Thursday Night Notes

• Long snapper Jake Lembke and offensive lineman Brandon Holiday will walk-on next season. Holiday is a center and Lembke is the third best long snapper in the 2009 class.
• Auburn gave safety Courtney Farquharson his first offer.  He called Auburn a good school and says he will take an unofficial visit soon.
• Video from the AL.com:  

• Former Auburn fullback Ed Dyas was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.
• That's all I've got for now folks.

Update (For Real)

To everyone who reads this regularly for information, sorry for the lack of updates lately but here's what I've got:

• Jarrick Williams said the Tiger Prowl made him feel good.  Although he never has been, he said he plans to visit Auburn soon.  He is wide open in recruiting right now.
• Wednesday, the Tiger Prowl visited schools closer to home including Opelika High School which is home to four star running back Corey Grant.  Other targets on Wednesday included DeMarcus Milliner, Sam Gibson and Nick Perry.
• For Thursday, they are in a black stretch Hummer.  They will be visiting Birmingham area schools all day.  Some include Hoover, Pelham, Spain Park, Jess Lanier, Bessemer and Springville.
• I'm hearing that Coach Curtis Luper turned down an interview on Pardon The Interruption to keep recruiting.
• I will have a full wrap up at the end of the day.

Update

Update on Tiger Prowl and other topics will come around 2 pm tomorrow.  Thanks for your patience during finals.

Former Auburn Star Released Along With Edgerrin James

Former Auburn stand out Roderick Hood was released Tuesday by the Arizona Cardinals along with star running back Edgerrin James and defensive end Travis LaBoy.  As a cornerback at Auburn, he finished his career with five interceptions and 106 tackles. He was also a star return specialist, returning 51 punts for 571 yards and averaged 19.9 yards on kick returns. Hood originally signed with the Eagles in 2003 as an undrafted free agent and played in Philadelphia through the 2006 season.  In 2007 and 2008 he played for the Arizona Cardinals receiving NFC defensive player of the week honors in 2007's Week 5.

Long Snapper Picked Up By Falcons

Auburn long snapper Robert Shiver has signed on as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons.  He joins Rod Smith (Chargers) and Tez Doolittle (Seahawks) as former Tigers who have signed since this weekend's draft.

First 2011 Offer

Auburn has offered its first 2011 football scholarship.  Enrique Florence, out of Valley High School in Valley, AL, currently has offers from Auburn, Alabama and UAB.  Good news for Auburn is that he was quoted as saying he grew up an Auburn fan and that he was a huge David Irons fan.  Florence is a fast rising safety who looks to be one of the top players in the state of Alabama for the class of 2011.  He has visited Alabama once and Auburn many times.  He is also hearing a lot from Notre Dame and UCLA.  As a sophomore he was ASWA First Team All State.

Limo Fest 2009

The "Tiger Prowl" rolls on today in higher style.  Yesterday, Auburn's staff was ripped by message boards and the likes of Paul Finebaum for their standard white limo.  Unoriginal prom jokes were thrown everywhere.  Whether everyone's reaction affected their decision or not, Auburn has upgraded to a white Hummer limo.  Today's recruiting prowl will roll into high schools such as Enterprise, Ariton, Greenville and Charles Henderson after visiting Mobile area schools yesterday.  

Some targets at these schools:

Craig Sanders - Ariton

Kenneth Carter - Greenville

Jawara White - Charles Henderson

Monday Night Notes

• After the first day of the coaching staff's self described "prowl", recruits have responded positively.
• Auburn visited Blount High School in Mobile.  Contact between athletes and coaches is limited to a "Hi" right now but the presence was felt according to Blount's head coach.  Blount is the school of four star Jarrick Williams.  
• Other schools visited Monday included Vigor High School, Williamson High School, Davidson High School and Theodore High School.  At Williamson, Barry James says the "prowl" made him feel special.  One other target was Davidson defensive tackle Pat McNeil.  McNeil is the younger brother of injured safety Mike McNeil.
• C.J. Moseley was also impressed by the seven man visit to Theodore High School.
• Prattville athlete Sam Gibson visited Auburn this weekend. 
• Jonathan Mincy has named his top three as Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee.
• Tank Sessions visited Auburn this weekend.  He included Auburn in his top five along with Georgia, Ole Miss, Florida State and Oregon.  If he picks up a visit from UGA I see him picking them.
• Corey Crawford enjoyed the "environment" on his visit this weekend.  

Phelon Jones

Phelon Jones wanted to transfer to Auburn from LSU but was reportedly turned down.  He instead will transfer to Alabama.  

"Prowling"

Seven Auburn coaches will begin a four week recruiting tour in a decked out Auburn limo.  The white limo with Auburn magnets and flags will focus all seven of the coaches' attention on the selected areas they visit.  Curtis Luper, Gus Malzahn, Ted Roof, Trooper Taylor, Tommy Thigpen, Phillip Lolley and Jay Boulware will be on the trips. The schedule is as follows:

Monday-Mobile

Tuesday-Central and southeast Alabama (Enterprise, Ariton, Troy, Greenville and the Montgomery area)

Wednesday-Auburn/Opelika, Prattville, Phenix City, etc.

Thursday-Birmingham area schools such as Hoover, Vestavia, Pelham...

NCAA regulations allow for a maximum of seven coaches out at a time without the head coach.  Some coaches will be interchangeable throughout the week.  More to come on this "prowl" as Coach Luper has put it.

Auburn Possibly Close To Fifth Commit and Other Updates

Nigel Terrell nearly committed to the Tigers tonight. He wants more time to talk with his family but he says he considered committing after a visit today. His mother already approves. He said Auburn is feeling right and wants to be committed to the school he will play for by the end of the summer.

