Quick Tuesday Notes

Hey guys, it's kind of been a hectic day so I will try and get some more stuff later on. So far I know this:

• 2009 signee Jamar Travis and 2010 prospect (and teammate of Travis') Jeremy Nicholson visited this past weekend. It was Nicholson's third visit to the Plains. He visited Junior Day earlier this month and visited for the Southern Miss game in September.
• Practice is going as planned today in the rain.
• James Willis' contract numbers are now available. Willis signed a two year deal worth $235,550 and a $16,038 signing bonus.
• I want to say thanks to everybody who's supporting this site early on. I would say y'all are what keeps me doing it but I really started this so I could keep track of everything for myself haha. I started posting it in my signature on a message board and people started clicking and although I've only been doing this for a couple of months I've gotten great support. Thanks guys and keep coming back!

Sunday Practice Notes

• Auburn's only commitment thus far for 2010, Cody Parkey, was in attendance Sunday.
• Top in-state linebacker prospect Jawara White attended practice Sunday and came away impressed. Also attending were TE Travis Dickson and WR Jeremy Nicholson.
• Mario Fannin wore a boot on his right ankle and did not practice.
• Ted Roof named Craig Stevens as a standout for Sunday.
• Malzahn said Tom Hawthorne and Ben Tate had good practices.
• With senior WR Montez Billings currently injured, the first team wide receivers Sunday were Darvin Adams, Terrell Zachary and Tim Hawthorne.

Live Practice Update

Just received an update saying that Neil Caudle is taking majority of first team snaps. He is looking very consistent. More to come.

Congratulations To Men's Swimming

Congrats to Auburn's men's swimming team on their National Championship. Auburn topped Texas with 526 points. Auburn has won six of the last seven national championships.

EVERYTHING You Need To Know About This Week's Practices

Quarterbacks:
Kodi Burns and Neil Caudle have been splitting first team snaps in practice. Barrett Trotter has been taking snaps with the second team. Chris Todd is taking "mental" reps while recovering from his shoulder surgery. All passers have had some inconsistency but Caudle has looked good.

Running Backs:
Onterio McCalebb has been playing tailback and receiver. Mario Fannin has been much of the same. Fannin is incorrectly listed as a wide receiver on the roster. Ben Tate made some great runs in today's practice. Coach Luper says he expects Tate to rush for over a thousand yards and be a big part of the offense. Justin Albert is healthy and at full speed and has been running with first and second team. Malzahn says he could have a real chance.

Receivers/Tight Ends:
Gabe McKenzie has been a no-show at spring practices. Chizik says it is due to an injury but a source close to the team told me it was a personal issue so that could still be an injury. Tommy Trott and Philip Pierre-Louis both are in orange non-contact jerseys. Coach Trooper Taylor named Darvin Adams, Quindarius Carr and Terrell Zachary as standouts. Brent Slusher is no longer with the team due to injuries. Montez Billings has been been dressed out but minimal participation.

Offensive Line:
Lee Ziemba is up to 308 pounds (from 280) but is moving well since his injury. Ryan Pugh is up twenty pounds (from 270 to 290). Ziemba (LT), Pugh (C), Andrew McCain (RT), Mike Berry (LG) and Byron Isom (RG) are the starters on the offensive line. Vance Smith moved from tight end to offensive line with the lack of linemen.

Defensive Line:
Derrick Lykes has reportedly made great strides. Andre Wadley is day to day. Mike Blanc has also been a standout. Coach Rocker has called Cameron Henderson a little raw but could be something special. I've really found little news for defensive line. Starters will likely be Michael Goggans, Antonio Coleman, Mike Blanc and Jake Ricks.

Linebackers:
The current starting linebackers are Spencer Pybus, Craig Stevens and Josh Bynes. Eltoro Freeman has been standing out on second team. Other second teamers are walk-on Wade Christopher and Da'Shaun Barnes. Adam Herring is nursing an injury. I'd imagine "The Bull" (El Toro) to get some major playing time.

