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auburnfamilynews · 4 years ago

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Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

How low can you go?

Oh boy, this ought to be a hoot. Auburn got trucked in Athens, with very few players bringing the effort necessary to win a game against the most talented team per capita in the country.

Some position groups might not have even been there with the way we played, while others showed that they indeed wanted to play Auburn football. How did we grade? Read along:

QUARTERBACK - R (for RUN FOR YOUR LIFE)

Bo Nix was not great this past Saturday. Now, a lot of that had to do with a game plan asking him to be a hero against the best defense in the country behind what might be the worst offensive line in the conference. He was not put in a position to succeed and it resulted in catastrophe for the Tigers offense.

But that doesn’t mean he was a passive participant in that, uh how can I put this nicely, “poopshow” of a performance. Elite quarterbacks raise the play of their teammates. Elite quarterbacks make big time plays even in less than ideal circumstances. Elite quarterbacks still lose but they elevate their offense anyway.

Bo Nix is not yet an elite quarterback. He might still become one but he’s not there yet. There were chances for Auburn to land some haymakers. It’s unlikely any would have left UGA on the mat for long given the Dawgs dominance along the line of scrimmage but there were some chances where Nix could have given his team some confidence. Two deep shots to Anthony Schwartz jump out, especially that 2nd quarter miss where Schwartz had a step on his defender and a touchdown would have made this a 17-7 game.

If you are going to be a championship calibre quarterback you have to hit those shots when you get a chance. Nix is still not doing it. He has to get better and do a better job capitalizing on big play opportunities especially against elite teams. We saw these same misses last year in College Station, Gainesville and Baton Rouge. Until that changes, there’s a firm ceiling on this offense that will prevent this team from winning anything meaningful in the next 2-3 years.

RUNNING BACKS - A-minus

DISCLAIMER: This ranking is solely predicated on measuring the effectiveness of those who played, which was few

Auburn probably found the back of the future on Saturday night in Tank Bigsby, who got his first real extended action with Shaun Shivers’ injury and D.J. Williams’ apparent lack of speed. What we saw in Athens was the only player who 110% wanted to be there, win, and wasn’t afraid of Georgia. Everyone else played scared or tight. He finished with 8 carries for 31 yards and 7 catches for 68 yards, a couple touches consisting of heroic efforts to negate plays that would’ve otherwise been huge losses. He honestly showed the kind of wiggle and strength that we saw out of his position coach in Sanford Stadium in 2001, but we had less help on Saturday. Georgia was also better than they were eighteen years ago.

The position group is given an A- because of D.J. Williams’ ineffectiveness (no carries, 1 catch for -4 yards), and because there’s still room for improvement from Tank in spite of his great night. Tank can become the absolute start back at Auburn, but we have to figure out how to use him and reward him for being the only guy leaving everything out there on Saturday. An offensive line wouldn’t hurt either.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS - D (for Drops)

I will say, there weren’t a ton of opportunities for the receivers to show out in this one. With a lethal pass rush from Georgia, and Bo being lucky to just get the ball in the air near the intended receivers, any production from them would have been a gift. That being said, this group gets heavily penalized by a severe case of the drops. Sure, Seth Williams’s drop would have been a highlight real touchdown if he had reeled it in, but we also saw Shedrick Jackson drop two balls as well (one of them ended up being called for targeting, but my point stands).

The highlight of the night certainly goes to J.J. Pegues, who only recorded three touches for eight yards, but the big man converted third downs on both of his carries out of the Wildcat. Props for that I guess.

OFFENSIVE LINE - L (for Lost.)

The next time you hear someone defend Herb Hand and JB Grimes, show them this:

This is one of the most pitiful efforts in the history of Auburn football. No I’m not talking about the game. I’m talking about how vastly under-prepared this position group is from a personnel/roster management standpoint. After having 2 transfers start in 2017, the regression of offensive line play at Auburn from 2018 - present has been the root problem of this football program. We have not been able to run the football since Kerryon Johnson got hurt against Alabama and now in 2020 we cannot protect the quarterback. What’s so damning about this is that SO MANY PEOPLE SAW THIS COMING.

