Saturday, February 28, 2009

Two Visitors This Weekend

AuburnSports.com is reporting that David Oku and Jay Wisner are on visits this weekend with Wisner's being an official. Wisner is a JUCO WR out of Mission Viejo, CA who could sign with the 2009 class.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Auburn Sporting Events This Weekend

A quick look at Auburn's sporting events going on this weekend.

Thursday there is an away baseball game at Florida State and away tennis match at South Florida.

Friday baseball plays at FSU again, softball has a double-header against Nevada and California in Fullerton, CA, women's gymnastics compete at Alabama, track is competing in the SEC indoor championships and swim and dive competes at UGA.

Saturday men's basketball plays at Mississippi State, baseball brings FSU into town for a two day home series, softball has another double-header against Cal Poly and Indiana, women's tennis plays against Troy and Mercer, women's equestrian competes at UGA and the SEC indoor track championships and swim and dive continue.

Sunday the 6th ranked women's basketball team takes on Arkansas at home at 2 p.m., baseball wraps up their series with FSU at 1 p.m., softball plays Cal State Fullerton at Fullerton, men's tennis hosts North Carolina and the track and swimming and diving competitions roll on.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

An Early Look at The Offense

Gus Malzahn, Jeff Grimes and Jay Boulware chimed in to the Birmingham News. Here are some highlights.

Malzahn says the quarterback race will be wide open but will ideally go into the season with a "guy". Mario Fannin is the early favorite to run the Wildcat formation. Chris Todd will try to be ready for spring practice. Offensive tackles will start in a 2 point position and guards will be in a 3 point.

Jeff Grimes says that recruiting linemen is going to be a huge priority this year because the lack of linemen in the last two classes. Auburn signed 2 for the 2009 class and 3 in 2008 with Jermaine Johnson no longer with the team. Grimes says he is looking to sign one or two junior college linemen next year.

THE Top 2010 Priority

With the 2009 recruiting season ending (or still dragging on with Oku), AuburnSports.com is reporting that wide receiver Jeremy Richardson is Auburn's number one priority for the class of 2010. Richardson is reporting he is receiving handwritten letters from the Auburn staff every day.

Richardson, out of Springville High School in Alabama, grew up an Auburn fan but lost interest with Tommy Tuberville's departure. He says his interest is back on the rise.

Richardson is on the Rivals 250 to Watch for 2010 and is considered the best 2010 player from the state of Alabama.

As a junior, Richardson caught 61 passes for 1,228 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was a 5A First Team ASWA All-State and First Team Birmingham News All State for all levels. He boasts offers from Auburn, LSU, Alabama and Tennessee.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Other News and Notes

  • Late Auburn recruit Mike Eargle plans to sign with Oklahoma State after not receiving an offer from Auburn.
  • Auburn offered 2010 Pelham, AL linebacker Jake Holland. Holland also has offers from Duke, Kansas State, Vanderbilt and South Alabama.
  • Hometown (Opelika, AL) running back Corey Grant has visited Auburn and Alabama in the last couple of weeks. He says that Auburn being close to home helps them. He boasts offers from Auburn, Alabama, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, Stanford, Kentucky and Vanderbilt.

A Series Of Annoying Events

The saga of David Oku has taken many twists and turns in the last two years. Here is a look back:

4/4/2007-Oku picks up his first offer, from Auburn, and is very excited to have the chance to play for the team that has put so many backs into the NFL.
6/8/2007-Oku visits Auburn for the first time to attend camp.
6/11/2007-Oku names Auburn his number one after visit.
9/6/2007-Oku has six offers: Auburn, Minnesota, Tennesse, Texas Tech, Kansas State and OSU.
2/6/2008-Named SoonerScoop.com's Oklahoma Junior of the Year.
3/6/2008-Oku hints that Tony Franklin's offense has probably hurt Auburn's chances.
6/5/2008-Oku narrows to five, Auburn not included: Tennessee, Nebraska, Florida State, Illinois and Michigan.
8/6/2008-Oku cuts Illinois and Michigan and adds Louisville to his list.
9/2/2008-Florida State is out, Michigan is back in.
10/18/2008-Rivals states, "the drama...is over". Oku commits to Tennessee. Oku says Tennessee is "home".
11/24/2008-Fulmer out at UT, Oku decommits. Says he does not think UT can find a coach he will like.
1/4/2009-States he likes the new UT staff and is ready to sign with Tennessee.
1/23/2009-Says he is still solid to Tennessee but will visit Syracuse and Auburn.
2/2/2009-Oku says he will wait until after Signing Day to make a final decision.
2/22/2009-Oku says he is now also considering Ole Miss on top of AU, UT and Syracuse.
2/23/2009-Oku moves to Nebraska and changes high schools. Says this will not affect his decision.

