Shon Coleman on ESPN.com

ESPN.com has a story posted now on Shon Coleman's cancer struggle and a fund set up in his name here.

Some Notes

• Anthony Gulley is now going by Anthony Gulley-Morgan.
• Paul Finebaum has predicted Auburn to go 9-3 in 2010.
• Jeff Grimes says offensive tackle John Sullen has had a solid spring and in great shape.
• It appears Cam Newton has been taking the majority of first team snaps.
• Probably the biggest news is that it appears Shon Coleman is cancer free. He still has to go through treatment but it is miraculous that he is in remission after just 15 days of treatment.

Now some notes from Saturday's scrimmage:

• Mario Fannin had a 60 yard touchdown run.
• The only touchdown pass was from Newton to Darvin Adams. Neil Caudle threw an interception to Demond Washington.
• The offense won the scrimmage.
• Stick with me...I know I have not updated a ton lately but that is about to change.

Signee Diagnosed

Rumors swirling on the net have been confirmed by the family of Shon Coleman. Coleman, a five star offensive line signee, was diagnosed with a serious medical condition although they have not confirmed the rumor of Leukemia. He is undergoing chemotherapy but the family has requested privacy.

According to his mother's Facebook page, "Shon is getting out today around noon. His latest blood test showed zero cancer in his blood. We won't know about the bone marrow for several weeks. He's taking his chemotherapy treatment like a champ. God is good!!!!". Prayers are requested during this tough time.

National Signing Day Chat

• Link to live stream of Lattimore announcement here.
• 2011 offensive lineman Spencer Region set to announce this Friday at 10 a.m. I think he is leaning toward Alabama.
• Marcus Lattimore picks USC over Auburn.
• Corey Lemonier will announce between Auburn and FSU around 11 am CT tomorrow. He will notify the coaches of his decision tonight according to Phillip Marshall.
• Byran Jones' teammate Alan Turner was offered by Arkansas a while back and that could be enough to seal the deal of Jones to Arky even though Turner is not likely to qualify.
• I am still going to predict Coleman will sign with Auburn. He will announce at 9 a.m. CT along with his teammate Damien Robinson.
• Many think D.J. Howard will end up at Kentucky.
• Markeith Ambles will announce at 10 a.m. CT and Rivals lists Auburn, Tennessee, UNC and USCw as his finalists.

My Updated Predictions

• All reports point to Auburn and South Carolina being even for Marcus Lattimore. I no longer have a great feeling regarding Marcus. I will put it at 55-45 Auburn right now because I am not near as confident as I used to be.
• All indications are that Shon Coleman has not contacted anyone at Auburn to tell them he was considering switching commitments to Alabama. At any rate, I will say there is a 60% chance he signs with Auburn.
• I still predict Jeffrey Whitaker to Auburn.
• I am going to predict Byran Jones to Arkansas because I have heard he is leaning there heavily.
• I am predicting Corey Lemonier to Auburn still.
• Markeith Ambles may visit Auburn after NSD but it looks doubtful. I think he will end up at Southern Cal or UNC.
• I think D.J. Howard ends up at Clemson.
• We may see some new names pop up in the next couple of days. Dimitri Orr, a defensive tackle Auburn previously recruited, could be one of those but I have heard he has academic issues. Another is UAB commitment Maurice Hayes and Stockbridge, GA defensive tackle Brandon King.

Updates

• Shon Coleman did indeed show up in Tuscaloosa for his official visit to Alabama. Coleman will also visit Miami this weekend. He has been quiet about his recruitment lately but some are starting to think he is Alabama's to lose.
• Also visiting Miami this weekend is Jeffrey Whitaker. He will announce his decision on Monday. It is likely that Whitaker is deciding between Auburn and Georgia. I still think Whitaker signs with the Tigers.
• Jonathan Mincy will not take any visits this weekend. He originally planned on visiting South Carolina but has decided against it.
• All signs point to Arkansas having a slight lead for Byran Jones. Jones could make an announcement tomorrow.
• Vic Beasley is still considering a visit to Auburn.
• No word yet on if Markeith Ambles will visit Auburn this weekend. I believe he will and I would keep an eye on him. Auburn could definitely steal Ambles.
• Gene Chizik will make an in-home visit to Marcus Lattimore tomorrow. South Carolina will visit him Saturday.
• Auburn Undercover says that Lane Kiffin and Southern Cal made a late push for Joel Bonomolo but got nowhere.
• Right now it appears D.J. Howard will not sign with Auburn but rather Kentucky or Clemson. He may visit Kentucky this weekend.