I can’t even blame Jack Bicknell for this because I think he’s the first offensive line coach Auburn has had since Jeff Grimes (should’ve been retained after 2012 by Gus) who understands how to recruit offensive linemen at Auburn. But he’s probably unable to fully fix it until 2022 at the earliest! And yet, none of these issues are new! None of this is a surprise!

The identity of any offense is based around its offensive line, which explains at least in part why we looked so completely lost as a unit Saturday night. But as bad as the line looked, the real shame is on whoever it is on that sideline who insists upon rotating offensive linemen 2 games into a season. Sure, this group didn’t have this summer to build cohesion thanks to COVID. That’s tough for any group. But you are extending this problem out by continuing to rotate guys. And I don’t think it requires a lot of thinking to see that the most ideal starting group right now probably looks like this:

Left Tackle - Austin Troxell

Left Guard - Brandon Council

Center - Nick Brahams

Right Guard - Keiondre Jones

Right Tackle - Brodarious Hamm

Even with that group, the grades looked abysmal Saturday night based on what was said by the PFF folks. But this position group cannot get better without playing together. Run with these 5, and let them take their lumps and grow. In the meantime, the unit looks lost. I will say that it sure doesn’t help that it was abundantly clear that we were tighter than the Fat Man Squeeze at Rock City thanks to a group of coaches who don’t appear to trust their players and go into a turtleshell each time we play a competent football team away from Jordan-Hare Stadium. You could see that in the opening drive with penalties.

So yeah, the offensive line, and whoever is on that sideline refusing to trust his players and doing this rotation BS deserve a grade worse than F. They deserve to be called out for being LOST.

DEFENSIVE LINE - H (for How?)

I think we all expected this defensive front to regress significantly from last year. Nothing about that is a surprise when you lose a generational talent like Derrick Brown, who friend of the program Justin Ferguson swears is the greatest defensive player in Auburn history. Certainly an argument can be made. That being said, how in the hell do you get blown off the ball this poorly? How in the hell have several of these guys, who have played a significant number of snaps in this defense, not improved since the first year they stepped on campus?

This is the first year that we haven’t had a sure-fire NFL defensive lineman on this team since Gus got to Auburn. And that would be enough of a reason to be upset but also understand why our backs broke in the 2nd half...if that had happened. Instead, this group was dominated from the start, letting a walk on quarterback keep his jersey clean for the majority of the game, and let Georgia bully you in the run game all night. This score could have been 21 points worse, but Georgia was having too much fun pushing our defensive line into the belly of our linebackers.

I expected a regression, and I have confidence in Rodney Garner. Really I’m more angry at the offense since 2016 for wasting 4 years of championship-level defense than I am a bad night at the office without the NFL talent of a year ago. But none of that should make you, me, Gus, Rodney, or anyone associated with this program any less embarrassed by the utter domination by the Georgia offensive line.

LINEBACKERS - D (for Dreadful)

I understand that it’s difficult to make plays when offensive linemen are hitting you, but when you engage a running back (even a five-star one) you don’t need to be getting pushed back every single time. K.J. Britt, Owen Pappoe, and Zakoby McClain again combined for a ton of tackles (28 total), but they came several yards downfield almost every play. McClain had the lone tackle for loss of the group (a sack), but the group lost contain when blitzing, couldn’t hang with the backs out the backfield on short passes, and gave ground on run plays up the middle.

Refer to the guide below, from Harry Potter. These guys were still in the right place a lot of the time, but they didn’t make the plays necessary, and the middle of the field was a place where Georgia got a bookoodle of their yardage. 28 total tackles is nice, but we’re throwing them a D for Dreadful anyway. Be thankful it’s not T for Troll.

DEFENSIVE BACKS - C (for Coverage Optional)

This secondary had a range of performance on Saturday. Roger McCreary for the most part shut down George Pickens, allowing the star receiver just 26 yards on two catches from five targets. One of those catches (and 21 of the yards) were from a touchdown, but the coverage wasn’t necessarily bad there. It was just a perfect pass and catch from the offense. Jordyn Peters and Jamien Sherwood proved to be just fine at safety, with the pair combining for 27 tackles. Generally you want your front seven picking up most of the tackles when the opponent is running the ball down your throat, but nevertheless, that isn’t the safeties’ fault.