Defensive Backs:
Christian Thompson has been first team strong safety with Zac Etheridge being hurt. Mike McNeil is first team free safety. Drew Cole and Mike Slade have been running second team at safety. Slade has also taken some reps with first team. Cornerback T'Sharvan Bell has been a standout in Coach Lolley's eyes. Aairon Savage has been playing cornerback. Walter McFadden is at the other corner.

OTHER NOTES:
Coach Chizik has repeatedly called practices sloppy in execution but good intensity. Sloppiness likely due to learning the new systems. There are only 12 more practices. Chizik is allowing minimal press access to practices and they are closed to the public. Coaches are saying the players need to be more physical after their first full pad practice.

Chizik Running A Strict Facility

Reports are saying that Coach Gene Chizik has a strict policy about appearance and tidiness. In the locker room, everything must be tidy. Clothes, shoes, shoulder pads and helmets are all neatly aligned. Not allowed in the facility are jewelry, hats and cleats.

Four Star Back Names A Makeshift Top 7

Four star running back Storm Johnson told Noleinsider.com that he is pretty much open to all colleges right now but when asked about schools that stand out he could list a few. Johnson named Florida State, Oklahoma, Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Auburn and USC.

Johnson is a four star on Rivals and does not yet have a ranking on Scout. Rivals lists him in their Rivals 250 and ESPN has him in their ESPNU 150. At the Atlanta (Kennedy/CES) combine, he ran a 4.5 40 and had a vertical jump of 32.5". He ran for 1,300 yards and 21 touchdowns last season helping lead Buford High School to a second consecutive 15-0 season. Johnson has since transferred to Loganville High School in Loganville, GA.

Johnson also holds offers from about 15 schools currently. He plans to enroll early.

First Day of Pads: Some Notes

• Kodi Burns and Neil Caudle have been splitting snaps on first team at quarterback.
• Starting linebackers are Craig Stevens, Josh Bynes and Spencer Pybus.
• Mike McNeil is first team free safety and Christian Thompson was first team strong safety since Zac Etheridge is non-contact.
• More to come.

Early Thursday Practice Notes

• Again, practice was shorts, shoulder pads and helmets.
• Philip Lutzenkirchen attended practice along with 2010 recruits Nick Perry and Sam Gibson.
• Today's first team offensive line was LT Lee Ziemba, LG Mike Berry, C Ryan Pugh, RG Byron Isom and RT Andrew McCain.
• Gene Chizik has taken a major role in special teams.
• Mike McNeil and Tommy Trott missed practice due to classes.
• More to come...

Seastrunk Likes Auburn

Lache Seastrunk, the number one running back and number two overall recruit in the nation, currently has two college letters hanging in his locker. One is from Auburn. The main reason reportedly is Curtis Luper. Auburn was his cousin's favorite team and he says that Auburn really grew on him. Seastrunk is trying to plan a visit. He says Auburn has more than "a decent" chance and he could see himself there.

Trott "On Schedule"

Auburn tight end Tommy Trott is reportedly on schedule after his knee surgery. Trott will likely only walk through drills in spring practices since tearing his ACL and subsequent surgery in the fall. Trott does expect to recover within the typical six months of a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. He will wear a non-contact orange jersey through spring ball. Trott was quoted as being a week ahead of schedule.

Chizik At Birmingham Auburn Club

Here are some notes from Chizik's meeting at the Birmingham Auburn Club. These are the high points I've found. Chizik said his best way of getting good coaches to come to Auburn was showing them the Auburn people. He also said he wanted to surround himself with coaches that he considered to be future head coaches. Chizik also went on to say that he would not rule out a two quarterback system. When asked if he was afraid to recruit against Nick Saban he said he didn't know what they were talking abour and War Damn Eagle!

Another Note About Dyer UPDATED 9:14 CT

Rivals is reporting that Dyer and teammate Dakota Mosley also visited Georgia Tech this week. They are currently on spring break. It also states that they think Auburn could be a huge factor for both. I personally believe that Arkansas could be a big factor for the the Arkansas native Dyer but he said he does not know if he will be attending their Junior Day this weekend.

UPDATE
ESPN.com is reporting that Dyer has said that his top three are Auburn, Alabama and Arkansas.