New Coleman Update

Shon Coleman will host Alabama head coach Nick Saban on an in-home visit tomorrow. He will visit Alabama officially from Wednesday-Friday. Many think that if James Stone goes to Tennessee, Saban will try his hardest to steal Coleman. I will keep you updated.

Catch Up On All Targets and Wavering Commitments

Targets:

• Marcus Lattimore appears ready to remain silent until February 2nd. I still think he signs with Auburn.
• Lache Seastrunk will make an announcement tomorrow. Barring a surprise, Lache is expected to choose the Oregon Ducks.
• There were rumors that Markeith Ambles committed to Southern Cal this weekend but his father says that is not true. According to Auburn Undercover, the coaches will in-home visit Ambles tonight. He may visit Auburn this weekend. USC is the team to beat. Keep an eye on this.
• James Stone has cancelled his visit to Auburn and will decide between Alabama and Tennessee.
• I am expecting Damien Robinson to choose Mississippi State. I do not believe he has a committable offer from Auburn currently.
• Corey Lemonier has eliminated Miami according to AuburnSports.com. He has already made his decision but will announce between the Tigers and the FSU Seminoles on National Signing Day. I still think he picks Auburn.
• Jeffrey Whitaker visited Georgia this weekend but didn't strike me as blown away. I still see him picking Auburn.
• Mike Thornton told the AJC recently that he has not eliminated Auburn but I still believe Georgia is the team to beat for him. I do not believe he has a committable offer.
• Byran Jones visited Arkansas this weekend. As of now, he says the two teams are so even. Some moderators for Auburn sites project him to Auburn but I say it is way too close to call.
• Darius Robinson is a new name to watch for. The four star Clemson DB commitment is rumored to have visited Auburn this weekend. He played at the same high school as Cam Newton and contacted the staff when Newton signed. Auburn could steal Robinson if he is offered.

Commitments:

• Shon Coleman visited Arkansas and Ole Miss last weekend. He is reportedly 100% solid to Auburn according to AuburnUndercover.
• Trovon Reed visited LSU and appears solid to Auburn. He says LSU gave him something else to consider but I believe most of Reed's interest in LSU is made up by his high school football coach.
• Jonathan Mincy plans to visit South Carolina this weekend following the news of interest in Darius Robinson. If Auburn offers Robinson, Mincy could bolt for the Gamecocks.
• D.J. Howard visited Clemson this weekend. He may switch considering he is likely to get a chance to play running back at Clemson. The Auburn coaching staff did not find out about the visit until he was there and were disappointed. Rumors are swirling that the staff has pulled Howard's offer but those are unconfirmed and not likely.

Updates

• Mike Thornton has lost all interest in Auburn and will no longer visit Auburn this weekend. I called this a while back but now it appears Auburn's DT targets will only be Whitaker, Jones and possibly Calvin Smith.
• Markeith Ambles has de-committed from Tennessee and has strong interest in Auburn. He may unofficially visit Auburn this weekend and return for an official on the 29th. Ambles, who is possibly the best wide receiver in this year's class, does not currently has a firm offer from Auburn. The staff, along with many other schools, withdrew offers due to off the field issues. Markeith is a five star but is currently considered a "back up plan".
• Shon Coleman WILL be visiting this weekend and the staff will try and solidify his commitment up.
• Lache Seastrunk appears ready to commit to Oregon.
• Non-committed targets who are visiting this weekend are: Trent Fisher (future walk on), Byran Jones, Jeffrey Whitaker, Alan Turner; this according to AuburnUndercover and AuburnSports.com. Fisher is son of Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher.
• ESPNU's final 150 has been released. Here are where Auburn commitments and targets rank: Michael Dyer (5), Marcus Lattimore (19), Trovon Reed (39), Lache Seastrunk (40), Antonio Goodwin (47), Eric Mack (78), Shaun Kitchens (98), James Stone (100), LaDarius Owens (138).
• Jake Holland has picked up a well deserved fourth star on Rivals. His profile will likely be updated today.

Updates

• Shon Coleman has picked up a 5th star on Rivals and is listed as the 22nd best player in the nation.
• Calvin Smith has decommitted from Tennessee and is considering Auburn, among others. He is high school teammates with Corey Lemonier.
• More to come on the new Rivals 100.

U.S. Army All American Bowl

Here are the notable players in the Army All-American Bowl, to be played this Saturday in the Alamodome at Noon CT on NBC.