Now comes the part that was... not good. At all. Georgia was able to pull a page out of Alabama’s playbook and just abuse Christian Tutt, with Kearis Jackson picking up nine catches for 147 yards. Nehimiah Pritchett struggled mightily as well, although it’s hard to blame him as he was filling in for an injured Jaylin Simpson.

SPECIAL TEAMS - B (for not Bad)

Congratulations, boys. You’re not the reason Auburn lost. There’s probably only one other position group that can say that. Carlson hit both of his field goals. Punt coverage was good. Kickoff coverage wasn’t great on the first one to ding it back to a B. That’s about it.

COACHING - D+

Auburn’s coaching was suspect Saturday. Down 3 scores late in the first half, Auburn elected to kick a field goal, to make it a...three score game. The decision to keep rotating the offensive line is not one I understand. And some of the offensive playcalls around the goal line were...well, they were blah. Auburn couldn’t out-talent Georgia Saturday. Ultimately, that’s on the coaches for recruiting. And if you can’t out-talent an opponent, you have to out-execute and out-scheme. Auburn did neither of those things. I won’t fault the coaches for in-game execution, but Georgia didn’t look surprised by anything Auburn threw at them.

Credit to Kevin Steele (I sound like a broken record) for impressive halftime adjustments. Holding Georgia to only 3 second half points is the only thing saving the coaches from a failing grade. This team didn’t totally quit.

FANS - F

They were Georgia fans, so they probably barked at strangers and were generally lacking in self awareness. Also, their student section didn’t seem to follow any COVID restrictions.

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2020/10/7/21503374/position-grades-4-georgia-27-7-auburn-6

#IFTTT #Blogger #auburn #auburn fast #wareagle #AuburnFamilyNews #war eagle #sec #football news #aubu

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49countynews · 4 years ago

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Hackleburg Municipal Election Results - Unofficial

Hackleburg Municipal Election Results – Unofficial

MAYOR : Darryl Colburn (I) – 288 ; Tim Howard – 41 ; Eugene Marbutt – 52

PLACE # 1 : Pam Pickens – 213 ; Clint Carter – 156

PLACE # 2 : Kenny Hallmark

PLACE # 3 : Don Barnwell (I) – 291 ; Barry McCarley – 89

PLACE # 4 : Jerry Williams

PLACE # 5 : Darrin Wiginton (I) – 275 ; Rodney McCarley – 98

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full-imagination · 5 years ago

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Glenda F. Godbee

Glenda Kaye Frazier Godbee, 74, of Spartanburg, SC, died Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at Spartanburg Medical Center. Born February 1, 1945, in Ashe County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Bruce and Madeline Hamm Frazier. Glenda “NaNa” loved her grandchildren. She attended Anderson Mill Road Baptist Church “The Mill” and was formerly employed with Southern Eye Associates and Spartanburg Urological Associates. Survivors include her husband, Gilbert Godbee; children, Mark Godbee of Spartanburg, SC and Stefanie G. Threatt (Corey) of Pickens, SC; grandchildren, Mia and Lila Godbee, and Kaylen Threatt; sister, Karen F. Copenhaver of Bristol, VA; and brothers, Gary Bruce Frazier (Bonita) of Marion, VA and Steven Rodney Frazier (Deidra) of Abington, VA. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, John Michael Frazier; and brother-in-law, Charles Copenhaver. Visitation will be 1:30–2:30 PM Sunday, July 28, 2019, at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2025 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307, with funeral services following at 3:00 PM in the Chapel, conducted by Dr. David Johnson. The family is at the home of Gilbert Godbee. Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel from The JF Floyd Mortuary via Spartanburg Funeral

#Spartanburg Funeral #Funeral Consultant #The JF Floyd Mortuary

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doomonfilm · 6 years ago

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Screenings : Blazing Saddles (1974)

It’s not secret that Blazing Saddles is one of my all-time favorite movies. I have an ongoing debate about what the most quotable movie ever is, and Blazing Saddles is often very prominent in that conversation. My parents were huge fans, and raised me on the film, so imagine my delight when the reward for my dedication to Alamo Drafthouse New Braunfels was an invite to a private screening of the movie, complete with a special appearance by Burton Gilliam, who played Lyle in the film. Needless to say, i was all in.