Hopefully the next and final news out of Oku is a decision.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Oku Changes High Schools

One of the top undecided 2009 football players has changed high schools. David Oku is transferring from Midwest City Carl Albert (OK) High School to Lincoln (NE) East High School. Oku says the move will have little affect on his decision for school.

Nebraska is currently not considered an option for Oku. Oku has narrowed his choices to Auburn, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Syracuse.Link Many believe Auburn is Oku's favorite.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Jackson Named To Sportscenter's Alabama Mt. Rushmore

ESPN's Sportscenter has come up with their Mount Rushmore for the state of Alabama. Bo Jackson was one of four athletes from the state of Alabama included on their Mount Rushmore of Sports. Alabama's Mt. Rushmore also contains Hank Aaron, Bear Bryant and Willie Mays. Alabama's is rated as one of the top 5 states in the nation.

Auburn Is Oku's Favorite?

Rivals is reporting that David Oku is upset with Tennessee for bringing in running back Bryce Brown for a visit. They are reporting they believe Auburn is now Oku's favorite with Syracuse in second. Oku has yet to determine an announcement date.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

UA, Auburn Share Bid For HS State Championships

Auburn and the University of Alabama are sharing a big to host the high school state championships. The current host is Birmingham, having them through 2009. Auburn and Alabama would alternate hosting the Alabama high school football and basketball state championships. Alabama would use Bryant-Denney Stadium and Coleman Coliseum while Auburn would use Jordan Hare Stadium and Beard-Eaves Coliseum along with the new Auburn basketball arena that is currently in construction. Auburn would host football in 2010 and 2012 while hosing basketball in 2011 and 2013.

Top 2010 Running Back To Visit

Perhaps the top running back in the nation for 2010, Michael Dyer, has said he will visit Auburn on March 7th for Auburn's firs Junior Day. Although not listed in the Rivals 250 Watch List, Dyer was EA Sports' National Sophomore Player of the Year in 2007. Dyer got injured midway through his junior season but still managed to put up good numbers.

2007 So.: 2,710 yards rushing, 28 TDs
2008 Jr.: 1,984 yards rushing, 19 TDs (1,407 of which were through his first 6 games before getting injured)

Gus Malzahn recruited Dyer at Tulsa and is a reason Auburn is one of his early favorites. Dyer currently lists his top 5 as Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Florida, and boasts offers from all five.

Dyer is out of Little Rock Christian in Little Rock, Arkansas. The 5'9", 202 lb. running back also has a 4.4 40 and a 3.42 GPA.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Monday Notes

  • Coach Gene Chizik has stated that the top priorities for the 2010 recruiting class will be offensive linemen and linebackers with the state of Alabama being the priority in recruiting locations.
  • Auburn's first Junior Day will be March 7th.
  • Scott Fountain has joined Coach Chizik's staff in an administrative position. Fountain was the tight ends and tackles coach for Chizik at Iowa State. Fountain has also coached at Florida State as a GA, Middle Tennessee State, Georgia Southern and Central Florida.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Auburn Hires Thigpen; Roof To Coach Linebackers

As assumed, Auburn has hired Tommy Thigpen away from UNC to coach safeties at Auburn although he has coached linebackers at North Carolina the previous four years. Chizik also announced that defensive coordinator Ted Roof will coach linebackers. Chizik also promoted Auburn Director of NFL Relations Phillip Lolley to cornerbacks coach.