• Marcus Lattimore attended the Athens Nike Camp this weekend. Coming out of it, he told Rivals that Auburn is still his leader. He's down to seven schools and is planning official visits for Auburn, Georgia and Florida State. He will wait to announce his decision after next high school football season.
• Wide receiver Rod Smith has agreed to sign with the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers chose to draft Demetrious Byrd instead of Smith in the 7th round.
• Tez Doolittle has agreed in principle with the Seattle Seahawks.
• Steve Gandy will work out for the Saints, Texans and Chiefs.
• Coaches will be hitting the road for the next four weeks.

Sunday Fun Day

Sorry for no post yesterday so I will sum everything up today:

• The draft is not over yet but thus far three Auburn players have been drafted. Sen'Derrick Marks went in the second round to the Tennessee Titans with the 62nd overall pick. Jerraud Powers went to the Indianapolis Colts in the third round with the 92nd overall pick and Tyronne Green went in the fourth round to the Chargers with the 133rd overall pick.
• Auburn's top 2010 recruiting target and 141st best player in the nation, Jeremy Richardson, has named Auburn as his leader. He visited Auburn this weekend. He is a four star who says the coaching staff has told him that he would be the number one receiver right away. The bad news is that he wants to wait until Signing Day to decide. Other schools to watch out for are LSU, Florida, Alabama and Georgia.
• Auburn offered Richardson's Springville teammate Chase Hughes this weekend. The center has named Auburn as his number one and his older brother is a student at Auburn.
• Four star safety Alec Ogletree and his twin brother Alexander visited Auburn this weekend. Alec and Alexander are considered a package deal and want to play together in college. Auburn is recruiting Alec as a safety and Alexander as an outside linebacker. They both enjoyed their visit. Alec currently has an offer from Auburn while Alexander does not. Alec is the number 31 player in the nation.
• Anthony Williams picked up an offer from South Carolina this weekend. In a GamecockCentral article he mentioned his love of Auburn.

TGIF

Hey everybody.  This week and the next week and a half will be stressful with finals coming up so I do not know how much I will be posting.  I will try to get one every day but no guarantees.  Good luck to any of the readers who have finals coming up, I am dreading mine.

• The NFL Draft is tomorrow and I see only three Tigers ending up being drafted.  Out of the ten eligible Tigers, I see Sen'Derrick Marks, Tyronne Green and Jerraud Powers.  ESPN.com rates Marks as the 7th best defensive tackle, Green as the third best guard and Powers as the 20th best cornerback in the draft.  Lester could be picked but I doubt it.  After last years draft, Marks was projected to be the 3rd best player in the draft this year but has since fallen down lists.  I expect to see him in the second or early third round.
• DeMarcus Milliner, a four star cornerback, visited Auburn on Thursday for the first time.  He is the 30th best player in the nation for 2010.  He said it went great but he does not have any favorites. "They say that (Alabama's leading) because I've been there the most and haven't really visited anywhere else. But I'm really not leaning toward anyone right now. I don't want to make a decision too early and then regret it. It could be the fall or signing day when I announce. I'm not in a big rush." 
• That's really all I've got today.  This blog is still a new thing for me but I am thinking about opening it up to all Auburn sports.  I'd love to get all of y'all's feedback.  Leave a comment if you think it's a good idea.

Recruiting News and Notes

• Four star DE Anthony Williams said Auburn and Georgia Tech "stick out" so far.  He has only visited those two schools though.  He says he has always been an Auburn fan.   He also made sure to stress that he has other schools he is seriously considering.
• Fla. athlete Jarred Haggins says he wants to make his decision soon.  Auburn is one of his 8 offers.  Many consider him a FSU lock considering his uncle coaches there.
• Nigel Terrell received an offer from Auburn on Monday night.  Also recently receiving offers are Neiron Ball, JUCO offensive lineman John Cullen and 
• Carver offensive lineman David Beasley has Auburn in his top five along with Alabama, Southern Miss, Maryland and Miami.
• Solomon Patton did not name his leaders but says the schools that stand out the most are Auburn, Alabama, Florida, Southern Miss, Ole Miss and Tennessee.  He will try to hold off on committing.
• The second best running back in the state of Georgia, Ken Malcome, named his top five as Auburn, Georgia, Florida State, West Virginia and Clemson.  He is a three star on Scout.com.  

LaDarius Owens News/A Few Notes

I've always felt that, for many reasons, that Auburn was in the lead for LaDarius Owens. It has pretty much come down to Auburn and Alabama with LSU lingering around. Today, however, Owens was quoted as saying he was "not comfortable" at Alabama on his visit this weekend. The ESPNU 150 watch list linebacker has also been a lifelong Auburn fan and his uncle James, was the first African American to play football at Auburn. He has, however, recently stated that Auburn previously was his favorite but now that he has taken visits, he cannot name a favorite. That was about a week ago. He will be back in Auburn this Friday.

• 2009 signee Josh Jackson finally made his first first official visit to Auburn this weekend. Emory Blake and Philip Lutzenkirchen were also in town.
• Gadsden, AL cornerback Dale Trimble visited this weekend. He said he looks forward to going back. He did say Auburn is recruiting him the hardest. He will wait until Signing Day to sign. ESPN.com gives him a grade of 79.
• Stephenson (GA) defensive lineman Michael Thornton was also in Auburn this weekend.
• 2010 commitment Shaun Kitchens was in Auburn this weekend. He said the visit solidified his commitment.

Auburn Offers Big Time Offensive Tackle

Auburn offered two sport star Evan Washington this weekend.  Washington has been recruited by Curtis Luper since Luper was at Oklahoma State.  Washington is in no hurry to make a decision and he plans to visit Auburn sometime this summer.  He is out of DeSoto, TX.  Rivals is yet to assign him stars but Scout has given him four stars and ranked him the 6th best offensive tackle. He carries offers from schools such as Miami, Nebraska, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Kansas State. He also is listed on Rivals as a power forward in basketball.  Orangebloods.com named Washington the "best kept secret in Texas".  He is on the ESPNU 150 Watch List even though he had never even played organized football until the 2008 season.  His father, Marvin Washington, played 11 seasons in the NFL for the Jets, 49ers and Broncos.

