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Video scrimmage report, 8/15

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Basic scrimmage notes, 8/15

I'll do this in stages as before.

STAGE ONE

Reporters were not allowed access, so all information below is unconfirmed.
The offense won, 30ish to 28.
Kodi Burns scored a touchdown from the Wildcat position.
TB Eric Smith scored on a run.
QB Chris Todd worked exclusively with the first-team offense tonight. That span lasted approximately six drives.
QB Tyrik Rollison commanded several drives after that.
QB Neil Caudle worked "at the end," Chizik said.
QB Clint Moseley didn't play.
Todd hooked up with Montez Billings for a red-zone touchdown.
Mario Fannin said all passes were completed tonight. He approximated the number of passes at 10. Gus Malzahn told me "he wasn't counting," then laughed as he walked out the door. (He was on his way out.) When I asked Todd, he laughed and said he couldn't remember any incompletions.
Gene Chizik singled out S Daren Bates and DB Demond Washington for their play.
P Clinton Durst, H Clayton Crofoot and WR John Cubelic have been put on scholarship.
Semi-confirmed touchdowns:
- Ben Tate run
- Eric Smith run
- Kodi Burns run
- Montez Billings pass from Chris Todd
- Unknown receiver pass from Tyrik Rollison

STAGE TWO

Malzahn on Rollison: "Tyrik got a lot of reps. We talked about it. We're still evaluating him. We'll continue to do that. He did a solid job. He made a really good on a throw and it went for a touchdown. He held the ball a little long a couple times, but that comes from experience. In high school, you can get away with that. We'll get that corrected."
Trooper Taylor on Burns: "He caught the ball really well. There's some fundamental things he needs to do really well to get his arm over and not get jammed up and things like that. So it's pretty impressive to see Kodi do what he does out there without very much reps. He has to stay late and come early to work on the releases and things like that because he's still doing the things with the quarterbacks. You've got to appreciate that about a kid like that."
Daren Bates on how far he's come in a week: "I was lost those first couple days. I got help from Mike McNeil and watching them practice and every night studying the playbook so those two things, put it together, as time goes down the line, I'm going to get better every day because (Tommy Thigpen) is teaching me things and Mike McNeil is helping me out."

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

Days to kickoff: 21

Our Tar Heel Tiger's Auburn Minute is brought to you by the number:

21

Athletic and academic achievement always trump athletic achievement and incarceration.

HAPPY KARIBI DEDE DAY!!!

A native of Woodbridge, Va., Karibi Dede began his Auburn career at safety before becoming an outstanding linebacker for the Tigers. In addition to his superb defensive play, Mr. Dede achieved Academic All-SEC honors in four consecutive years. He was named to the inaugural class of the National Football Foundation's National Honor Society.

If that wasn't enough to impress you, he was a finalist for the Draddy Trophy, the "academic Heisman Trophy". He obviously took Dr. George Petrie's Auburn Creed to heart. I'm not sure of the current whereabouts of Karibe Dede. I found a reference to a signing with the Montreal Alouettes in early 2008; the CFL web site does not currently show him listed on a roster. I also found a reference to him as a 2008 assistant coach at Freedom High School in his hometown; he is not listed on their coaching staff at this time. Anyone know what Mr. Dede is up to now? Whatever it is, I'm sure he's successful doing it.

HONORABLE MENTION:

* James Brooks is one of the greatest running backs in the history of Auburn football and still, by a large margin, Auburn's career leader in all-purpose yardage. He also had an All-Pro NFL career. Had he not spent time incarcerated for being a deadbeat dad, he would have been today's honoree.

* Ed Graham: His most famous moment, at least in my recollection, was the 2nd half kickoff return for a TD vs Florida State in 1984. Brent Fullwood had a great return going before coughing up the football near the 40. Ed quickly plucked the oblate spheroid out of the air and dashed the rest of the way for 6 points. In one of Auburn's most exciting games, AU nipped the 'Noles, 42-41.

Shout outs welcomed! Who's your favorite 21?