Commitments:

• Shon Coleman - East Team - #72 - OT
• Trovon Teed - West Team - #1 - WR

Targets:

• Marcus Lattimore - East Team - #28 - RB
• Jeffrey Whitaker - East Team - #55 - DT
• Damien Robinson - East Team - #79 - OT
• Lache Seastrunk - West Team - #15 - RB
• Ahmad Dixon - West Team - #26 - S (Baylor commit)
• C.J. Mosley - West Team - #32 - LB

One More Month

It is just one month until National Signing Day of 2010 and Auburn is sitting pretty with recruiting. New SEC rules cap the total amount of signees for 2010 at 28 but Auburn can technically bring in 33, counting 5 early signees toward the 2009 class (Curry, Newton, Sanders, Gayden and B. Mosley). So, with Auburn currently at 27 total (22 counting toward 2010), how will NSD look for the Tigers? Let's take a look:

Current Commitments Who May Be Wavering:

• **** Shon Coleman - OT - looking around at schools such as Ole Miss, Miami (FL), Tennessee and Arkansas. He also has set an official visit to Auburn. I say Auburn holds onto Coleman but he is a very soft verbal.
• *** D.J. Howard - S - looking at Clemson and Kentucky. Auburn is recruiting him as a safety but he wants to play running back in college, which is more likely at Clemson. I say it is 50-50 between AU and Clemson right now.

Top Uncommitted Targets:

• ***** Marcus Lattimore - RB - Auburn appears to be in great shape for the number 2 running back in the nation according to Rivals. If I had to guess right now, I would say Lattimore picks Auburn over his home state Gamecocks but with three official visits still planned (Oregon, Georgia and USC) anything could happen. EDIT: Lattimore has eliminated UGA since I posted this.
• ***** Lache Seastrunk - RB - Due to Dyer's commitment and Lattimore's interest in AU, Seastrunk appears to not be Auburn bound. Lache has been very quiet lately regarding recruiting but appeared to enjoy his Oregon visit and the Ducks could be the team to beat, as well as the Southern Cal Trojans.
• **** Eric Mack - OG - the current South Carolina commitment was spotted wearing an Auburn hat at the Under Armour All American game (link here, pic courtesy of Auburn Eagle). It has long been speculated Mack would change to the Tigers and I see that happening.
• **** James Stone - OT - considering a January visit to Auburn but it is not likely Auburn lands the Nashville tackle. His top four are Auburn, Stanford, Alabama and Tennessee and I see him either playing for Saban or Kiffin next season.
• **** Jeffrey Whitaker - DT - All American is likely to sign with Auburn. I don't want to use the word "lock" but I would be very surprised if he went elsewhere.
• **** Mike Thornton - DT - many think Auburn is the leader here but I am skeptical. He has Auburn, UGA, Penn State, Florida and Miami at the top of his list. My prediction is UGA or Penn State for Thornton.
• **** Byran Jones - DT - I think Auburn swoops in and steals another top Arkansas player. The second best player in the state seems to be leaning toward Auburn and if the Tigers indeed do not land Thornton then I would not be surprised to see Auburn land this four star.
• **** Corey Lemonier - DE - this Florida d-end appears to be Auburn bound. He will decide on NSD between Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Miami, LSU and Tennessee. The All American seems to enjoy the family atmosphere at Auburn and I see him in orange and navy next season.
• *** Ken Adams - DE - JUCO defensive end originally signed with Tuberville's staff out of high school. He is deciding between Auburn, LSU and UNC. I see Auburn as his leader and would look for him to sign soon.
• *** Vic Beasley - LB - Clemson commitment is open and if there is room I see Auburn in Beasley's future. The Auburn legacy would wrap up an amazing linebacker class for the Tigers.

So there are my predictions for the rest of this class: Ken Adams, Corey Lemonier, Byran Jones, Jeffrey Whitaker, Marcus Lattimore, Eric Mack and Vic Beasley (obviously D.J. Howard would have to decommit to fit all of these seven in). With Auburn's class currently ranked THIRD on Rivals, it is safe to say this class would end up in the top five.

Coleman

Shon Coleman has jumped in the Rivals rankings. He went from a three star to a four star and sprung into the Rivals 100 at number 76. He is Auburn's highest ranked commitment according to Rivals but I still am likely switching to using ESPN.com's rankings. He is a three star (78/100) on ESPN.com. Coleman is considered a soft verbal and is looking around at other schools.