Early Monday Notes

• More articles have been written regarding Marcus Lattimore's visit.  Lattimore told SCVarsity.com that not only is Auburn number one, but they also have a "big lead".
• Offensive tackle recruit Eric Mack was in Tuscaloosa for Alabama's spring game this weekend.  He did say he has Auburn "very high" and wants to return to the Plains very soon.
• LaDarius Owens was also in Tuscaloosa.  He now lists his top three as Auburn, Alabama and LSU.  He still has not decided if he will commit in the spring or hold out.
• Jonathan Mincy has listed his top three now as Tennessee, Auburn and Georgia.  He brought his mom for a visit to Auburn last week.  He was in Tennessee this weekend.
• Four star defensive end Anthony Williams took in Georgia Tech's spring game this weekend.  Williams has named Auburn and Tech as his top two.  He will attend the NIKE Camp this weekend.
• Commitment Jake Holland was at the Scout.com Southeast Elite Camp Sunday in Tuscaloosa.  
• I've seen our new commitment's name spelled Shon, Shun and Shalon so I am trying to sort out which he goes by right now. 
• The coaching staff gave interviews Sunday.  Nothing surprising came out of those.  Chizik said he needs more than 15 practices to decide his starting quarterback but he does not want it to eat too far into fall practice.  Ted Roof named Craig Stevens as the top defender for the spring.  

This Is Why They Call Us Runningback U

Auburn is now the leader for the top three running backs in the nation after Marcus Lattimore visited this weekend.  Lattimore says Auburn is his number one now, ahead of UGA and FSU.  Lattimore says he spoke with Lache Seastrunk earlier and told him it was way better than Seastrunk even explained.  He says he could "definitely see myself" playing for Auburn.  Lattimore is Rivals' number two running back in the nation.  Lache Seastrunk is number one and he visited Auburn last weekend, calling it the best visit he's ever had in his life.  Michael Dyer, the number three running back, also has Auburn atop his board.

Recruiting Note

Damien Robinson, a four star from Olive Branch, MS and Shon Coleman's teammate, actually did not make it to A-Day.  

My Complete A-Day Package (And A LARGE Commitment)

Okay, so I took a day off on the biggest day of spring yesterday. Most of you probably watched the game and I just finally was able to.

• Everyone's probably seen the game so the biggest news I can start out with today is the commitment we picked up yesterday. Shon Coleman out of Olive Branch, MS committed. He is 6'7", 275 pounds. 2008 signee Daren Bates played at Olive Branch also and this could help nab four star teammate Damien Robinson. Coleman is yet to receive a star ranking on Rivals, Scout or ESPNU.
• Everyone knows, the offense surprisingly dominated the defense in the scrimmage. The defense won the first two scrimmages of spring but on A-Day, the offense won 57-31.
• Attendance was 45,381.
• Ben Tate had 46 and 9 yard touchdown runs. Terrell Zachary ran an end around for a 70 yard touchdown. Freshman Onterio McCalebb also had a 70 yard touchdown run. Mario Fannin caught a short touchdown pass and Darvin Adams had a 34 yard TD reception.
• Wes Byrum was 1 for 2, making a 46 yarder and missing from 51.
• Quarterbacks: Neil Caudle 11-16, 161 yards, 2 TDs. Kodi Burns 3-8 for 48 yards. Brent Poole 2-2 for 12 yards.
• Darvin Adams was the leading receiver with 4 catches for 103 yards and a touchdown.
• Michael Goggans was the defensive star with two tackles for loss including a sack. Matthew Sample led the defense with 6 tackles.
• I'll have more tonight.

Slacker

I'm unable to watch the A-Day game at all so I will not be able to make any comments.  Leave any observations or anything on the comments.  I'd love to read them.  I know offense is currently winning (wow) 50-22 or something like that.  Post some observations.

2010 Recruits I KNOW Are in Auburn This Weekend (Via Rivals)

1. Marcus Lattimore
2. Damien Robinson (Yes, he IS coming, he has been back and forth)
3. Shun Coleman
4. DeAngelo Benton (2009 signee)
5. Eric Lawson
6. Corey Crawford
7. Brandon Smith  
8. Gabriel Wright (2011)
9. Antonio Goodwin
10. Brian Vogler
11. Ken Adams and Reggie Hunt (2008 signees)
12. Two commitments: Cody Parkey and Shaun Kitchens
13. Future walk-ons Blake Burgess
14. J.C. Copeland
15. Fred Allen
16. Jamal Bruce
17. Desi Lane
18. Evan Wilson
19. Lacy Coleman
20. Derrick Billups
21. Fred Carter
22. Rodney Thomas
23. Michael Carlisle
24. Tevin Davis
25. Robert Parker
26. Cameron Groce
27. Anthony Hardy
28. Jordan Stanley
29. Preston Hatcher
30. Marques Pair

Confirmed: Trotter Torn ACL

Coming into spring, Barrett Trotter hoped he would be in consideration to work with the first team on A-Day.  Now, Trotter is hoping to rehab for next season.  Many reported that Trotter and Nel Caudle got roughed up in Thursday's scrimmage but the extent of injuries were unknown.  Now it has been confirmed that Trotter tore his left ACL.  He will be operated on by Dr. James Andrews.  

A-Day

Due to everything tomorrow, an update from A-Day may not come until Sunday.

Thursday Practice Report

Thursday's final practice of spring was a scrimmage in Jordan-Hare and it is being described as a very physical affair.