Dyer Blown Away By Visit

As noted last night, the number 9 prospect in the nation, Michael Dyer, visited Auburn's first practice and it could not have gone better for Auburn. Dyer said that of all of the visits he's taken so far, including Alabama, Tulsa, Georgia Tech and Oklahoma, Auburn is the favorite. He listed Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, Oregon and Oklahoma as his top five. Dyer said he wants to visit for a game, or two or three. He was quoted as saying the visit was "amazing". He also said he wants to save his best official visit for last and as of right now, that is Auburn.

Everything I Can Find About Tonight's Practice

• The entire new staff reportedly has great energy in practice.
• Aairon Savage, Zac Etheridge and Philip Pierre-Louis all participated fully. Savage will probably not participate in any contact this spring though.
• Tommy Trott, Montez Billings and Lee Ziemba practiced but not fully. Trott is sitting out this spring, taking "mental reps".
• Chris Todd was not throwing passes but should be recovered from his shoulder surgery soon. He is still seeing Dr. James Andrews.
• One of the top 2010 running backs in the nation (and my favorite back for the '10 class), Michael Dyer, visited and watched practice.
• Gabe McKenzie did not practice due to "medical issues".
• Antonio Coleman said Tracy Rocker is teaching new techniques to the defensive line. Rocker has the entire defensive line to himself unlike the last ten years under Tuberville when ends and tackles were split up.

I'll post more when I receive it.

Roster Updates

Just a note, freshman Onterio McCalebb will wear number 23 and junior college transfer Eltoro Freeman will wear number 21 along with sophomore walk on running back Michael Alexander. Other walk ons: K/P Chandler (or is it Chris?) Brooks will wear number 1, LB Joey Caldwell will wear 61, LB Ashton Richardso will wear 56, WR Trevor Barden will wear 15, DB Landry Bodie will wear 30 and WR Woody Parramore will wear 20.

Spring Practice Begins

About three minutes ago, spring football practice officially began. Practices are closed to the public because Chizik wants practice and not have to worry what people write about it. Some notes out of today are that Aairon Savage wll play both corner and safety this year, TE Brent Slusher is not on the spring roster due to injury and TE Vance Smith is playing offensive line. Chizik has been overly quiet about injuries but it does not look like Tommy Trott will be playing. Other players who we know have injuries but do not know their status are Philip Pierre-Louis (ACL), Lee Ziemba (knee), Chris Todd (rotator cuff surgery) and Aairon Savage's playing status.

As Expected...

As expected, Wayne Bolt has joined Auburn's staff in an administrative role. He will be director of football relations.

Scout 300 Revealed

Scout.com has released it's top 300 players in the nation for the 2010 class. The following are players, with their rank, that have interest in Auburn.
Marcus Lattimore (2)
Lache Seastrunk (7)
Alec Ogletree (17)
Damien Robinson (23)
Michael Dyer (26)
Jarrick Williams (42)
Craig Sanders (51)
Markeith Ambles (61)
Mack Brown (63)
Tai-ler Jones (81)
Demarcus Milliner (86)
Ryan Ayers (103)
Calvin Barnett (135)
Solomon Patton (149)
C.J. Mosley (200)
Travis Dickson (204)
Kaleb Eulls (219)
Brian Vogler (233)
Corey Grant (259)
Roy Finch (278)
Toney Hurd Jr. (287)
T.J. Stripling (290)

Auburn Adds Eight

Auburn has added eight walk ons for spring practice:
RB Michael Alexander, Port Allen, LA
K/P Chandler Brooks, Huntsville, AL
LB Joey Caldwell, Roanoke, AL
LB Ashton Richardson, New Orleans, LA
WR Trevor Barden, Canton, GA
DB Landry Bodie, Dothan, AL
WR Woody Parramore, Montgomery, AL

Scout.com's Rankings

Scout.com will release its 2010 Scout 300 and positional rankings next week. Just FYI.

Jones Picks Up Big Offer

Tai-ler Jones picked up an offer from UGA this weekend, probably securing them at the top spot. Jones is one of Auburn's biggest targets for the 2010 class. He now has 31 offers. He was quoted as saying going to Georgia would be "phenomenal". Jones is one of the most sought after receivers in the 2010 class and still probably has a lot of interest in Auburn but this certainly does not help. An offer from UGA seemed inevitable because of his close proximity to Georgia and his great skills.