First post: Saturday

Hey everyone. Welcome to Day Eleven of Auburn's fall camp. Les Tigres will scrimmage inside Jordan-Hare Stadium this evening, though chances are you won't be able to watch. It's not open to the public ... or the media. It'll be Practice Fourteen and the final workout before a reprieve. There will be no practice on Sunday or Monday.

Here's the Auburn situation at this moment:

TODAY'S STORIES

PREVIOUS STORIES

THE VIDEO VAULT

8/14: Fallout from the Todd Decision and practice bloopers
8/14: Todd and Burns discuss The Decision
8/13: Burns debuts at WR
8/12: Video interviews
8/11: Gene Chizik speaks
8/10: Video interviews
8/9: BONUS video practice report
8/7: Video practice report
8/6: Practice report
8/5: Post-practice report
8/5: Practice report
8/4: Reporting day coverage

TODAY'S SCHEDULE
So we're looking at a twilight scrimmage without reporter access. I'll be talking with players and coaches afterward, though my video camera doesn't work well in congested, loud areas. I'll certainly post video highlights of Gene Chizik's post-scrimmage briefing.

I'll post notes within 45 minutes of the scrimmage's conclusion. I expect to update the blog around 7:30 p.m. CDT.

Also, please pick up the Advertiser's print edition if you live around here! Our fine Auburn coverage is only one element of our award-winning product.

OF NOTE: One of the HOTTIES, we'll call him "Brad," has created a wallpaper of the Auburn schedule. He suggested I post it in the event some fellow HOTTIES want to use it. Sounds like a fine idea.

Practice video: 8/14

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Post-practice notes, 8/14

Hey everyone. That's another practice in the books. Here are the significant things I saw and heard afterward.

DB Walt McFadden said the factions that undermined the team last season (ie Burns Backers and Todd's Toadies) were still in effect prior to Burns' passionate plea for unity Thursday afternoon.

``It got to the position (in 2008 where) … we were like 'I don't know, man. We can't win it with him.' We know that Chris Todd is the guy so (there's) no: We should have this person, we should have that person. It's Chris Todd."
McFadden is a big Burns fan and pities the defensive coordinator who must find ways to stop No. 18. That's a near-verbatim summary.
Gus Malzahn said Burns still will work with quarterbacks in practice at times.
Malzahn on Chris Todd: ``As a quarterback, he's kind of got that `it' factor -- where he’s got some things that you don't have to coach," Malzahn said. ``It comes natural to him. That' s important and it's probably more savvy than anything. That's what I've been impressed with."
I didn't get the sense that Burns will be The Solution as Auburn's Wildcat back. The guys Malzahn featured in previous season are fast fast fast. That is not Burns.
DE Dee Ford is working at linebacker because of depth issues.
TB Ben Tate said Bo Jackson, former Heisman Trophy winner, told players to make the most of their opportunities now because they don't last long.
As Nooj reported a while back, the freshman quarterback from Texas is "ty-RICK" Rollison. Malzahn apparently is wrong to call him "ty-REEK."

Early practice notes, 8/14

Hey everyone. Let's boogie.

* LB Eltoro Freeman still has the cast/wrap on his hand, but he was working with the linebackers in drills. He was in a no-contact (orange) jersey. Pic below.

* Kodi Burns, despite saying last night that he's not a wideout, again was working with the wideouts this morning.

* Vincent "Bo" Jackson was at practice again.

* Former OL Kendall Simmons was at practice. He isn't playing pro ball.

PHOTO GALLERY

Eltoro Freeman and his wrap/cast.

Ben Tate and Eric Smith watch a punt-return drill.

DeAngelo Benton works with the JUGS machine. Concentration.

Here's Ted Roof funnin' with Walt McFadden.

Your starting quarterback.

Tommy Trott taking his turn on the JUGS machine.

McFadden funnin' with Kodi Burns.