• It is considered a "half" scrimmage.
• Neil Caudle and Barrett Trotter both took hard hits and got a little dinged up. Their exact injuries are unknown. Both seemed to be fine and returned to the scrimmage according to Mike Blanc.
• The defense again dominated the offense by just about doubling up the offense's score. (50 something to 20 something).
• Onterio McCalebb had two long runs.
• Jomarcus Savage has been moved to defensive tackle.
• Players not participating in A-Day include Aairon Savage, Gabe McKenzie, Zac Etheridge, and Eric Smith. Tommy Trott and Antoine Carter are questionable but doubtful. Mike Slade also has some sort of injury making the secondary even weaker. No word as to whether he is questionable for the A-Day game. Philip Pierre-Louis will have minimal playing time.
• Harry Adams reportedly had a good half scrimmage at receiver.
• Kodi Burns threw a touchdown pass to Derek Winter.
• It's late, I'm going to bed. I'll work on some more information tomorrow.

Lattimore Expected At A-Day

Running Back U has made great strides so far in the 2010 recruiting season for the top running backs. The number one running back, Lache Seastrunk, visited Auburn and said it was the best visit he's had and I believe Auburn is in his top 2. The third best running back in the nation, Michael Dyer, has visited Auburn and lists them in his top 3. It's not surprising, then, that the number two running back in the nation, five star Marcus Lattimore, will take in A-Day. The ESPNU 150 back out of South Carolina has not really mentioned much about Auburn but will be one of many recruits in attendance. Lattimore has previously mentioned Auburn in his top 10.

There are expected to be around 60 recruits in Auburn on Saturday. Auburn has to compete with other spring games this weekend such as Alabama, West Virginia and Tennessee. Damien Robinson was originally supposed to visit this weekend has since backed out. Brian Vogler attended practice today.

2008 signees Robert Cooper, Anthony Gulley, Daren Bates, Andre Harris, John Sullen, Philip Lutzenkirchen, Taikwon Paige and Travante Stallworth will also be in attendance.

Jones Picks Stanford

Auburn wide receiver target Tai-ler Jones has ended his recruitment by committing to Stanford. Auburn seems to have been out of the race for a while but just keeping everyone up to date. I really liked this kid.

Also, I stated yesterday that four star Anthony Williams said Auburn was at the top of his list. Also atop his list are the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Williams says these are his top two.

Wednesday Notes

• Four star wide receiver Antonio Goodwin made his second visit to Auburn this weekend for the scrimmage. Goodwin says he likes to coaches and facilities. He says he does not have any favorites but is looking "hard" at Auburn.
• Auburn's athletics director Jay Jacobs turned down an offer to play in the opening game of the season for 2010 in the Georgia Dome. Auburn turned down an offer to play against UCLA citing a full schedule. Jacobs did offer to play them in the 2012 season. Auburn has a prior arrangement with Arkansas State to open the season.
• Here is the scoring system:
• Offense: 6 points for touchdown, 3 for field goal, 2 for a play of 15+ yards, 2 for three consecutive first downs, 1 for an extra point.
• Defense: 7 points for a touchdown, 5 for a turnover, 4 for a sack, 3 for a blocked field goal, 2 for a three and out, 2 for a tackle for loss, 1 for blocked PAT.
• Game will be televised on CSS. Game will have four twelve minute quarters.
• Radio Abbeville, WESZ, 98.7-FMAndalusia, WAAO-FM 103.7-FMAuburn-Opelika, WKKR 97.7-FMBirmingham, WJOX 94.5-FMColquitt, GA, WCOQ 90.5-FMDothan, WJRL 103.9-FMFoley, WHEP 1310-AMFort Payne, WZOB 1250-AMGuntersville, WTWX 95.9-FMMobile, WNSP 105.5-FMMontgomery, WMSP 740-AMRoanke/LaGrange, GA WELR 102.3-FMSelma, WDXX 100.1-FMTalladega/Anniston, WTDR 92.7-FMXM Satellite Radio, Channel 201Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 212.
• Tickets are $5.
• Four star defensive end Anthony Williams told AuburnUndercover that he is "high" on Auburn and that they are at the top of his list.

Tuesday Wrap-Up

Having posted my notes I took from practice earlier, here is everything else I can find including recruiting and post-practice interviews:

• Gus Malzahn confirmed that the quarterback battle has been narrowed. Kodi and Caudle will get the majority of the reps. Malzahn also noted that Barrett Trotter is not out of the "race" but he just will not receive as many reps. He made sure to note that no quarterback has been named starter or co-starter.
• Safety Mike McNeil underwent surgery to repair his broken shin on Saturday. Rivals is reporting 6-8 weeks until he has recovered but teammate Mike Slade said 8-10 weeks, being 100% by August camps.
• I noted that Montez Billings was not in pads. He was at practice in sweats and his jersey. Coach Gene Chizik has attributed this to an academic issue that they are "trying to clear up". I'll try to find out more.
• The offensive line remains a problem. There are currently only seven healthy scholarship o-linemen which is not many with the pace that our offense runs at.
• Another thing I noticed were many drops by the receivers today. I counted three drops by Mario Fannin alone, only one of which was contested. Trooper Taylor seems to be good at actually COACHING the receivers and I feel confident in his ability to help this group.
• Walk-on kicker Chandler Brooks has been hampered by some sort of injury and Wes Byrum has been consistent and has taken back the number one job according to Coach Boulware. In the opening special teams of practice I did not see a missed field goal but Boulware said Byrum was 7 for 8 Tuesday.
• Boulware noted that Clinton Durst is the leading punter.
• Coach Gene Chizik has said that Auburn's scoring system for A-Day will be released later this week. The defense can score various points for turnovers, sacks, etc.
• I know I said recruiting would be in this but I will include recruiting updates in tomorrow's notes.

