ON THE SCENE: Recruiting

Hey everyone. We're here in Auburn talking with the recruits on their way out of town. I'll just update as the day progresses.

OVERVIEW:

• Auburn was hoping the two uncommitted defensive tackles -- Jeffrey Whitaker and Byran Jones -- would commit this weekend. They didn't. Still, Auburn clearly has piqued their interest.
  
  
• OL Shon Coleman, whose commitment reportedly was wavering, said today that he will sign with Auburn. He also referred to the Tigers as his "future team."
  
  
• WR Trovon Reed was the only prospect to avoid post-visit interviews. Not sure why he would choose to do that, though I'm not insinuating he's a bad kid for doing so. Just noting a curious decision.
  
  
• It's clear that Auburn's commitments were here this weekend in an effort to get the uncommitted guys on board. We'll soon see if their efforts were effective.

THE PROSPECTS:

UPDATE @ 1:10 p.m. JUSTIN DELANIE, defensive end from Linden, had a good time this weekend. He is an Auburn commitment. Delanie laughed when asked if he'd consider signing anywhere else. He played at 235 this past season, but he has dropped 10 pounds to play basketball. Delanie said he's planning to play at 250 or 260, so he obviously has some trips to Golden Corral ahead.









UPDATE @ 1:01 p.m. JEREMY RICHARDSON, wideout from Springville, had a good time this weekend. His player host was Onterio McCalebb. Richardson is an Auburn commitment. He didn't have much to say. He's a quiet guy. He did mention that he's hoping the two defensive tackles commit.










UPDATE @ 1 p.m. JEFFREY WHITAKER, defensive tackle from Georgia, had a good time this weekend. His player host was Nosa Eguae. He rated this trip a "10," but it's clear Auburn still has work ahead. He's primarily considering Auburn, Georgia and Miami. Whitaker said he has an idea of where he'll sign, but he's "just making sure" that his preliminary decision is the right one. Impressive kid, very mature, composed and interesting.








UPDATE @ 12:35 p.m. JAKE HOLLAND, linebacker from Birmingham, had a good time this weekend. He is an Auburn commitment. His player host was Jessel Curry. Holland said he spent the weekend recruiting on Auburn's behalf. He also likes the new student housing at The Village.










UPDATE @ 11:14 a.m. SHON COLEMAN, offensive tackle from Olive Branch, Miss., had a good time this weekend. He's been listed as a soft commitment by the recruiting services, so Auburn used this weekend to re-affirm Coleman's feelings. The scheme apparently worked; Coleman said ``I'm going to sign with Auburn." He referred to Auburn as "my future team," but said he still may take more visits. Interested schools include Ole Miss, Tennessee, Southern Cal and Miami. Coleman is a big man, a strong-looking man. He looks like a football player.







UPDATE @ 10:48 a.m. BYRAN JONES, defensive tackle from Arkansas, had a good time this weekend. His player host was Eltoro Freeman. Jones has it narrowed down to Auburn and Arkansas. He will make an official visit in Fayetteville next weekend. Jones said he won't announce his decision until signing day. He said he's good friends with both Michael Dyer and Dakota Mosley, a pair of fellow Arkansas prospects who have committed to Auburn. Jones said he's fine with playing out of state. Not sure what to think about his upcoming decision.







UPDATE @ 10:33 a.m. D.J. HOWARD, athlete from Lincoln (near Anniston), had a good time this weekend. He is an Auburn commitment. Howard considered a trip to Clemson, but apparently that's off. He considers himself a running back and his dalliance with Clemson was rooted in the fact that Clemson wants him as a tailback. Auburn coaches told Howard this week that he will play tailback at Auburn, so he has re-affirmed his commitment.








UPDATE @ 10:22 a.m. JAWARA WHITE, linebacker from Troy, had a good time this weekend. He said he dedicated his time toward recruiting the two uncommitted defensive tackles -- Jeffrey Whitaker and Byran Jones. White said he was 100% sure Jones had a good time. Why? ``Because he was with me." White said he wouldn't discuss how successful his recruiting pitches were. ``That's a surprise."









UPDATE @ 10:10 a.m. TRENT FISHER, athlete from suburban Nashville, had a good time this weekend. He was hosted by Phillip Lutzenkirchen. Fisher said he is a safety by trade and expects to play that in college. He has some I-AA offers, but would play at Auburn as a walk-on. His sister currently attends Auburn. Fisher's father, Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher, made the trip and was in the complex today.











UPDATE @ 10:05 a.m. JONATHAN MINCY, defensive back from suburban Atlanta, had a good time this weekend. He is an Auburn commitment. He referred to Auburn as "we" when asked about the 2009 season. I'd say he's locked in. Mincy said he will not take any additional visits.










UPDATE @ 9:50 a.m. KENNETH CARTER, defensive tackle from Greenville, said he enjoyed the trip. He is an Auburn commitment. He is the team's only DT commitment at this point. Carter said he's ready to get on campus and start playing. He ended his comments with a "War Eagle."











UPDATE @ 9:22 a.m. RYAN WHITE, defensive back from Tallahassee, Fla., was the first guy out. He is an Auburn committment. He said he did a lot of partying during his trip. He spent time at Zac Etheridge's pad last night, had a good time. Said he probably won't make visits to any additional schools. Seems fully committed to me.