Days to Kickoff: 22

Our Tar Heel Tiger's Auburn Minute* is brought to you by the number:

22

*=FOR THE ANONYMOUS EMAILER WHO GOES BY "MIKE PRICELESS": The following post was written by Tar Heel Tiger, who is an esteemed member of our community. I, Jay G. Tate, did not write the following passage. If the previous two sentences don't sufficiently convey the fact that Tar Heel Tiger wrote this piece, please contact me again. Perhaps I can call you on the phone and read to you. Polysyllabic words can be tricky in print.

HAPPY BRENT FULLWOOD DAY!!!

I must admit, I feel a little uneasy honoring Brent Fullwood. Despite his many accomplishments on the gridiron, his highly publicized decision to play hooky from class his senior season (not a violation of NCAA rules at the time) still bothers me. Mr. Fullwood, come back to Auburn and get that degree!

Brent Fullwood was fast, almost Bo fast. The native of Kissimmee, Fla., ranks 6th in career rushing yards at Auburn. He was a consensus All-American and All-SEC player his senior season, leading the country by averaging 8.3 yards per carry. He placed 6th in Heisman balloting that year and was the 4th overall selection in the NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers. He made the 1989 NFL Pro Bowl Team as a fullback.

HONORABLE MENTION:

*Mitzi Jackson: A personal favorite and a native of DeFuniak Springs, FL. A great runner whose AU career was limited by injuries. I think he was #22, but not absolutely certain....it's been a long time!

*Tre Smith : 2002 Iron Bowl, nuf said.

*Casinious Moore: Anniston RB lettered in 2000 and 2001. (Jay G. says: Phil Snow, former WSFA-Channel 12 sports director, initially called him "cuh-NEESH-us-ness" on the air.

*Danny Arnold: DB from the '70s; his two interceptions led the team in 1976.

*Gabe Gross: in the rotating quarterback position at Auburn in 1998, then decided to concentrate on baseball. It must have been the right choice. He's still in the Big Leagues.

First post: Friday

Hey everyone. Welcome to Day Ten of Auburn's fall camp. Les Tigres will practice twice for the final time this season, raising the number of fall practices to 13. Today won't be able to keep pace with last night -- Todd promoted, Burns shuffled, Eltoro Freeman out with a cast on his hand -- but it'll be a good day for team-wide reaction to these developments.

Anyway, here's the Auburn situation at this moment:

TODAY'S STORIES

8/14: Todd gets nod as Auburn's starting QB
8/15: Auburn notebook

PREVIOUS STORIES

THE VIDEO VAULT

8/14: Todd and Burns discuss The Decision
8/13: Burns debuts at WR
8/12: Video interviews
8/11: Gene Chizik speaks
8/10: Video interviews
8/9: BONUS video practice report
8/7: Video practice report
8/6: Practice report
8/5: Post-practice report
8/5: Practice report
8/4: Reporting day coverage

TODAY'S SCHEDULE
Today is a two-practice day and, I believe, the last of its kind this season. The first session begins at 10 a.m. and it open to the media. I believe this is the final open practice of the season, so you all had better savor this footage! A second session begins at 5 p.m. or so, but I won't be there. I'm also responsible for a story previewing Jeff Davis High's football team. I gotta race back to Montgomery for that instead.

So I'll have a practice video up around 11:30 a.m. CDT. I'll have preliminary practice notes before that (just a few) and a full report around 1 p.m.

Also, please pick up the Advertiser's print edition if you live around here! Our fine Auburn coverage is only one element of our award-winning product.

Video report, 8/13 (late)

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Chris Todd named starter

Gene Chizik just said it.

I'll add information.

*Chizik on Burns: "Kodi felt like he could help this team somewhere on offense. We can use him in the Wildcat. We can put him over there at wide receiver. He's very athletic and we're going to give him every opportunity to help this team."

*Chizik on Todd: "Resilient guy. He's been through a lot. He's studied the game. He's studied the offense. He's got the experience. He's been in the league. He's an older guy. There is no substitute for experience."