Early Practice Notes

I just got back from practice. Here are some rough notes:

• The quarterback battle looks like it is down to just Caudle and Kodi. They were the only two quarterbacks who saw action in the scrimmage.
• The only three players back to return punts were Justin Albert, Quindarius Carr and Philip Pierre-Louis. I don't know if that means it has been narrowed down to these three.
• Philip Pierre-Louis was not wearing an orange non-contact jersey today but was wearing a nice sized brace. Aairon Savage was the only player I really noticed in an orange jersey. Montez Billings was not dressed out. I saw Savage limping after doing one on one drills vs. Pierre-Louis.
• Tommy Trott was with receivers and spent a lot of time catching balls off of the football throwing machine.
• Harry Adams has changed numbers to 8 with his position change. After dropping one pass, Trooper Taylor commended Adams for his route running. He was running very sharp routes. He took reps with the second team.
• Philip Pierre-Louis was running with the second team playing the "H-back" position that Mario Fannin runs on first team.
• Eltoro Freeman looks like he might have tweeked something. He was being worked on but it did not look too serious. Josh Bynes also appeared to be in some sort of pain but again, nothing too serious.
• Mike Slade is running first and second team at safety with Mike McNeil out.
• Practice was two hours with the last 20 minutes being scrimmage.
• In the scrimmage, Caudle and Burns took close to equal snaps. Kodi threw a touchdown pass to Mario Fannin. The scrimmage ended on a fumble on a goalline stand by the defense. Caudle threw one bad ball in the scrimmage that should have been picked but it was dropped.
• I did not see a whole lot of Onterio McCalebb. I do not think he was in the scrimmage but I couldn't really tell.
• I'll try and get more on here later tonight, these are just the rough notes I have right now.

LaDarius Owens Update

ESPNU 150 watch list linebacker LaDarius Owens has close ties to Auburn which made me believe he was an Auburn lock early on. He himself now has said Auburn used to be his favorite but now that he has taken some visits he is pretty wide open. Owens told ESPN.com that unless he knows where he wants to play at the end of spring, he will probably wait until National Signing Day. Owens' uncle played at Auburn.

A Few Notes

• Lache Seastrunk stayed in Auburn through this morning with his mother before catching a flight back to Texas.
• Jawara White visited this weekend. He says he is still wide open in recruiting but stays in contact with Zac Etheridge throughout the process. White and Etheridge attended the same high school.
• 2008 signee Ken Adams was in Auburn this weekend. He says he still plans on signing with Auburn.
• Early weather reports for A-Day are projecting partly cloudy, high of 71, low of 55 with a 20% chance of precipitation. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to roll into Auburn on Sunday.
• Former Auburn baseball coach Paul Nix has passed away at the age of 76. Nix coached Auburn for 22 (1963-1984) seasons to 515 wins. He was named SEC Coach of the Year five times. Visitation will be Wednesday between 6 and 8 pm at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika. Service will be held Thursday at 2 pm at Auburn United Methodist Church. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bethany House.

Quarterback Decision Coming Soon?

It appears as if Gus Malzahn is ready to make his decision on the number one quarterback. The race is between Kodi Burns and Neil Caudle. Malzahn has hinted that he was ready to make the decision with the A-Day game coming this Saturday. I am expecting an announcement tomorrow but don't hold me to that.

Trovon Reed High On AU

The number two wide receiver in the nation, Trovon Reed, is reportedly high on Auburn. The number 14 overall player in the nation visited this weekend with close friend and number 2 overall player in the nation, Lache Seastrunk. Seastrunk was blown away with his visit and Reed seemed to enjoy his too. Reed says Auburn has been high on his list and he says if he had a top five, Auburn would definitely be in there. The key position targets for Auburn for the 2010 season seem to be offensive line, linebacker and wide receiver. Reed would definitely be a big addition to Auburn but don't expect a decision too soon because he plans on taking all of his visits.

Videos For Two Commitments

For your viewing pleasure, videos for Shaun Kitchens and Jake Holland.

Kitchens #4


Holland #5

UGA Gets Auburn Target

Kolton Houston was in Auburn Thursday for practice and seemed very impressed. He is listed as a defensive tackle but Auburn was recruiting him as an offensive guard. Houston told AuburnSports.com he would wait until late June to make his decision. As of Friday, his board was "wide open". All of that does not matter now, however, as Houston committed to Georgia yesterday after their spring game.

Easter Sunday Brings Good News

Hey all. I finally have my computer back and so will be able to update regularly again. Hopefully everyone is having a good Easter weekend and taking in some Masters (what a day by Phil so far today) and maybe some Braves-Nationals. Here's a few notes I've got for now and I will probably update later tonight:

• I'm hearing rumors that five star running back Lache Seastrunk was "blown away" with his visit to Auburn. He was very impressed and I feel Auburn made great strides with him this weekend. He told AuburnUndercover it was the "best visit I've had in my entire life".
• Mike McNeil's injury is a break of his shin, six inches above the ankle. He will wear a boot for 6-8 weeks until it is healed. He will be full speed by July.
• Reports about Anthony Williams' visit have come back positive. It was the four star defensive end's second visit to the Plains. He says the chemistry between he and Coach Rocker is definitely getting strong. He says he really likes Auburn and could come to the spring game this weekend although many schools have theirs this weekend.
• Last week, Jonathan Mincy named Auburn as at the top of his list and after visiting this weekend he is standing by that but says Tennessee is also at the top. I incorrectly listed an offer from Auburn on an update earlier this week. He has an offer from Tennessee but expects one from Auburn soon.
• More to come later tonight.

Saturday's Scrimmage and Misc.