Thigpen has been rated one of Rivals' Top 25 Recruiters the last two years.

Luper To Serve As Recruiting Coordinator

FootballScoop.com is reporting that running backs coach Curtis Luper will serve as recruiting coordinator.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

AU To Steal UNC's Star Recruiter?

AuburnSports.com is reporting North Carolina's key recruiter Tommy Thigpen could join Gene Chizik's staff to coach safeties. They also think that curren Auburn Director of NFL Relations Phillip Lolley may coach cornerbacks.

Auburn still has vacancies at defensive backs coach and linebackers coach, after losing former linebacker coach and key recruiter James Willis to Alabama.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Knipper Nears Decision

Long snapper Charlie Knipper is closing in on his decision. Knipper will decide between walking on at Iowa or Auburn and then earn a scholarship. A decision is expected to come sometime today or this weekend. If he does not decide this weekend he may take an official to Wisconsin on February 20th.

Knipper is 6'4" 225 lbs out of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Auburn has had two prospects agree to walk on in Jeremy Cox and Blake Burgess. Last season, Auburn gave a scholarship to long snapper Dax Dellenbach.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Mike Farrell On Oku

One of Rivals' top writers, Mike Farrell, listed the top remaining unsigned talent for the 2009 class and where it looks like they will end up. Farrell says that David Oku is most likely down to Tennessee and Auburn with Syracuse and Nebraska as longshots. Farrell seems to think Tennessee is the team to beat but this prediction seems to lean towards the fact that Oku was previously committed to Tennessee. In my opinion, Auburn is the team to beat. If Oku wanted to go to Tennessee, I don't think he would decommit so close to signing day. Time will tell. I'd expect a decision by mid to late next week.

Tyrik vs. Kodi: Senior Year Of High School

A lot of people are comparing the hype of Tyrik Rollison signing with Auburn to the excitement of Kodi Burns signing in 2007. Here is a comparison of their scouting and senior stats.

Kodi Burns: Four stars on Rivals, five star on Scout. Rivals' number 8 dual-threat quarterback. Rivals Top 250. Rivals position rating of 5.9. Number 5 quarterback for Scout.

As a senior threw 127-231 for 1,903 yards and 21 TDs, 7 INT. Ran for 726 yards and 13 TDs.

Tyrik Rollison: Four star on Rivals and Scout. Rivals' number 2 dual-threat quarterback. Rivals100 (#60). Rivals position rating of 6.0. Number 11 quarterback on Scout.

As a senior threw 315-428 for 4,728 yards and 53 TDs, 15 INT. Ran for 1,094 yards and 14 TDs.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Brown and Oku

Auburn seems to be out of the picture for Rivals' top overall player in the nation, Bryce Brown. Brown is currently committed to Miami but will visit Tennessee this weekend. His last visit will be to either Southern California, LSU or Miami. The Wichita, KS running back will pick between Miami, Tennessee, Southern Carolifornia, LSU, Oregon, Kansas State and Clemson. Brown will make his announcement March 12.

Meanwhile, David Oku still has not made his decision. The top all-purpose back in the nation will likely come down to Auburn and Syracuse, even though he was formerly committed to Tennessee and reportedly has interest in closer to home Nebraska. Oku has not set a date for his announcement.

Top WVU Receiver Arrested

Auburn's third game of the 2009 season, West Virginia, may have become easier. For the second time in two years, West Virginia's top receiver, Jock Sanders, has been arrested. This time for driving under the influence. He was arrested Saturday in Morgantown with a blood alcohol level of .125; the legal limit is .08. Sanders was also arrested last season for a battery charge for a fight outside a nightclub. The university has not announced any penalties yet. Last season, three West Virginia players were kicked off the team for possession of marijuana.

UPDATE: Sanders has been suspended indefinately.

Finding A Secondary Coach...