*The battle for backup appears to be between Neil Caudle and Tyrik Rollison. Chizik said he's seen "flashes" from Rollison that makes coaches want to rep him more and more.

*Bo Jackson was at practice today ... as you can see above. That hasn't happened in a long, long time.

*Chizik said Freeman's injury is just a bruise.

*Chris Todd on coming into this season: "I really didn't know. I didn't know about my future. I didn't know what I was going to do with my arm. I'm really happy with how this turned out, but I can't say I knew what to expect."

*Burns stood up at a players-only meeting and asked the team to rally behind Todd. "He said he had my back. It took a lot for him to go up there and say that," Todd said.

*Burns said he IS NOT going to transfer. "I'm mature enough to handle this."

*Burns' opening comment: "The coaches chose to go in another direction. I worked really hard. I tried to prove myself. Obviously, things didn't work out. They went with Chris. That's a good thing. I'm 100 percent behind him. Chris Todd is the quarterback and I have no problem with that. There was no mess. It was a great year and a great competition.

I'm a guy who loves competition. Sometimes things don't work out the way you want them to. I'm going to be out there helping this team any way I can.

It was a little bit disappointing at first. Not a little bit. A lot. You've got to move on. I'm mature enough to handle this.

I spoke to the team about it. We're not going to be a divided team. We're all going to come together. The Auburn Nation needs to get behind Chris as well."

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

BONUS video report, 8/13

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Big developments

Kodi Burns practiced at wideout today.

The other four quarterbacks were going through the usual drills. Burns was catching passes from the JUGS machine and learning some new techniques from Trooper Taylor.

I can't imagine this will last. Surely Burns will transfer. Right?

ALSO: Linebacker Eltoro Freeman was wearing a cast on his right hand. He isn't practicing.

Days to kickoff: 23

Our Tar Heel Tiger's Auburn Minute* is brought to you by the number:

23

*=FOR THE ANONYMOUS EMAILER WHO GOES BY "MIKE PRICELESS": The following post was written by Tar Heel Tiger, who is an esteemed member of our community. I, Jay G. Tate, did not write the following passage. If the previous two sentences don't sufficiently convey the fact that Tar Heel Tiger wrote this piece, please contact me again. Perhaps I can call you on the phone and read to you. Polysyllabic words can be tricky in print.

HAPPY RONNIE BROWN DAY!!!

A Cartersville, Ga., native and Auburn graduate, Ronnie Brown is a former All-SEC and Academic All-SEC performer. Though he started only 12 of 47 games for Auburn, he finished his career ranked 7th in school history with 2,707 rushing yards and 5th with 28 rushing touchdowns. He also had 58 receptions for 668 yards and two touchdowns.

He was the second overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He plays for the Miami Dolphins.

Jay G's note on Brown: He was more social than Carnell Williams. He also was a completely different kind of back: Bringing power and a certain kind of refinement I never saw from No. 24. Brown was a gifted receiver, a powerful runner and a tireless performer -- when he was healthy. He was sidelined fairly often before that 2004 season. I'll always remember Brown's game at Ole Miss in 2002: 33 carries, 224 yards, three TDs. He was incredible that day.

Here is a little reminder of Ronnie Brown's college exploits.

(Thanks to CincyTiger for assisting with some statistical research.)

First post: Thursday

Hey everyone. Welcome to Day Nine of Auburn's fall camp. Les Tigres will practice just once today, raising the number of fall practices to 11. We in the business call this progress. Still no word on the quarterback situation, though I suspect some major decisions have been made. There is no Auburn Beat Writer Agreement that contractually obligates Gus Malzahn to relay depth-chart changes in an expeditious manner.

I'd like an Auburn Beat Writer Agreement.

Anyway, here's the Auburn situation at this moment:

TODAY'S STORIES

8/13: Teammates can't keep up with Tiger tailback McCalebb
8/13: Le Notebook

PREVIOUS STORIES

THE VIDEO VAULT

TODAY'S SCHEDULE
Today is a one-practice day and it'll be a late one. It starts at 7 p.m. The good news is that the first 25 minutes of said workout will be open to Le Media. I like being able to watch players stretch. I can gauge careers that way. One can forecast a lot by the way a young man aligns his helmet along a yard marker.