I've had computer problems lately so I have not been able to keep the site up to date but I will be able to again beginning tomorrow. Also, I did not update last night due to being stranded in the downpour at the Braves-Nationals game until late. Here's my Saturday notes:

• Saturday morning was the second scrimmage of spring with the defense dominating the offense.
• Starting safety Mike McNeil reportedly left the game in an ambulance with a leg injury which is likely to be a broken leg/ankle. He should be back for regular season. McNeil's replacement will either be Mike Slade, Drew Cole or Christian Thompson.
• Onterio McCalebb had a long 50+ (some reporting 60-70) yard run.
• Ben Tate had a touchdown to follow.
• Neiko Thorpe had an interception for a touchdown and Cameron Henderson also had a pick. Caudle threw the pick to Thorpe.
• There were around 70 plays run.
• Antonio Coleman had two sacks.
• All three quarterbacks (Burns, Caudle, Trotter) took equal reps.
• Onterio McCalebb and Justin Albert have been listed as the "stand outs" on offense.
• Philip Pierre-Louis played around 20 plays according to Trooper Taylor.
• Recruits attending (stars on Rivals, if any thus far) : Anthony Williams (4), Lache Seastrunk (5), Trovon Reed (4), Corey Grant (4), Jonathan Mincy, Antonio Goodwin (4), Jawara White and Marc Gooch. I've also heard commit Shaun Kitchens was in attendance.
• Rumors that swirled about a disagreement between Coleman and Tracy Rocker were reportedly "blown out of proportion" and that Coleman simply left the field to seek help with an injury.
• Kodi Burns had praise for the early play of the offense but then the offense became sluggish.
• Tim Hawthorne also received praise for his receiving and some raved about the deep threat of new wide receiver Harry Adams.

Iron Bowl/Recruiting/Early Friday Notes

Hey all I am in a rush to post this because I am about to be out the door for the Braves home opener. I will update with anything again when I get home from the game. Here's what I've got right now:

• The Iron Bowl has been moved to the Friday after Thanksgiving instead of that Saturday for the 2009 and 2010 seasons via a deal with CBS to nationally broadcast the games. This season's home game versus the Tide will be at a miserable 1:30.
• Rivals is reporting that we are the leaders for a four star offensive lineman, O.C. Brown. He visited Thursday and today. Auburn is number one and the rest of his top 5 are LSU, Colorado, USM and Kentucky.
• Sorry this was very rushed and I will have a full post later tonight.

Note: Error in Previous Post Fixed

I previously incorrectly wrote that it was likely Montez Billings would return for spring practice. I meant to put that he is unlikely to return this spring. It has been corrected.

Thursday Notes

• I know for a fact two signees out of the 2008 recruiting class will visit this week/weekend. Ken Adams and Reggie Hunt are both in attendance. I believe they arrived for Thursday's practice. Hunt is at Copiah-Lincoln Community College and I'm not sure where Adams currently is.
• The biggest news out of practice is that Harry Adams has moved back from cornerback to wide receiver, hoping to exploit his speed.
• Montez Billings is not likely to return to playing this spring due to injury.
• Eric Smith is day to day after injurying his leg Tuesday. Possibly a bruised bone?
• Onterio McCalebb is also day to day with a hamstring injury.
• Practice was 90 minutes on Thursday with a scrimmage coming again Saturday at Jordan Hare Stadium at 10:30 am which is closed.
• Kodi and Neil Caudle still were splitting reps with the ones. Sorry you had to read that possibly expecting something different.
• Second string safety Mike Slade reportedly had "nearly" 10 tackles in Saturday's scrimmage. Zac Etheridge and Mike McNeil remain starters at the safeties.
• The only running backs not banged up right now that are considered to receive playing time are Ben Tate, walk-on Justin Albert and Mario Fannin, although Fannin is taking a lot of reps running and catching the ball.
• Jay Boulware says he no longer considers Chandler Brooks the number one kicker but I am about to stop writing about this because it changes every day.
• Boulware did say we will run a "spread punt" with six or seven gunners and a small group of blockers to protect the punter.
• 2010 linebacker prospect Tyrone Cornileus made his first visit to the Plains on Thursday. He was "very impressed". He currently holds offers from Auburn, Boston College, Ole Miss, Miami, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Western Kentucky. Miami is believed to lead right now.
• More to come if I find more.

Big Time Visitors This Weekend

As I reported first yesterday, Rivals has confirmed that number one running back and number two overall player in the nation Lache Seastrunk will visit the Plains this weekend. As I noted this seems especially important because Seastrunk is traveling all the way from the state of Texas to Auburn to watch a Saturday practice. It will be Seastrunk's first ever visit to Auburn. Lache (pronounced "lake") says he wants to get a feel for the university and adds that Auburn has made a good impression on his mom, which is important.

Another BIG visitor this weekend is Trovon Reed. Reed is the number 2 receiver and number 14 overall player in the nation, according to Rivals.com. Reed is a four star on Rivals and a five star on Scout.com. He is out of Thibodaux, LA.

Two Wednesday Notes

• Jonathan Mincy visited practice as I reported last night. He has called Auburn his favorite. Mincy has offers from Auburn, Tennessee, Maryland, Ole Miss and Akron.
• A four star defensive end, Anthony Williams, has named Auburn a "good fit" for him. He says he has always been an Auburn fan. He is a part of the Rivals 250.

Auburn, 'Bama Win Bid For HS Football Championships

Auburn and Alabama have won the bid to host the Alabama high school football championships but lost their bid for basketball. The football championship will be held at Jordan Hare stadium in 2010, 2012 and 2014. The Super 6 agreement will last for six years while basketball's Final 48 will stay in Birmingham.

