJ said...

No Jet..I haven't heard that. In a related note did you realize that Tebow does mission work?

8:07 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

On an unrelated note ...

Total props to NBC's Tom Hammond and Pat Haden for their balanced, honest coverage of Notre Dame football.

Either they are top flight, or Notre Dame told NBC to stick the knife in Charlie.

8:09 PM  
Blogger AU MikeyC said...

I feel your pain BigEZ I thought that after the 04 season we were heading in that direction but i guess duck hunting was more important

8:11 PM  
Blogger Peter Frankenschmidt said...

By mission work, you mean he hates on Catholics in foreign countries and cuts of the tips of unsuspecting children's private parts.


Jet,

You're being sarcastic.

8:11 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Maybe Notre Dame can call in Tebow to cut off the useless piece of flesh from its football program.

8:12 PM  
Blogger FSJ said...

I agree Jet..The NBC guys said it was over for Weiss in the post game commentary.

8:14 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Who is more fired, Charlie Weis or Rich Rodriquez?

8:24 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Weis.

8:24 PM  
Blogger Peter Frankenschmidt said...

Weis is more fired. Michigan's not hiding the airplane, and Rich Rod isn't making comments about his future being "undecided".

8:25 PM  
Blogger Miller said...

I do not understand how someone coaching at the D1 level (let alone in the SEC) can be so bad with clock management!

Every LSwho fan I know wants to get rid of their Hat.

8:25 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Yea, I would go with Weis too, but Rich Rod has made a strong push. Michigan wasn't bad before he got there. ND wasn't so hot when Weis got there.

8:26 PM  
Blogger FSJ said...

Weis...but Rich Rod won't be far behind.

8:27 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

As for Miles at LSU, I would have fired him years ago for stupidity above and beyond the call of duty, even when they were winning. He got very lucky at times and without luck would have been fired a long time ago.

8:28 PM  
Blogger FSJ said...

D.Miller...if you'll remember Les burned all his TO's in the Bama game by the end of the third quarter...

He's horrible with clock management.

He really bailed Nutt out today, IMO.

8:28 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Is there a more poorly prepared team in the SEC West than LSU? Sure, they are better than MSU, but not better prepared.

8:31 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Congrats to Eddie for kicking the crap out of me at pickem this week.

8:32 PM  
Blogger Peter Frankenschmidt said...

they're record says they're better than anyone but Florida, Bama, and Ole Miss.

8:32 PM  
Blogger Miller said...

Yes, FSJ... I was screaming at the stupidity of his clock management in that game as well...

8:32 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

The Hat's (or Crowton's) play calling was just as bad ... or maybe worse. With 40 seconds or so and two timeouts at the 32, RUN THE BALL!

You have a kicker who has already made a 50 yard FG in the game.

Instead, you place the game in Jordan Jefferson's hands. He gets sacked, then the next play is a disaster as well.

Either way, there was no time to do anything at the end. I've never seen a team get a snap off with one second to go with clock starting on the ready for play.

It wasn't lost then. It was lost before that. Bad play calling. Bad clock management.

The Hat has dodged a lot of bullets, but a lot of the Kevlar that Saban recruited is gone.

8:33 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

By the way, when LSU was going for two at the one yard line, I considered that fade an idiotic call. Either you man up and run the ball or you do a play action rollout where the QB has the option to run.

8:34 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Steve, I agree on that as well. You've got to put Jefferson on the move to let him run or pass ... instead of the sling it in the corner and hope for the best.

8:36 PM  
Blogger Miller said...

Tracy Wolfson (yes, by the way!)... Tracy looked in awe of Les' stupidity in her postgame interview....

8:36 PM  
Blogger Miller said...

Jet, and Steve... I agree on both counts...

If you can't get 1 yard when you need it... then you don't deserve to win. I would have ran a playaction, rolled the pocket and released the TE in the flat on the 2-pt conversion...

Play calling and clock management in the final minute was mindnumbingly stupid.