FootballScoop.com is reporting that Ole Miss secondary coach Chris Vaughan had been a target for Coach Gene Chizik to fill the empty secondary coaching position at Auburn but no longer is. FlightAware showed that multiple flights between Auburn and Oxford occurred. FootballScoop says that Vaughan will stay at Ole Miss.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Auburn Offers 2010 Receiver

After picking up a commitment from a surprise defensive tackle out of Gainesville, GA, Auburn's staff has continued its recruiting at Gainesville High School by offering 2010 wide receiver Tai-ler Jones.

Jones was reportedly "very excited" to receive the offer even though he has many offers from some big time schools. Currently, Jones has offers from Auburn, Alabama, California, Georgia Tech, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, South Carolina, UCLA, Wake Forest and West Virginia.

Jones is excited because he knows that Auburn is in need of wide receivers and it cannot hurt that one of his teammates is now going to attend the Plains. Jones is also being recruited by Coach Tracy Rocker who also recruited teammate Josh Jackson and Coach Trooper Taylor is also in his recruiting.

Jones is an early four star receiver on Scout.com.

Tyrik Rollison Is...

Tyrik Rollison's Facebook status is, "Tyrik Rollison is going to qualify...no doubt". Take that for what it's worth.

Parkey

2010 kicker commit Cody Parkey was assured that he still has a scholarship offer from the new staff recently. Parkey's offer originally came from Coach Tuberville's staff. New special teams coach Jay Boulware recently told Parkey the offer still stood. Parkey still plans to sign with Auburn.

Kicking coach and expert Chris Sailer recently rated Parkey as the number one kicker in the nation for 2010. Parkey is talented from long distance. This season he was 5-8 on field goals but of the three he missed, two were blocked and the other was from 54 yards. Parkey did make a 51 and 55 yard field goal this season. He was 10 for 10 on extra points.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Where The New Staff Is Recruiting

Here is an early look at where Gene Chizik's staff is recruiting for the 2010 class. Each dot represents a player with an offer from Auburn.



As you can see, so far offers range from Kansas to Miami. The hotspots include the Birmingham area, the Atlanta area, the Mobile area and the Miami area. There are currently 33 offers extended with wide receiver seemingly being a spot of interest. There are six wide receivers with offers.

Where Are They Now?

With Tony Franklin signing on with Middle Tennessee State's staff, I decided to list where every coach from last year's staff has landed.

Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin: Same position at MTSU.
Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads: Head coach at Iowa State.
OC/TE coach Steve Ensminger: Joined Smiths Station High School staff.
LBs coach James Willis: Associate HC and OLBs coach at Alabama.
RBs coach Eddie Gran: RBs/ST coach at Tennessee.
DL coach Terry Price: Originally went to Iowa State but then to Ole Miss to coach defensive line.
WRs coach Greg Knox: Running backs coach at Mississippi State.
DTs coach Don Dunn: Unemployed.
OL coach Hugh Nall: Took an executive post at an Albany, GA trucking firm.

What a difference a year makes...

Friday, February 6, 2009

Auburn Offers Top '10 Safety

Auburn and South Carolina both offered 2010 linebacker/safety Tyrone Cornelius this week, according to Scout. Rivals lists him as an outside linebacker. Cornelius is 6'1", 185 lbs and ran a 4.53 40 and a 36 inch vertical at an Atlanta combine. He currently attends Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, GA. Stephenson has also produced players like former Georgia Tech quarterback Reggie Ball, Florida State linebacker Marcus Ball and former Georgia running back Kregg Lumpkin.

Benton

It is reported that wide receiver DeAngelo Benton had his scholarship from LSU pulled the night before signing day by Les Miles to ensure that Rueben Randle would pick LSU. Miles reportedly was worried that LSU's depth at receiver would keep Randle away. Benton, however, told Auburn Undercover that he knew he would pick Auburn well before signing day or whenever his scholarship was reportedly pulled.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Former OC Lands On His Feet

Former Auburn offensive coordinator Tony Franklin has accepted the offensive coordinator job at Middle Tennessee State University. Franklin's exciting spread offense seemed to work for Auburn early on in the 2008 Chic Fil-A Bowl. However, after the first six games of the 2008 season, the Tigers' offense ranked 104th nationally. On October 8, 2008, Franklin was fired by Auburn and tight ends coach Steve Ensminger took over the play calling.