Tuesday Practice

Little has come out about Tuesday's practice mainly because it took place in Jordan Hare. A second scrimmage will also take place in Jordan Hare Stadium on Saturday alike to that of last Saturday. Here are a few notes though:

• Pat Dye addressed the team on Pat Dye field before the practice. Chizik called it an eye-opener to have Dye talk to them.
• Antoine Carter will be fine after his Sunday leg injury but remains day to day.
• Jay Boulware stressed that he wishes for consistency in both aspects of the kicking game. He called the kicker position a "pick-'em" and that the punting job is up for grabs between Shoemaker and Durst.
• Chizik was impressed with the improvements in the running game but said that the offense is still missing some intensity.
• No real news out of the quarterback battle but Jay Tate seems to think Burns believes he has earned the job.
• Other than Mack, Auburn hosted three other prospects in practice: Quantavious Leslie, Gary Robinson and Jonathan Mincy.

Non-Practice Notes

Just a few things:

• Craig Sanders, a top defensive end, visited Auburn this weekend. Sanders has not eliminated anyone but has said his top teams are probably Auburn, Alabama and Florida.
• I am hearing that five star Lache Seastrunk, the top running back for the 2010 class, will be visiting practice this Easter weekend. I find it to be a pretty big deal that the number 2 overall player in the nation will travel across half the country for a practice.
• Eric Mack remained in Auburn all day today and I believe he attended practice. Practice notes will come soon.

Quick Recruiting Note

Rivals is reporting that top offensive lineman Eric Mack visited Auburn for the first time today. The Palmetto State star is now considering Auburn after previously knowing little about the Plains. Mack said he felt at home and especially liked the coaching staff. One aspect that could figure greatly into his decision is early playing time and that is very likely at Auburn. Mack even feels he could beat out most current linemen and the staff told him he could possibly start as a true freshman. More to come.

AU Plates Now Available for South Carolina

Auburn license plates are now available for the state of South Carolina. The Palmetto Auburn Club is still accepting applications to be one of the first 100 to get one. North Carolina is now taking applications also to be one of the first to have an Auburn NC plate. Plates are also available for Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia and Mississippi.

Click here for South Carolina information.

Click here for North Carolina information.

Notes For Monday

I did not really have time to update last night with regards to practice. I will include a few notes in here:

• As reported by just about every other site, Eltoro Freeman was working as first team will linebacker ahead of Spencer Pybus. Freeman had been working with second team at sam linebacker.
• Marcus Jemison has moved from safety to linebacker. He told the Press-Register he is happy with the change. He will play sam.
• Still no movement in competition for the starting quarterback position.
• Corey Grant was not spotted at practice. I reported he would be in attendance but it is not clear if he was.
• Defensive end Antoine Carter left practice with a leg injury. He is day to day.
• 2009 recruit Quay Moncrief was at practice and plans to walk on in the fall.
• D.J. Howard described his visit as "terrific" and he loved it. I believe Howard is very underrated due to injuries and could see him wanting to come to Auburn. Just a hunch.
• One of the many 2010 running back targets, Storm Johnson, has named LSU as his early favorite. He also named FSU, USC, UF, Oklahoma, Auburn and Tennessee as "in the mix".
• Target DeMarco Cobbs named Southern Cal as his early favorite.
• Running back recruit Terrance Martin plans to camp at Auburn. He will also attend camps at Alabama, Tennessee and Ole Miss. He does not currently list any offers.

A Weak O-Line Gets Weaker

Coach Chizik confirmed yesterday that we have lost another offensive lineman, Kyle Coulahan. He has quit the team to focus on academics.

Sunday's Practice

Practice today will begin at 5 PM CST. There are four top recruits expected to be in attendance:

• Four star Opelika High School running back Corey Grant.
• Four star Springville High School wide receiver Jeremy Richardson.
• Lincoln High School running back D.J. Howard. Howard currently does not have any stars but ESPNU gave him a grade of 77 and as a sophomore his head coach said he was the best Alabama sophomore running back since Carnell Williams.
• Four star Ariton High School defensive end Craig Sanders.

Saturday Scrimmage

• There is no real gap still between Kodi Burns and Neil Caudle and I would not expect one by the end of spring practice.
• Kodi and Caudle both threw touchdowns in the scrimmage but Caudle threw an interception. Quarterbacks went live for the scrimmage.
• By all accounts I have received, the defense "won" the scrimmage.
• Eric Smith and Onterio McCalebb had big runs. Terrell Zachary caught the touchdown from Caudle. Mike Slade intercepted Caudle.
• Game took place in Jordan-Hare and was closed to the public and media.
• Starting receivers were Zachary, Hawthorne and Darvin Adams.
• Onterio McCalebb reportedly fumbled on the final drive and Cameron Henderson recovered, allowing for the defense's victory. Drew Cole caused the fumble.
• Ben Tate described his performance as "poor" and said he fumbled, among other things.
• Ralph Spry Jr. caught a touchdown from Burns.
• DT Zach Clayton recorded two sacks.
• Justin Albert reportedly had a long run.
• Mario Fannin was limited by an ankle injury that has hampered him most of spring.
• In Auburn's scoring system, which I do not personally know, the defense won 45-40.
• Mike McNeil was given a lot of credit in helping the defense.

Another Recruiting Note

I mentioned Michael Taylor visited this weekend. Taylor does not currently hold a scholarship offer from Auburn. He does, however, hold offers from LSU, UGA, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and N.C. State. Taylor has Georgia number one but if Auburn offers he says the Tigers would be number 2 with a shot at number one.

Sunday Recruiting Notes

Yesterday was a busy day in Auburn football but it was also the Alpha Psi Rodeo so you understand the lack of quality updates right? If you know the rodeo you know what I mean. Here are some notes:

• Top in-state linebacker LaDarius Owens has narrowed his choices to Auburn and Alabama. I like Auburn to win this guy. Owens has family ties to Auburn and he says he wants to have a decision soon. He is also close to Jake Holland who committed yesterday and Owens says that seriously helps.
• Four star defensive tackle Jeffrey Whitaker picked up an offer on his visit to the Plains this weekend. Whitaker says he has no favorites at all but "Auburn's on the map".
• Cornerback Darius Robinson has said that Auburn is now his favorite. He and Westlake teammate Michael Taylor visited this weekend. Robinson does not currently have an offer from Auburn.
• Safety Davin Hawkins visited Auburn for the third time this weekend. While calling Auburn "top notch", he says he plans to wait until National Signing Day to decide.
• Four star offensive tackle James Stone (Number 36 on the Rivals 100) visited Auburn this weekend. He has also visited Vanderbilt, Alabama and Tennessee. He says the visit definitely put Auburn on his radar. Linemen is Auburn's top priority.