Auburn Offers Copeland

Troup County High School (LaGrange, GA) weakside defensive end J.C. Copeland has picked up an offer from Auburn. Copeland has visited Auburn twice. He also boasts offers from UAB, East Carolina, Duke, Louisville, Maryland, Ole Miss and UCF. He is on the ESPNU 150 Watch List for 2010. He measures at 6'1", 245 lbs. and runs a 4.65 40. He has also received interest from Georgia and Alabama and has visited both. He is being offered as a defensive end but could easily play mike or will linebacker in college.

Chris Sailer National Kicking & Snapping Event

Auburn's only commitment thus far for the 2010 class is kicker Cody Parkey. In Sailer's National Kicking and Snapping Event, Parkey ranked as the number one kickoff specialist in the 2010 class and the number two overall kicker. Also attending the event was 2009 long snapping recruit Charlie Knipper. Although he visited January 30th and listed Auburn as his favorite, Knipper did not receive an offer from Auburn.

Auburn Targets Sign On As Early Army All-Americans

The last Army All-American Game was only two and a half months ago but many players have already committed to play for the 10th playing of the game in 2010. Ten Rivals 5-stars have announced their intentions to play January 9, 2010 in San Antonio. In the past, players such as Reggie Bush, Vince Young and Adrian Peterson have shown their skills.

This list includes many of Auburn's targets for the 2010 class. There are three running backs in Lache Seastrunk, Marcus Lattimore and Michael Dyer. Other prospects Auburn hopes to snag who have agreed to play in the game include wide receivers Markeith Ambles and Darius White and cornerback Lamarcus Joyner.

RUMOR: Bolt Back?

Rumor has it that Wayne Bolt may return to Auburn, for an administrative position, from Iowa State's staff. Bolt served as Gene Chizik's defensive coordinator at Iowa State. Bolt previously coached at Auburn as tight ends coach from 1981-1985 under Pat Dye and returned for the 1990 season.

Wayne Bolt has previously coached at Troy and UAB as defensive coordinator and has had various jobs at Clemson and Wyoming. He played offensive line for East Carolina. Bolt has coached over 20 players who have played in the NFL including Osi Umenyiora and DeMarcus Ware.

Spring Practice Schedule

The practice schedule is as follows, all practices are closed to the public.

Tuesday, March 24
Thursday, March 26
Saturday, March 28
Sunday, March 29.
Tuesday., March 31
Thursday., April 2
Saturday., April 4
Sunday., April 5
Tuesday., April 7
Thursday., April 9
Saturday, April 11
Sunday, April 12 (No practice, Easter)
Tuesday, April 14
Thursday, April 16
Saturday, April 18 1 p.m. A-Day, Jordan-Hare Stadium
Sunday., April 19

Summer Camp Dates Announced

The dates for summer camps are as listed:
Team Passing Camp 1: June 5-6, 2009
Tiger Camp (4th-12th grade): June 8-10, 2009
Team Passing Camp 2: June 11-12, 2009
Senior Camp: June 13-14, 2009
Kicking Academy: June 14-17, 2009
Senior Elite Mini-Camp: July 18, 2009
Special Teams Camp: July 19, 2009

Application

Marcus Lattimore

Five star running back and fourth overall player in the nation Marcus Lattimore (Byrnes HS) tells GoGamecocks.com that he is "anxious" to visit Auburn and LSU. He does not have a formal favorites list but said that LSU and Auburn have always been two of his favorites. He will visit USC for their spring game April 11 and LSU the following weekend. He has been in discussion with Curtis Luper and plans to visit the Plains sometime in April.