Grading Auburn's Recruiting Class

Quarterback - B
*** Clint Moseley (Leroy, AL) - Alabama's Mr. Football
**** Tyrik Rollison (Sulphur Springs, TX) - Rivals' most accurate passer

Running Back - A-
**** Dontae Aycock (Tampa, FL) - Rivals' 16th overall running back
*** Anthony Gulley (Brantley, AL) - Could be a sleeper
*** Brandon Jacobs (Lilburn, GA) - Will have to compete for playing time
**** Onterio McCalebb (Chatham, VA) - Rivals' 4th overall prep school player
Could add top all-purpose back David Oku

Wide Receiver/Tight End - A
**** DeAngelo Benton (Chatham, VA) - Was a five star last season, signed with LSU twice
**** Emory Blake (Austin, TX) - Has size and skills to make immediate impact, along with Benton
*** LaVoyd James (Mobile, AL) - Good speed, could make early impact
**** Philip Lutzenkirchen (Marietta, GA) - Great size, best hands among tight ends this season
*** Travante Stallworth (Leesville, LA) - Great speed, could be a big time sleeper


Offensive Line - D+
*** Andre Harris (Hampton, GA) - Rivals' 36th rated guard
*** John Sullen (Auburn, AL) - Named one of Rivals' top 5 sleepers of '09


Defensive Line - B
*** Terrance Coleman (Mobile, AL) - Nephew of current Tiger Antonio Coleman
*** Nosa Eguae (Mansfield, TX) - Underrated DE with great size
*** Nick Fairley (Wesson, MS) - Was in state of Alabama's Top 10 out of high school in '07 as an offensive guard
** Josh Jackson (Gainesville, GA) - Surprise late addition whom Tracy Rocker recruited at Ole Miss
**** Jamar Travis (Brewton, AL) - Will likely have the most impact out of this class of defensive lineman

Linebackers - C+
*** Jonathan Evans (Prichard, AL) - With good size and strength, could be an impact player down the road
*** Donald (Dee) Ford (Odenville, AL) - Outside backer with great speed and open field tackling ability
*** Eltoro Freeman (Perkinston, MS) - His stars don't show that he could possibily be he biggest impact player in the entire recruiting class
*** Harris Gaston (Bessemer, AL) - Huge and fast, could play defensive end

Defensive Backs - B-
** Daren Bates (Olive Branch, MS) - Will surprise many and be a huge impact for Auburn down the road
**** Taikwon Paige (Milledgeville, GA) - Late addition could strengthen the defensive backs group immediately
**** Reggie Taylor (Fort Valley, GA) - Great speed, will probably be an impact player down the road

Athlete - C
** Robert Cooper (Mobile, AL) - Grayshirt played QB in high school, good size, likely will change positions
*** Izauea Lanier (Gordo, AL) - Likely will play safety at Auburn
*** Demond Washington (Perkinston, MS) - Very underrated by Rivals, could play running back, receiver or corner

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

The Ones Who Got Away

Aubrey Phillips: Signed with Florida State today

Brandon Heavens: Former commitment signed with Mississippi State today

Jamontay Pilson: Signed with Senatobia NW Mississippi CC

Tana Patrick: Signed with Alabama

DeQuinta Jones: Signed with Arkansas

Greg King: Signed with Tennessee

Still to come: David Oku will sign sometime later this month with either Auburn, Syracuse or Tennessee

BREAKING NEWS

Auburn picked up three huge signings today. Five star wide receiver DeAngelo Benton, four star receiver Emory Blake and four star running back Dontae Aycock have all chosen Auburn on National Signing Day. Auburn stole Benton from LSU who was thought to have him locked up. Blake chose Auburn over Texas Tech and Aycock chose Auburn over Louisville.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Phillips

Now according to Rivals, Aubrey Phillips has really committed to Florida State. Since there are all kinds of rumors floating around, I will leave it at that. Still, Daren Bates did tell me personally that Phillips did not commit to Florida State tonight so I will wait until an official announcement before I post anything else regarding Phillips.