Two In One Day

Auburn picked up it's second commitment of the day and third overall today. Wide receiver Shaun Kitchens committed to the Tigers. Kitchens is on the ESPNU 150 Watch List. Kitchens has an unbelievable combination of size, speed and athleticism. He could play receiver, safety or outside linebacker. Kitchens also has offers from Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Kentucky, N.C. State and West Virginia.

Dyer Confirms Auburn Is His Favorite

Five star running back Michael Dyer told Husker Illustrated today that, above all, Auburn has been his favorite thus far. So far Dyer has unofficially visited Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia Tech and Oklahoma. He visited Arkansas Friday. He plans to visit Tennessee and Oklahoma again very soon. He said "(Auburn would) be at the top right now".

Auburn Picks Up Second Commitment (Now With Video)

Auburn picked up their second commitment of the 2010 class today. Pelham High School's Jake Holland committed after visiting Thursday's practice. He says he is not visiting any other schools right now and is fully committed to Auburn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jur_N4QzvZ0

A-Day Has A Sponsor

Auburn's A-Day is now officially, A-Day Presented by the U.S. Navy. That is all for now.

Friday Notes: Thursday Practice, Recruiting and a Transfer?

• Phelon Jones has been granted a release from his scholarship with LSU and wants to transfer to Auburn. Jones has not visited or been in contact with Auburn but sent his information to them this morning. His link is to his 2007 recruiting profile in which he was a four star athlete.
• Kenneth Carter named Auburn and Alabama as his leaders to Rivals although he told ESPN that his favorites included Ole Miss.
• LB Jake Holland visited practice Thursday.
• Ben Tate and Eric Smith split first team reps.
• Thats the only noteworthy points I can find right now.

Tickets Now Ordered Online

Ticket order forms will no longer be sent out through the mail. Tickets must now be ordered online at AuburnTigers.com. Order forms are now available online for Tigers Unlimited members who have made their contribution by March 31, active full time faculty and staff and retired faculty and staff who ordered tickets last season. The deadline to order is May 1. Assistance can be found by emailing tickets@auburn.edu or calling 334-844-4040, extension one.

Running Back U Hosts Big Visitor

Local four star running back Corey Grant visited Auburn's practice Wednesday. Grant plays for Opelika High School but that does not guarantee him to Auburn. Grant says he is likely to wait to commit anywhere and could even hold off until signing day. After watching practice, Grant says he feels good about Auburn's offensive line. Grant currently has 12 offers including one from Auburn. He is a part of the Rivals 250 at number 124 in the country.

Also visiting was Greenville High School defensive tackle Kenneth Carter. Carter does not yet have stars on Rivals or Scout but is on the ESPNU 150 Watch List. He currently holds offers from Auburn, Clemson, Ole Miss and Southern Miss. Carter named his three favorites as Auburn, Alabama and Ole Miss.

Wednesday Practice/A Recruiting Update

• I'll start off saying Coach Boulware said that walk-on Chris Brooks was the best on field goals today including hitting a 51 yarder. He also said the kicking job is wide open between Brooks, Morgan Hull and returning starter Wes Byrum. I know his uncle reads the blog.
• Practice was individual drills and special teams followed by a short scrimmage. 30 to 35 plays took place. Saturday morning will be a scrimmage.
• Ben Tate and Onterio McCalebb had good runs in scrimmage play.
• Coach Chizik said no quarterback has put himself in the lead yet.
• Coach Malzahn is looking at Mario Fannin as being very productive in his offense.
• Trooper Taylor was very impressed with Tim Hawthorne and described Quindarius Carr as like "a limo without gas", looks good in practice but still is missing something.
• Coach Taylor, who is in control of the return game, narrowed a list of 9 down to four for punt returner. He named Carr, Fannin, Walt McFadden and Justin Albert as the candidates but I would imagine Philip Pierre-Louis would be considered come fall.
• Gabe McKenzie is still missing from practice with no word of when a return might happen. Don't take this to the bank but personally I am not expecting to see him play this spring.
• Josh Harris is the "clear" leader for the long snapping job followed by Bailey Woods and Dax Dellenbach, according to Jay Boulware.
• Next practice will be Thursday at 4:30 CST.
• In recruiting news, safety Nick Perry out of Prattville has committed to Alabama. Perry visited Auburn as recently as Thursday. It is 'Bama's fourth commitment for the 2010 class.
• More to come.

Former Defensive Coordinator Paul Davis Passes Away

Sadly, yesterday former Auburn defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Paul Davis died at age 87. Davis was defensive coordinator for Shug Jordan's defensive coordinator from 1967 to 1975. Davis stayed on staff with Doug Barfield from 1975 to 1980 and returned to coach for Pat Dye's staff from 1987-1990. Davis coached seven all-americans at Auburn and coached in nine bowl games.

Davis lettered two years at Ole Miss. He is survived by two children, son, Paul E. (Rett) Davis Jr. of Livingston, Ala., and daughter Becky Gibson of Lutz, Fla. He also has two grandchildren.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika will hold visitation on Saturday from 1 pm to 2 pm.

Mistake Yesterday, Practice Today

I made a mistake yesterday in stating that practice was taking practice even though the rain. Make-up practice has been scheduled for today at 4:30 PM CST.