The railroad is expanding rapidly through the west of 1874, and the latest town to potentially fall victim of its progress is Rock Ridge. In an effort to facilitate this, Attorney General Hedley Lamar (Harvey Korman) decides to send his ‘right hand man’ Taggart (Slim Pickens), along with a gang of thugs, to rough up the town and kill the sheriff in hopes of running them out. The citizens of Rock Ridge, despite their bad luck, remain steadfast in their stubbornness to stay put, and in response to the attacks, they implor Governor William J. Le Petomane (Mel Brooks) to appoint a new sheriff to the town. Lamar and Le Petomane, equally stubborn, decide to try and one-up the town by appointing black railroad worker (and near hanging victim) Bart (Cleavon Little) as the new sheriff of Rock Ridge, much to the horror of the townspeople. Despite the towns’ objections, and with the help of inmate turned deputy The Waco Kid (Gene Wilder), Bart manages to turn things in the right direction for the town, eventually winning the citizens over. With a newfound resolve, Bart, The Waco Kid and the citizens of Rock Ridge decide to stand up for their town and divert the railroad, with immensely hilarious results.

As it was stated prior to the screening, this film is a classic that would be impossible to make today. Not only is it a perfect execution of two genres that have not been tops for ages (the Western and the Slapstick Comedy, respectively), but the humor based squarely in racism would easily be labelled as problematic today. It’s the care for each of these aspects, however, that makes this film so great. Nod after nod is given to the Western, it’s old heroes, and Hollywood in general. As with any Mel Brooks affair, the visual humor is on par (if not sharper than) the wit-based humor and verbal sparring that takes place. And, last but not least, films like these serve as palette cleansers that allow us to laugh at our differences and discuss topics like race on an equal playing field.

As perfect as this film is already, I couldn’t help but ask Burton Gilliam the what if in regards to Richard Pryor and the original idea as him to play Sheriff Bart. Gilliam spoke on how, despite Pryor’s already concrete stature as a comedic giant and a burgeoning career as a writer, the studios did not believe in his abilities as a leading man. By no means do I intend to disparage Cleavon Little, as he is infinitely memorable in the role he ultimately was cast in and owned, but with the history between Pryor and Gene Wilder in their eventual film pairings, one can only imagine how side-splittingly funny their interactions would have been under the insane tutelage of Mel Brooks.

Even with racism being a main focus of the humor, the distribution of targets is fair, and nobody is safe : Blacks, Whites, Asains, Europeans, Native Americans all take their time on the chopping block. Many allusions to homosexuality are hilariously placed throughout, though many do play in bad taste as the times have changed. Classics aspects are given new spins, like cartoonish solutions to serious problems, or Bart’s classic Gucci getup on his first day as setup. The final portion of the film that spills into the backlot of the studio prior to barreling into Hollywood-proper raises the already over-the-top comedy to new heights. The humor throughout also manages to be equal parts intelligent and lowbrow, making its appeal wider and it’s replay value richer.

The marquee cast on this film is standout, with Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Madeline Khan and Harvey Korman all trading time hopping between memorably perfect comedic moments. Supporting cast like Slim Pickens, Mel Brooks, Burton Gilliam and Alex Karras help carry the comedic weight with no drop in quality. The town of Rock Ridge, made up entirely of Johnsons, is loaded with talent : Liam Dunn, George Furth, John Hillerman, David Huddleston, Carol Arthur and Jack Starrett, among a number of others, all shine. Special appearances by Count Basie, Robert Ridgely, Anne Bancroft, Dom DeLuise and a very young Rodney Allen Rippy round out the affair.