Recruiting Notes

• C.J. Mosley will take in the Auburn-Kentucky game next weekend. He will be at LSU this weekend.
• Vic Beasley will take an official visit to Auburn for the Iron Bowl.
• Trovon Reed's top three are still Auburn, LSU and Florida. Auburn appears to currently hold a lead over the other two.
• I would expect to see Shon Coleman, Jake Holland and possibly D.J. Howard pick up a fourth star on Rivals when the updated rankings come out.
• Ed Christian still appears to be taking his official visit next weekend for the Kentucky game. It appeared as if he would possibly commit after the Kentucky game but he has now opened up to even more schools such as Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and Clemson.
• Offensive lineman Daryl Williams will likely take an official visit to Auburn in January.
• Auburn is the early leader for 2011 offensive tackle Alan Posey. Posey is from Athens, GA but does not seem to want to go to Georgia. Posey has only visited Auburn, UGA and Georgia Tech.

News Wrap Up

• I've been informed Philip Lutzenkirchen has suffered an undisclosed injury.
• Gabe McKenzie has been working back at defensive end recently.
• The focus of practice this week has been tackling and special teams.
• A lot of fundamentals work is being done like taking good angles.
• We could begin to see more of Anthony Gulley in the coming weeks.
• Trainers say Mike McNeil is looking good but is likely weeks away from returning.
• Tracy Rocker has had a lot of praise for Jake Ricks this week.
• Josh Bynes is on track for 112 tackles this season. The last two seasons combined, he had 63.
• Shon Coleman could be wavering on his commitment. He says his parents are pushing him to check out Ole Miss more.
• Stay tuned in the next three days...that is all I will say...

Recruiting Updates

• Nigel Terrell is set to make his decision on Thursday. He is expected to pick between Ole Miss and Florida State. I see the Seminoles in his future.
• Jeffrey Whitaker plans to make an unofficial visit to Auburn on September 19th for the West Virginia game. He plans to make an official following that. A decision is not expected until after the season.
• An offensive lineman to keep your eyes on is Tristan Hardin. He believes Auburn is close to offering.
• Shon Coleman says he will still take official visits to other schools. His offer list continues to grow.
• Chase Hughes nearly committed to Ole Miss over the weekend but decided to think about it and wait it out.

Mississippi State Rankings

Rivals has released their first five state and D.C. rankings. Mississippi had Auburn target Damien Robinson at the number one spot. Olive Branch teammate and Auburn commitment Shon Coleman came in at number 11 in the state. Other notables include Carlos Thompson (3), Robert Johnson (5), Travis Dickson (9), Steve McNair, Jr. (16) and Eric Lawson (26).

Big Cat Wrap Up

This weekend was one of the most unique unofficial recruiting tactics in recent memory.  Here is the details that have come out:

• Eric Mack, one of the top offensive tackles in the nation has said that Auburn is now his leader.  He is planning two separate trips to Auburn before signing day, one unofficial for the West Virginia game and the other an official in January.
• Lache Seastrunk said the trip actually topped his first trip to Auburn that he called the best experience he has had.  He will wait to commit anywhere until the Army All-American Game.  He said he will likely visit for the Iron Bowl.
• Marcus Lattimore said the trip was great and that Auburn is still his number one.   Later he said he did not have a leader but trimmed his list to Auburn, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Clemson, Penn State, Florida State and Maryland.
• Trovon Reed said he does not have a list but if he did Auburn would be high on it.
• Rumors had swirled that Shon Coleman may be wavering on his commitment but after this weekend he says he is "locked in" on Auburn.
• Khairi Fortt said Auburn definitely moved up his list.
• LaDarius Owens said he still doesn't have a leader but Auburn seriously helped themselves this weekend.
• Jessel Curry says he is still committed to West Virginia but that Auburn is now in his top two.
• Auburn will review possibly secondary recruiting violations from this weekend.  More here.
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Mack Names Leader, New Rivals 250 Revealed, Dyer and Coleman

• Rivals 250 four star offensive lineman Eric Mack has named his top 4.  They are Auburn, South Carolina, Clemson and Georgia Tech.  He made a point to say Auburn was special because it reminds him of where he is from.  Auburn and Clemson are recruiting him as a tackle while the others are recruiting him as a guard.
  
• The new Rivals 250 has been released.  No major changes that affect Auburn commitments or targets.
• Auburn commitment Shon Coleman will reportedly visit and camp at Tennessee this summer.
• Gus Malzahn visited Michael Dyer's high school on Monday.  Although contact is not allowed between coaches and players right now, Dyer says he was happy Malzahn was there.  

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.