Out Of Nowhere Comes 27

Auburn picked up it's 27th commitment tonight from someone who was not on most peoples' radar screens. Josh Jackson committed to Auburn Tuesday night after receiving an offer. The two star defensive tackle had been recruited by Tracy Rocker at Ole Miss and had offers from Ole Miss and N.C. State.

Jackson is out of Gainesville, GA. Many believed Jackson would commit to Ole Miss.

Update On The Phillips Story

I just talked to Daren Bates myself. He told me that Phillips committing to FSU at halftime is a lie. He said they were in the locker room at halftime.

Phillips: Committed to FSU? Bates Says He Isn't

Warchant.com is reporting that four star offensive lineman Aubrey Phillips committed to Florida State at halftime of his basketball game tonight. Auburn commitment Daren Bates, who is also on the team, says that he was with Phillips the entire halftime and talked to him after the game and Phillips never made any announcement. More to come.

Auburn Picks Up Number 26

Auburn picked up it's 26th commitment one day before National Signing Day. Four star JUCO cornerback Taikwon Paige received an offer and committed earlier today.

Paige is expected to sign tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Since Paige was offered, Michael Eargle no longer looks like he will receive an offer. Paige visited last weekend but did not receive an offer. Paige originally signed with North Carolina in 2007 but went to JUCO at Georgia Military College.

Paige is Rivals' number 25 overall JUCO prospect.

Durst Back With Team

The Press-Register is reporting that punter Clinton Durst is back with the Auburn team after leaving last month. Durst was the third best punter in the SEC and 26th nationally last year as a walk-on. Durst reportedly left the team after he was not given the scholarship that Tommy Tuberville's staff had promised him.

Durst had never even played organized football before last season but was a talented high school soccer player. Durst beat out returning punter Ryan Shoemaker last year but now the two look to compete for the starting job for the 2009 season.

Cooper Accepts Grayshirt

Two star athlete Robert Cooper has accepted an opportunity to grayshirt at Auburn. Cooper's decision was between that and a scholarship at UAB.

A grayshirt means that he will enroll at Auburn as a sholarship player in January of 2010. Cooper played quarterback as a senior but mostly wide receiver and safety as a junior and sophomore. Cooper could also end up playing tight end or linebacker.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Paige Update

Taikwon Paige will find out sometime tomorrow whether or not he will receive an offer from Auburn. If he receives it, he will commit.

When and Where? UPDATED

With National Signing Day quickly approaching, here is when all Auburn prospects are announcing, where they are looking and what the likelihood of them picking Auburn is:

Dontae Aycock- Will announce on signing day between Auburn and Georgia Tech; 75%

Emory Blake- Will announce on signing day between Auburn and Texas Tech; 50%

DeQuinta Jones- Will announce on signing day between Auburn, Tennessee and current commitment Michigan; 35%

David Oku- Will announce sometime after signing day between Auburn, Syracuse and former commitment Tennessee; 60%

Aubrey Phillips- Will announce at 8 a.m. on signing day between Auburn, FSU and current commitment Tennessee; 70%

Johnnie Farms- Will sign with North Carolina

Tana Patrick- Will announce at 10 a.m. on signing day between Auburn, Alabama, Miami and USC; 30%

Corey Gaines- Will sign with Ole Miss

Greg King- Will announce on signing day at noon between Auburn and Tennessee; 30%

Tracy Moore- Will sign with Oklahoma State

Robert Cooper- Will announce tomorrow between grayshirt at Auburn and UAB; 75%

If Taikwon Paige or Michael Eargle receive offers, expect either to sign with Auburn. Charlie Knipper will likely walk on.

Oku Decommits From UT

Four star running back David Oku has decommitted from Tennessee but will not make his decision on signing day. The decision is expected to be between Tennessee, whom he had been committed to Tennessee since mid-October, Auburn and Syracuse.

There is no current time frame for a commitment.

Moore Sticks With Oklahoma State

After a weekend visit to Auburn, Tracy Moore has decided to stick with his commitment to Oklahoma State, The Oklahoman is reporting. Many thought that this weekend's visit would have been enough to sway the three star wide receiver's decision.