Also, please pick up the Advertiser's print edition if you live around here! Our fine Auburn coverage is only one element of our award-winning product.

Video report, 8/12

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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

Days to kickoff: 24

Our Tar Heel Tiger's Auburn Minute* is brought to you by the number:

24

*=FOR THE ANONYMOUS EMAILER WHO GOES BY "MIKE PRICELESS": The following post was written by Tar Heel Tiger, who is an esteemed member of our community. I, Jay G. Tate, did not write the following passage. If the previous two sentences don't sufficiently convey the fact that Tar Heel Tiger wrote this piece, please contact me again. Perhaps I can call you on the phone and read to you. Polysyllabic words can be tricky in print.

HAPPY CARNELL WILLIAMS DAY!!!

No bio needed here, all the Hotties know about Cadillac's exploits. However, in my best (which isn't nearly good enough) Jet impersonation, I've revised a few lyrics to Bruce Springsteen's Cadillac Ranch:Cadillac, Cadillac
Strong and fast Tiger Tailback
Open up your engines let 'em roar
Tearing up the gridiron, he's our Super 24!
Jay G.'s note on Williams: What always struck me about Carnell was his thirst for competition. He didn't know how to back down from a challenge. I think that's part of the reason he was hurt (and is hurt) so often -- he thought avoiding tackles was for lesser backs. Very country. Played with a ton of enthusiasm. Always seemed distant to me, like he didn't want people to really know him. Best tailback I've ever covered.

HONORABLE MENTION:

* Bobby "Goose" Freeman: born in Birmingham in 1932, high schooled in Decatur, Ala., was an outstanding QB/DB on Shug Jordan's early teams. He was Senior Bowl MVP in 1955 as quarterback of the winning South team. Bobby had 15 interceptions as a defensive back during a six-year NFL career with the Browns, Packers, Eagles, and Redskins.

Lots of 24s eligible for shout outs. Let's hear 'em!!!

First post: Wednesday

Hey everyone. Welcome to Day Eight of Auburn's fall camp. Les Tigres will hold a two-a-day deal today, raising the number of fall practices to 10. We're moving right along. I'm happy about that because, honestly, I wish I could give you more first-hand insight into what's happening on the field. We all feel like we're flying blind right now. So it goes.

Here's the Auburn situation at this moment:

TODAY'S STORIES

8/12: Auburn takes positives out of first scrimmage
8/12: Auburn notebook

PREVIOUS STORIES

8/11: Pedigree, talent pay off for Auburn's Blake
8/11: Auburn notebook
8/10: Auburn holds off pads, deals with depth issues
8/10: Auburn notebook
8/9: AU's Freeman goes full speed full time
8/8: Tigers eager to get settled under center
8/8: Auburn notebook
8/7: AU's Todd hopes to draw passing interest
8/7: Auburn notebook
8/6: AU freshmen try to get up to speed
8/6: Auburn notebook
8/5: Tigers plan to spin togetherness into wins

PREVIOUS VIDEOS

TODAY'S SCHEDULE
Today is a two-practice day. The first session begins around 10 a.m. and will run approximately 90 minutes. The second session begins around 5 p.m. I will be talking with coaches and players after the first session, recapping what I heard in note form and producing a video for your enjoyment. I will not be attending the second session.

Also, please pick up the Advertiser's print edition if you live around here! Our fine Auburn coverage is only one element of our award-winning product.

Gene Chizik speaks on videotape, 8/11

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Scrimmage notes, 8/11

Hey everyone. I'll have to run this out in stages.