Monday Football Updates

• Michael Dyer's teammate at Little Rock (AR) Christian, Dakota Moseley, named his top three as Auburn, Ole Miss and Arkansas. The tight end currently only carries an offer from Louisiana Tech but feels that Auburn is close to offering.
• Undecided top overall running back prospect for 2009, Bryce Brown, has committed to Tennessee. Top all-purpose back David Oku also signed with Tennessee.
• A Georgia offensive lineman from Buford High School, Kolton Houston, visited Auburn and received an offer. Houston also boasts offers from South Carolina, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt and Michigan State. He said it was one of his best visits and that he plans to return.
• Early four star dual-threat quarterback Barry Brunetti now is high on Auburn after his visit Saturday. Brunetti is believed to be the top quarterback target for the Tigers for 2010. Auburn has not yet offered but it looks like they will soon. Brunetti will likely return to watch a spring practice.
• Auburn High School quarterback Calvin Jenkins unofficially visited Auburn this weekend. He currently does not list any offers.
• Spring practice is set to begin Wednesday.
• Auburn's men's team barely missed the NCAA Tournament field and is instead a number one seed in the NIT. They will play at home against UT-Martin on Wednesday night at 7 CDT. If they win out they have the chance to play three home games.
• Auburn's women's team made the NCAA Tournament as expected. They are a number 2 seed in the Oklahoma City bracket and will play against Lehigh in the first round.

Football Notes

• Defensive tackle Kolton Houston visited Auburn this weekend and picked up an offer.
• Nigel Terrell visited Auburn last weekend and could have possibly picked up an offer had he brought his transcripts. Terrell currently has an offer from Southern Miss.
• Tyrone Cornileus took an unofficial visit Thursday because he could not make it to Junior Day.

Number Nine Player In The Country Names His Favorites

Rivals recently released their Rivals 100 for the class of 2010 and running back Michael Dyer is number 9. Dyer seems overly impressed with Auburn, telling LSU's TigerBait.com that he would attend a spring practice at Auburn and that he is really impressed with Gus Malzahn. Dyer lists his top six as Auburn, LSU, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Florida and Alabama.

Pro Day Round Up

• Jerraud Powers is working out in Los Angeles. He hopes to be a mid-round pick.
• Sen'Derrick Marks was disappointed with his day. He is still hampered by a hamstring injury.
• Chris Evans was disappointed with his times.
• Tray Blackmon and Robert Dunn were absent.

Here are all times and measurements:

Name Ht. Wt. 40-yd Vert. Broad Jump Bench
Tristan Davis 5-9 212 4.38 31.0 9-9 18
Tez Doolittle 6-2 285 4.92 29.5 8-8 22
Chris Evans 5-11 222 4.95 29.5 9-2 14
Steve Gandy 6-0 218 4.65 31.5 9-6 14
Tyronne Green 6-2 308 N/A 28.5 8-6 N/A
Ryan Hastie 5-11 239 4.85 34.5 9-5 17
Merrill Johnson 5-11 206 4.60 40.0 10-5.5 17
Brad Lester 5-9 190 4.48 38.5 10-4 18
Sen'Derrick Marks 6-1 301 N/A N/A 9-6 16
Charles Olatunji 6-1 194 4.62 37.5 11-1.5 14
Jerraud Powers 5-9 187 4.44 35.0 10-3 N/A
Robert Shiver 6-1 233 4.74 30.5 9-9 13
Rodgeriqus Smith 6-0 200 4.63 33.0 10-3 6
James Swinton 5-11 174 4.39 42.0 10-11 8
Cooper Wallace 6-3 254 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Auburn To Hold Pro Day Tomorrow

Auburn will hold it's Pro Day tomorrow beginning at 11 a.m. Brandon Cox will be attending to throw passes to receivers. Expected to attend are Tristan Davis, Tez Doolittle, Robert Dunn, Chris Evans, Steve Gandy, Tyronne Green, Ryan Hastie, Merrill Johnson, Brad Lester, Sen'Derrick Marks, Charles Olatunji, Jerraud Powers, Robert Shiver, Rod Smith, James Swinton and Cooper Wallace.

More Junior Day Updates

• Tight end Brian Vogler enjoyed his visit and especially likes how close Auburn is to his home.
• Jake Holland says the coaches told him he has set the bar for linebackers in the 2010 class. He says he will cut down to a top 5 by the end of the summer and Auburn has a good chance to be in it.
• Roy Finch says he loved his Auburn visit and says Auburn has "set the bar" for the rest of his visits.
• Nick Perry received an offer from Auburn.
• Mack Brown says Auburn is in the mix although they are not currently in his top 7.
• Jeremiah Jackson picked up an offer from Auburn.