I often get into debates with other filmlovers about what is the most quotable film in existence. I have a small handful of candidates I always include in my debates, and chief among them is Blazing Saddles. Despite it’s surface level crudeness, I don’t believe this film will ever cease to be the classic that it is, and a must-see film for anyone who enjoys a laugh.

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bluesketches · 6 years ago

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Roy Hargrove, you will be terribly missed

Roy Hargrove, the incisive jazz trumpeter who emerged as a talent in his teens and became a symbol of his jazz generation in the early 1990s, died on Friday night, Nov. 2, in New York City. He was 49.

At 17 he was discovered by Wynton Marsalis who was so impressed that he invited Hargrove at a nearby club date. That led to a trip to Europe, the Berklee College of Music in Boston, New York City, the New School, the Bradley’s and the Greenwich Village.

The rest is now history.

Here are some clips to remember the man and his music.

My Ship, Live At Massey Hall, in 2001 with Herbie Hancock (p), Michael Brecker (ts), John Patitucci (b) and Brian Blade (d).

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Invitation, from the "Legends of Jazz", with Willie Pickens (p), Larry Gray (b) and Leon Joyce, Jr. (d).

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Ruby, My Dear, from Diamond In The Rough, with Antonio Hart (as), John Hicks (p), Scott Colley (b) and Al Foster (d)

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Misstery, Live At Massey Hall, with Herbie Hancock (p), Michael Brecker (ts), John Patitucci (b) and Brian Blade (d).

youtube

Velera, Roy Hargrove Big Band, from the album Emergence, with Frank Greene, Greg Gisbert, Darren Barrett, Ambrose Akinmisure (t); Jason Jackson, Vincent Chandler, Saunders Sermons, Max Seigel (tb); Bruce Williams, Justin Robinson (as); Norbert Stachel, Keith Loftis (ts); Jason Marshall (bs); Gerald Clayton (p); Danton Boller (b); Montez Coleman (d); Saul Rubin (g); Roland Guerrero (perc)

youtube

Things We Did Last Summer, Roy Hargrove (t), Frank Lacy (tb), Marc Cary (p), Rodney Whitaker (b) and Gregory Hutchinson (d)

Wonders and Signs feat. David Barry, Blackheart, Buckshot LeFonque, DJ Premier, Matt Finders, Darryl Jones, Kenny Kirkland and Branford Marsalis.

Ms Garvey, Ms Garvey, Roy Hargrove Big Band, from the album Emergence, like above.

Strasbourg/St. Denis, Paris, 2007, Roy Hargrove (t), Justin Robinson (as), Gerald Clayton (p), Danton Boller (b) and Montez Coleman (d).

Divine, from "Earfood" 2008, personnel same as above.

Water No Get Enemy, feat. D'Angelo, Macy Gray, Femi Kuti, Positive Force, Nile Rodgers, The Soultronics.

Distractions (Intro) feat. The RH Factor.

Salima's Dance, Nothing Serious 2006, feat. Roy Hargrove (t), Slide Hampton (tb), Justin Robinson (as), Ronnie Matthews (p), Dwayne Burno (b), Willie Jones III (d).

Here's Roy live at the New Morning in July 2007 playing Nothing Serious with Justin Robinson (as), Gerald Clayton (p), Danton Boller (b) and Montez Coleman (d).

D Trane, Live At Massey Hall, feat. Roy Hargrove (t), Herbie Hancock (p), Michael Brecker (ts), John Patitucci (b) and Brian Blade (d).

A day in Vienna, Nothing Serious 2, feat. Roy Hargrove (t), Slide Hampton (tb), Justin Robinson (as), Ronnie Matthews (p), Dwayne Burno (b), Willie Jones III (d).

Thanks for reading.