STAGE ONE

The scrimmage was closed to reporters.
The offense "won" the scrimmage. The coaches have a scoring system that rewards points for various accomplishments.
Neil Caudle, Kodi Burns and Chris Todd appeared to split time with the first-team offense. Tyrik Rollison and Clint Moseley split time with the second-team offense, though it sounds like the young guys garnered significantly more snaps than The Big Three.
Why would coaches, who ostensibly are searching for a starting quarterback, play the young guys more than The Big Three? Maybe they already have their No. 1 in mind.
Onterrio McCalebb played a couple of series. He scored a touchdown. He also broke off a long (30+ yards) run.
Ben Tate had one carry.
Someone here mentioned earlier that D'Antoine Hood, recently shifted from cornerback to safety, is out with an ankle injury. That has not been confirmed (or denied), but Gene Chizik said Hood did not participate tonight. Draw your own conclusion.
Antonio Coleman said he thought the No. 1 defense was better than the No. 1 offense, but that the No. 2 offense was better than the No. 2 defense.
Ted Roof seemed angry afterward. Maybe he was ready to break down scrimmage tape. I don't know.

STAGE TWO

Onterrio McCalebb: ``I scored. I'd say it was 30 yards. I broke through a hole between the tackles, took it outside and got away from some people. I started to feel my rhythm. I know where the holes are going to be. I get to it. After that I get past everybody and it's a wrap. I'm gone."
Ben Tate: "I did well. I didn't mess up. I only got the ball one time. (Etheridge) came through the hole. He was unblocked. It was a draw. I drug him for a few yards."
Emory Blake on his long touchdown catch: "It was a deep post route and Clint Moseley threw it up and it was a good pass, I didn't have to break stride at all. I just went and the last thing I stretched my arms out and caught the ball."
Chris Todd: "Everybody had two drives to do some good stuff and we kind of knew that going in."
Chris Todd on when Gus Malzahn will make a decision at quarterback: "That's a great question. I'm in the same boat you guys are. I don't know. We'll wait and see."
Kodi Burns on his (brief) appearance: "My day was pretty solid. I didn't get that many reps. We were rotating five guys. The young guys got a lot more reps than the older guys. At the same time, if I had to evaluate myself? I did a pretty solid job."
Tyrik Rollison: "I thought I did a pretty good job out there. Being surrounded by a whole bunch of college guys and this being my freshman year, it was kind of hectic. I wasn't nervous but I guess the change of speed from high school in college, that's a big step. The speed out there was like crazy."

STAGE THREE

"Confirmed" touchdowns:
- McCalebb run
- Eric Smith run
- Philip Lutzenkirchen pass from Tyrik Rollison
- Emory Blake pass from Clint Moseley

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

Questions? Comments? Post directly to the blog below or email me at jgtate@gannett.com.

Brandon Jacobs: Officially gone

That's a wrap on Brandon Jacobs' college plans.

According to Baseball America:

Tenth-round pick Brandon Jacobs has agreed to terms on a $750,000 bonus with the Red Sox. He’s expected to sign with Boston once he passes a physical today. His deal is the largest bonus after the eighth round this year, and $600,000 more than MLB’s max recommendation for bonuses after the fifth round.

Good for him. Cash money is good money in my book.

Days to kickoff: 25

Our Tar Heel Tiger's Auburn Minute* is brought to you by the number:

25

*=FOR THE ANONYMOUS EMAILER WHO GOES BY "MIKE PRICELESS": The following post was written by Tar Heel Tiger, who is an esteemed member of our community. I, Jay G. Tate, did not write the following passage. If the previous two sentences don't sufficiently convey the fact that Tar Heel Tiger wrote this piece, please contact me again. Perhaps I can call you on the phone and read to you. Polysyllabic words can be tricky in print.

Roy Haynes "Monk" Gafford, Jr. was born in 1920; he was a native of Fort Deposit, Ala. Monk was a three-year starter at halfback and was the very first Auburn back to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season.

He was recognized by the Touchdown Club of Atlanta as the SEC Player of the Year in 1941 and achieved All-American honors in 1942. The Birmingham Quarterback Club named Gafford as its 1942 SEC Player of the Year; in my biased opinion they showed a little better judgment than the national voters, who gave Heisman Trophy honors in 1942 to Georgia's Frankie Sinkwich.