Arkansas State Gets "Unprecedented" Million

Arkansas State has announced that it will receive one million dollars for their opening day game at Auburn for the 2010 season. The game will be played September 4, 2010 at Jordan Hare Stadium and is one of four out of conference games for the 2010 season (Clemson, UL-Monroe, UT-Chattanooga).

Junior Day Wrapup

Auburn's first Junior Day of the year has come and gone. Here are the ramblings about it we can find:

• LaDarius Owens has changed his top two (Alabama and Clemson) to a top three by adding Auburn to his favorites. He picked up his Alabama offer two days ago.
• Storm Johnson plans to return for a spring practice or the spring game and will definitely take in a game in the fall. Johnson says Auburn has a "really good chance."
• Michael Dyer could not make it this weekend but plans to visit in the future.
• Jawara White and B.J. Chitty have postponed their trips until next Junior Day, which is April 4th.
• C.J. Moseley said he "loved" his visit. He will not make a decision until after his senior season. Most people believe it will be between Auburn and Alabama. Personally, I believe Alabama holds the lead right now.
• Craig Sanders says his top three are now Auburn, Alabama and Florida.
• Nigel Terrell had a "great" visit.

Coach Chizik was at the basketball game Saturday so I am not sure if the recruits attended or not. I'll give more updates when I get them. Auburn's next Junior Day is April 4.

Oku Watch Is Over

I have been having computer and log in difficulties so I have not been able to get on lately. If you have not yet seen, David Oku has signed with Tennessee. The drama is over.

First Junior Day

Tomorrow marks Auburn's first Junior Day of the year. Some players attending include four of the top 2010 running backs Storm Johnson, Michael Dyer, Roy Finch and Mack Brown. There are about 14 Rivals 250 to watch players attending. There are about 80 players from 5 states planning to arrive on the Plains tomorrow.

Tuesday News and Notes

• Pelham linebacker Jake Holland will attend the first Junior Day this Saturday. Holland currently holds offers from Auburn, UAB, Duke, Kansas State, Vanderbilt and South Alabama.
• Former head coach Tommy Tuberville plans to return to the Middle East this summer to visit troops. Tuberville visited last summer. He will be joining Mack Brown, Jim Tressel, Air Force's Troy Calhoun, Rick Neuheisel and Houston Nutt.
• Auburn's mens basketball team picked up their 20th victory of the season in their first nationally broadcasted game of the season. It is Auburn's first 20 win season since the 2002-03 season.
• Bo Jackson sent red roses to each womens basketball player to congratulate them for their regular season SEC Championship.

Monday News and Notes

• Auburn director of football operations Jimmy Perry has accepted the head coaching job at St. Paul's Episcopal High School.
• Attalla, AL safety Davin Hawkins was on the Plains today taking an unofficial visit. He also took in the Auburn-Tennessee football game at Jordan Hare this past season.
• Dual-threat quarterback Jamius Gunsby has named his top 6 choices, although currently holding no offers: FSU, Florida, Oregon, Auburn, Alabama, UGA
• Big time Georgia running back Storm Johnson says he is ready to check out Auburn next weekend for Junior Day.
• Antonio Coleman has been named to the Lombardi Award (best lineman or linebacker) Watch List for 2009.

Tai-ler Jones "Narrows" His List

Rivals is reporting that wide receiver Tai-ler Jones out of Gainesville, GA has narrowed his college choices list. This "narrow" list consists of fifteen different schools spanning across the nation. In no particular order, they are: Auburn, Ohio State, Oklahoma, North Carolina, UCLA, Alabama, Notre Dame, Cal, South Carolina, Miami, Tennessee, Clemson, Michigan, Michigan State and Vanderbilt. UGA is not listed because they have not offered but probably would be a top choice for him if they do. Jones currently attends Gainesville, HS, the same school that 2009 signee Josh Jackson.