8:39 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

The other thing was LSUs total inability to handle the blitz. Ole Miss wasn't bothering to disguise anything. You have to practice for that and be able to burn a defense when it happens. Screens or slants can kill them. LSU didn't seem to know what to do.

8:43 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Nice hot-dog move, Randall Cobb.

8:48 PM  
Blogger Norm said...

Though I'll be working from home next week and would miss the reaction, I'd so love for UK to pull off the upset tonight.

9:22 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Norm ...

that would be nice.

9:23 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Gettin' fun between the hedges.

9:40 PM  
Blogger Norm said...

Heck, I may just go into the office after all.

9:40 PM  
Blogger Norm said...

OH

9:47 PM  
Blogger Norm said...

MY

9:47 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Here come da Cats!

9:47 PM  
Blogger Norm said...

GOODNESS!

9:47 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

O
M
G

SNORT!

9:47 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Hey, Mark Jones ...

When the guy with the striped shirt runs in with his hands in the air ... it's a touchdown.

9:49 PM  
Blogger Miller said...

I'm not sure yet if a UGA loss tonight would make me feel better about the loss to UK and UGA... or just make me more mad about them...

9:50 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Randall "Tex" Cobb was rather humorous in "Raising Arizona."

9:58 PM  
Blogger Norm said...

Hmm...

10:07 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Amazing.

10:11 PM  
Blogger Norm said...

SNORT!

10:11 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Completely, utterly amazing.

10:11 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

They are bailing on the Dogs.

10:13 PM  
Blogger michael said...

why couldn't Georgia screw up against us like they do against everyone else?

10:13 PM  
Blogger michael said...

My wife just walked in getting mad at me because she thought i had a heart attack i gasped so hard at teh toss.

10:14 PM  
Blogger Norm said...

But was she excited about the prospect of the heart attack?

10:14 PM  
Blogger AUfan said...

I suspect there will be several pink slips handed out in Athens when the Dawgs season ends.

GT will lay the lumber to them, yes?

10:16 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

SNORT.

10:19 PM  
Blogger Norm said...

Unbeeleebable

10:19 PM  
Blogger michael said...

I don't think so Norm. But you never really know the heart of a woman.

10:19 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Paul Johnson will take great pleasure in scoring 50 on Georgia.

10:20 PM  
Blogger michael said...

on the last interception, I just said "ohhh ho ho", so don't you guys worry about my wife thinking i had a heart attack again.

But on that earlier toss/handoff thing, all I could do was gasp loudly. I can't imagine being a fan of Georgia right now. This is even worse than our UK loss.

10:21 PM  
Blogger Norm said...

That is one seriously large fan.

10:23 PM  
Blogger Norm said...

G'night peeps.

10:30 PM  
Blogger ehyou said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

11:03 PM  
Blogger IV said...

Now I am really mad. We should have beaten both Ky. and UGA and been 9 and 2 at least going into the IB. I blame UAT for that happening. I hate UAT and all who are associated with it except Abbie and right now she does not have a choice. She will make an excellent Auburn homecoming queen some day.

11:04 PM  
Blogger ehyou said...

What a great day of football. I would like to offer:

Les Miles
UGA
Notre Dame

a hearty Nelson Muntz "Ha-Ha!"

11:05 PM  
Blogger IV said...

Good night all Auburn Tigers.

11:05 PM  
Blogger michael said...

There is something relaxing about a weekend where you don't have a dog in any of the fights. It is fun to just play Nelson for the day.

11:35 PM  
Blogger E-Bro said...

michael...word.

A UT buddy of mine had an extra, free ticket to Tennessee-Vandy tonight, so I thought why not? I can dig watching some live SEC football without worrying about anything.

Nice change of pace, but it's Bama week now. Time to get my hate on.

12:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Miles is so busted...

Slingblade Miles

12:22 AM  
Blogger E-Bro said...

It was just a matter of time before time ran out on Miles and his unfathomably lucky decisions (or lack of decisions maybe).

Too bad it didn't happen in 2007 when we played them.