Farms Not Coming To The Plains

Johnnie Farms has told AuburnSports.com that he is sticking with his commitment to UNC.

Gaines Makes His Decision

Corey Gaines, a four star defensive tackle out of Tallahassee, Florida, has selected Ole Miss over Auburn. It is the Rebels' 5th commitment in the last three days.

Auburn currently is set at defensive tackle at four commitments for this year.

Assistant: Aycock to Auburn

Chamberlain assistant coach Brian Turner has told the Hillsborough Sports Prep Report that four star running back Dontae Aycock is going to Auburn. Reports indicate that Georgia Tech has pulled his offer due to his visit to Auburn. Aycock was recruited to Georgia Tech as a quarterback but will likely play running back at Auburn, if the report is true.

Aycock, out of Tampa, Fl, had over 30 offers including Louisville, Souh Carolina, Ole Miss, West Virginia and Illinois.

Blake Down To Two

The Birmingham News is reporting that four star wide receiver Emory Blake has eliminated Colorado and is now down to Auburn or Texas Tech.

Colorado was Blake's last in home visit, which took place Friday. Blake will announce on Signing Day.

RUMOR: Farms Commits?

I have received a rumor that four star lineman Johnnie Farms committed to Auburn this weekend on his visit. This is currently unconfirmed. As of right now, Farms is committed to North Carolina. As I hear anything concrete, I will post it. He will announce his final decision Wednesday morning.

*Thanks to "Matt and Leigh" for the scoop.

Burgess To Walk On, King's Coach Speaks

Vestavia Hills lineman Blake Burgess will walk on at Auburn. He played center in high school. The 6'4" 260 lb. lineman visited Clemson this weekend.

A Melrose High School (Memphis, TN) assistant coach has spoken up about where he think three star linebacker Greg King plans to sign. He tells Auburn Undercover that he expects King will sign with Tennessee.

This is another big blow to Auburn's linebacker recruiting. After James Willis left, Auburn has been unsuccessful in getting linebacker commitments. Jonathan Atchison says he will sign with Alabama and Joel Kight committed to Ole Miss last night. If this coach is right, Auburn only has one last linebacker prospect, Tana Patrick, who is a longshot.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Terrance Coleman Update

Terrance Coleman visited Tennessee this weekend. Coleman says that he is still committed to Auburn but Tennessee has him thinking. Coleman is expected to sign Wednesday at 10:45 am EST.

Joel Kight Update

Three star Lithonia, GA linebacker Joel Kight has committed to Ole Miss. His decision was down to Auburn and Ole Miss. Kight also had offers from Boston College, Iowa State, Duke and UCONN.

More Quickies

It appears Corey Gaines has narrowed his choices to Ole Miss and Auburn. A decision is expected Monday night or early Tuesday.

Four future Tigers visited Mississippi State this weekend. The trip reassured all four that they will be signing with Auburn. Izauea Lanier, Brandon Heavens, Jeremy Cox and Harris Gaston were the visitors. Heavens is expected to attend JUCO and Cox is a walk on.

Recruiting News

Here are some tidbits:

Running back David Oku will take his recruitment past signing day and will decide between Auburn and Tennessee. Oku was seen at the Auburn vs. Vanderbilt basketball game holding a sign that read Running Back U and reportedly was very impressed this weekend.

Two surprise visitors showed up this weekend. Four star running back Dontae Aycock out of Tampa visited this weekend. Joining him was three star tight end and Oklahoma State commitment Tracy Moore.

Taikwon Paige did not receive an offer this weekend but could receive one at any time.

Aubrey Phillips will no longer sign with Tennessee as I had previously reported. After his official visit this weekend, it is down to Auburn and Arkansas.

A final decision can be expected Wednesday for Johnnie Farms. The four star lineman is currently committed to UNC.

Charlie Knipper was offered to walk on and Michael Eargle left without an offer but could see one come today. Eargle and Paige could be competing for an offer.

Greg King has narrowed his choices to Auburn and Tennessee. A decision can be expected on signing day.
hit counters