Monk Gafford's most famous game was in 1942 against Sinkwich's top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, a team which also included future All-American Charlie Trippi. Georgia had beaten Florida 75-0, a team which had beaten Auburn 6-0. The Dawgs outweighed the Auburn team by an average of over 20 lbs/man. Unequivocally, the best player on the field that day was neither Sinkwich nor Trippi, but our very own Monk Gafford. Auburn's #25 had 119 yards rushing on 21 carries, and added another 92 yards on three punt returns in leading Auburn to the stunning 27-13 upset.

For his Auburn career, Monk averaged a lofty 6.4 yards per carry. LSU coach Bernie Moore called Gafford "the best back the SEC had seen in the last 10 years." (1942 was the 10th year of the SEC).

Immediately following college, Gafford entered the Army in service to his country during World War II. He was the first officer with men taking over the infamous Dachau prison camp. As soon as the war was over, Monk served as player/coach of the Army's European Theater Operations championship football team. General George Patton proclaimed Monk Gafford the best back he'd ever seen.

After the war, Gafford spent a few years in the All-American Football Conference, the first with the Miami Seahawks and two subsequent seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He went on to a business career in Tulsa, Okla., before returning to his native state for retirement. Monk Gafford was elected to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1985.

HONORABLE MENTION:

* One of my favorites, HB/DB Tommy Lorino, from the '57 National Champs

* FB Wallace Clark in the late '60s.

* DB Roger Mitchell: He blocked the first kick against UA-T in 1972...no, not the punt, the extra point after UA-T's first TD, thus providing Auburn's eventual 17-16 margin of victory. I never get tired of watching him hurdle an upright Bisceglia on the 2nd punt block play.

* HB Tim Jessie, an outstanding back who was understandably overshadowed by Bo & Brent.
________________
Sources: Philip Marshall, ASHOF, Wikipedia, and of course, the Auburn Football Media Guide.

First post: Tuesday

Hey everyone. Welcome to Day Seven of Auburn's fall camp, which leads us to the team's first scrimmage. This will be Practice Eight. It looks like a nice day here in central Alabama, so I am not expecting any weather-related delays.

Here's the Auburn situation at this moment:

TODAY'S STORIES

8/11: Pedigree, talent pay off for Auburn's Blake
8/11: Auburn notebook

PREVIOUS STORIES

8/10: Auburn holds off pads, deals with depth issues
8/10: Auburn notebook
8/9: AU's Freeman goes full speed full time
8/8: Tigers eager to get settled under center
8/8: Auburn notebook
8/7: AU's Todd hopes to draw passing interest
8/7: Auburn notebook
8/6: AU freshmen try to get up to speed
8/6: Auburn notebook
8/5: Tigers plan to spin togetherness into wins

PREVIOUS VIDEOS

TODAY'S SCHEDULE
Today is a one-practice day. The Tigers are scrimmaging in Jordan-Hare Stadium, which coaches hope will bring clarity to some of the positional battles. That event begins around 5:30 p.m. I'll be busy after 9 or so ... getting notes posted and, hopefully, uploading some post-scrimmage video reaction.

Also, please pick up the Advertiser's print edition if you live around here! Our fine Auburn coverage is only one element of our award-winning product.

Video interviews, 8/10

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CLICK THIS LINK FOR A CHAT WITH TROOPER TAYLOR, JEFF GRIMES AND EMORY BLAKE

Post-practice notes, 8/10

Hey everyone. Let's get to business:

Trooper Taylor said he's convinced that Darvin Adams and Terrell Zachery are ready to play right now. If the season began today, Taylor said you'd be looking at Adams, Zachery and ... someone else. That third guy seems to oscillate between Montez Billings and Quindarius Carr.
Taylor said he is not big on rotating wideouts. He wants the starters to play a lot -- to ensure proper timing with the quarterback.
Jay Boulware wasn't impressed with Morgan Hull's kicking performance today. Six-of-8 didn't seem that bad to me. I guess some of those "good" kicks were actually stinkers.
The team held some full-scale, full-speed drills today. LB Eltoro Freeman said the defense created several turnovers -- one interception and a handful of fumbles -- but he was dissatisfied by his group's performance during the final few plays. He said tailbacks broke away for long gains after navigating between the tackles without resistance.
S Zac Etheridge said D'Antoine Hood has been moved from cornerback to safety.
Freeman on Onterrio McCalebb, who notched several long runs today: ``You'd better get an (angle) on him or he'll be gone."
WR Emory Blake, son of former NFL quarterback Jeff Blake, said he never had aspirations of becoming a quarterback. His dream was to be the next Barry Sanders.
Jeff Grimes said none of the OL reserves have made a noteworthy push toward the starting lineup.

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

Video practice report, 8/10

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CLICK THIS LINK FOR A LOOK AT AUBURN'S MONDAY MORNING PRACTICE

Early practice notes, 8/10

Hey everyone. Let's get to business.

Auburn is in full pads today.
Morgan Hull took his turn at placekicker today. He connected on six of his eight kicks. Distances extended to 40 yards.
Hull and Wes Byrum trade days. Byrum kicked yesterday. He won't kick today.
Assistant coach Jay Boulware after a sluggish opening to a punt-block drill: ``What is this? A pillow fight?"
Gene Chizik was notably hands-on during the punting drills. He had plenty to say after every snap.
Injury brigade includes: S T'Sharvan Bell, S Mike McNeil, OL Bart Eddins, DE Dee Ford and WR Tim Hawthorne ... though he was helping with practice.

PHOTO GALLERY

Mario Fannin is a very strong young man. Click to enlarge.

Jeff Grimes talks with his players.

Ted Roof is a hands-on defensive coordinator. He gets into every drill.

Here's Emory Blake (foreground) and DeAngelo Benton looking the ball in and tucking it away ... as instructed by a vivacious Trooper Taylor.

Ryan Pugh getting ready for work.

DeAngelo Benton quenched his thirst ... for a moment or two.

Days to kickoff: 26

Our Tar Heel Tiger's Auburn Minute is brought to you by the number:

26

Today's honoree never suited up in an Auburn football uniform, but he is a charter member of the Auburn Football Letterman's Club. I consider him more than worthy of Kickoff Kountdown recognition, but wasn't sure exactly where to place him. I decided to go with the year he was born: 1926. You just can't find a person nicer than this gentleman.

HAPPY KENNY HOWARD DAY!!!

NOTE: The following information has been copied directly from the Kenny Howard Athletic Training Fellowship web site.

Kenny Howard was born in 1926 in Crossville, Ala. He came to Alabama Polytechnic Institute to study agriculture, but got a job as student athletic trainer under the legendary trainer and track coach Wilbur Hutsell. Upon graduation in 1948, Howard was named Head Athletic Trainer and served in that capacity until 1976.

From 1976 through 1980 Kenny served Auburn as its first assistant athletics director for Olympic Sports. He retired from Auburn in 1980 and went to work as Director of Sports Relations for the Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation, Inc., and served in that position until his retirement in 1995.

While serving as Auburn's head trainer, Kenny became the confidant of head football coach Ralph Jordan. That friendship led to the 40-year association with Dr. Jack Hughston becoming Auburn's Orthopedic surgeon and team physician.

Kenny was the trainer for the U.S. Olympic Track team at Helsinki in 1952 and the trainer for the U.S. Olympic Swim team at Montreal in 1976. He also served as head trainer for the World University Games on two occasions. He was the trainer for the Blue-Gray game for ten consecutive years and the trainer for the Senior Bowl for two years.

Kenny was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. He is the first athletic trainer to receive such an honor.

He served on the Auburn City Council from 1984 through 1987. He is married to the former Jeanne Barnhart and they have three sons and daughter. Jeanne and Kenny continue to reside in Auburn.