12:28 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

That Miles decision against us in 2007 was worth firing him over if I were an LSU fan. Sure, it worked, but only due to dumb luck. It was an idiotic play.

1:43 AM  
Blogger Peter Frankenschmidt said...

Oh, wow. 4 UGA turnovers inside their own 20 leading to touchdowns? I went to bed early because the game was boring me.

They seriously played their most disciplined game of the season vs Auburn.

We are officially in IB week. Keep Hate Alive.

6:12 AM  
Blogger Jet said...

A well-turned phrase from Jeff Schultz of the AJC ...

"They got bruised in Stillwater, blindsided in Knoxville and humbled in Jacksonville. Also, their dog died. Nobody intended for Georgia’s season to unfold like a country-western song. It just sort of turned out that way."

6:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wonder how the following people slept last night:

Les Miles
Mark Richt
Rich Rod
Charlie Weis

May hate be with you all.

9:05 AM  
Blogger FSJ said...

Let me put the right avatar in there....

9:06 AM  
Blogger FSJ said...

I hear the Mobile paper had a story this morning about the 1989 game.

I've got news for them.....Bill Curry ain't walking through that door....And neither is Pat Dye..

9:09 AM  
Blogger Peter Frankenschmidt said...

FU...Manchu, bammer.

9:22 AM  
Blogger digger4au said...

SteveFC you are still the man in HABOTN pick-um.
Sad but true you can never go back and play them again so we need to forget the terrible losses to KY and Ga. We are about where we thought we would be or better. So it is time for a major upset. It may never happen but it could.

9:56 AM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

New thread UPZ.

And there will be plenty between now and Friday night.

10:28 AM  
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 502 of 502

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home


follow me on Twitter

• THE RING OF FIRE •
INAUGURAL CLASS
Phormerly Phred
Scottie B. in Tennessee
crudup
Hoopie
Ron Mexico
hip-hopanonymous
AUnMobilz
Sullivan013
Scott from Tucson
scottatl
jhag **FRANCHISE PLAYER**

CLASS OF 2008
Peter Frankenschmidt
Mr. Sensible
WarEagleRK

CLASS OF 2009
eddie4au
FakeSteveJobs (aka FSJ)
AUBigCat
michael
Steve from Columbia (aka SteveFC)
kristina
Jet

WHERE EAGLES SOAR
AUFan365 was Larry Bailey, 1948-2010

FEELING THE HEAT
WarEagleGirl
TarHeelTiger
Kathy
D. Miller
Dear Leader
j-z
Norm
digger4au
Harrison
LuvAU1968
cincytiger
mytommyd (is supposed to be mrtommyd)
ehyoutiger
wtc
IV
wakeriderof87
Sean
Scott Chocolate
NoVaTiger
Taylor
BinOBA
wes
Aeronaut
chip chip
Spongeworthy
Loganville Tiger
E-Bro
Ephemeral
au1n04
FearlessFreep
coosa
bear82
wartiger
patdyeswildturkey
atlantatiger
JD the Biscuitator
shesaid
depressedAUfan
dnatl

NOTABLE NEWCOMERS
Cousin Humpers = Bammers (aka CH=B)
dan dan the AU fan
bellefay1
API
Jay 'W. not Tate'
missinit
Craig Miller
AU1292
MLF
Comm'r of Flesh Wounds
Stupup74
61northak
Jimmy
bigdaddy334
Secondaid
Andrew
SCoats
astatguy
Jason Crawford
paulmain
Lowcountry Tiger
BigEZ
Will
WDCWE

MY PEEPS
Wifey
cpf
GritzNGravy
roundtable
Josh_Moon
MrsFrontRim & FrontRim
ChuckCrim
troyznoiz

FIRST DOCUMENTED POSTER
Buck

BANHAMMERED
Hamburglar
ROLLTIDEROLL
hairydawg
DavidOku
Jay_G (an impostor)
WarEagleogDotCom

Powered by Blogger

Subscribe to
Posts [Atom]

Advertisement