#RoyHargrove #Jazz #_large

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daisyckinguk · 7 years ago

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Staff Photographer Ian Maule: My favorite Pictures of 2017

The Baylor dance team stretches ahead of their performance during the NCAA soccer game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Baylor Bears in McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on Saturday, September 23, 2017. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Ian Maule Tulsa World

Tulsa Roughnecks goalie Fabian Cerda cries in celebration while being raised by fans and teammates after obstructing the game winning penalty kick in their triumph over San Antonio FC in the University of Tulsa on Wednesday, May 31st, 2017. Ian Maule/ Tulsa World

Ian Maule Tulsa World

Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III collides with Michigan State Spartans forwards Nick Ward while also going to the basket during their next round game of NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla., on Sunday, March 19, 2017. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Tulsa Golden Hurricane forwards Martins Igbanu and Cincinnati Bearcats forwards Gary Clark battle for a rebound during the NCAA basketball game between the University of Tulsa and University of Cincinnati in the Donald W. Reynolds Center in Tulsa, Okla., on Wednesday, February 01, 2017.

Ian Maule Tulsa World

Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Kenneth Mann (55) hits Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (two) that led to a fumble that is being recovered by Oklahoma Sooners defensive ending Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (31) through the NCAA soccer game between the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla. on Saturday, November 4, 2017. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Bishop Kelly fans conduct East Central’s Esteban Quintana because he consoles teammate Bradnon Rosales later losing to Bishop Kelley throughout the 5A Boys Soccer State Championship in the University of Tulsa on Friday, May 12th, 2017. Ian Maule/ Tulsa World

Ian Maule Tulsa World

West Virginia’s Cory Stainbrook lays on the mat after losing in sudden victory to Air Force’s Dylan Hyder during the initial evening of the Big 12 Wrestling Championships in the BOK Center on Saturday, March 4, 2017. Ian Maule/ Tulsa World

Ian Maule Tulsa World

McLain assistant coach Mark Cuenca hugs Taywone McNack after losing his game to Tuttle’s Rhett Golowenski during the championship round of the OSSAA Individual Wrestling State Championship in Jim Norick Arena on Saturday, February 25, 2017. Ian Maule/ Tulsa World

Ian Maule Tulsa World

A Tulsa Cheerleader spins a flag before the NCAA basketball game between the University of Tulsa and University of Cincinnati in the Donald W. Reynolds Center in Tulsa, Okla., on Wednesday, February 02, 2017.

Ian Maule Tulsa World

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) waves that an Oklahoma University flag in midfield after his team’s win over Ohio State in Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, September 9, 2017. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

JamesGibbardTulsaWorld

Oklahoma Sooners running back Rodney Anderson (24) runs handed West Virginia Mountaineers cornerback Mike Daniels Jr. (4), linebacker Adam Hensley (45) and security Kenny Robinson (two) while scoring a touchdown through the NCAA soccer game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the West Virginia Mountaineers in Gaylord Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, November 25, 2017. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Owasso’s Devin Tyler and Bryce Cabrera later Cabrera’s touchdown from Jenks during their game in Allan Trimble Stadium on Friday, August 25, 2017. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Ian Maule/ Tulsa World

Cody Standridge, of Tulsa, rides down the Reptile Rush Speed Slide at Safari Joe’s H20 Water Park on Wednesday, July 05, 2017. Ian Maule/Tulsa World

Ian Maule/ Tulsa World

Bob McKee, of Owasso, sits in a seat from his RV one of the remains of the drop after taking storm harm in Owasso on Thursday, May 11th, 2017. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Ian Maule/ Tulsa World

Nathan Hale’s Adrian Gastelum appears at a bug on Bernie Rubalcava’s finger before a game in Nathan Hale High School. Regardless of the team’s overall record, the gamers joke about and are relaxed before matches. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Ian Maule/ Tulsa World

MattheW Eaton, of Ridgecrest, Cali., frees his son,Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Matthew Eaton (23), after his son’s team’s win over the Oklahoma Sooners in Gaylord Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 7, 2017. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Jacob Williams, Tina Gannm and Larissa Meicka do kettle bell bottoms and swings while working out in Okie Crossfit on Monday, August 07, 2017. The gym was ruined by a tornado, forcing courses to be held outside. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Ian Maule/ Tulsa World

Oklahoma student David Bartell, of Houston, Texas, responds to a blame in the fourth quarter through the NCAA soccer game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns during the 2017 Red River Showdown in the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, October 14, 2017. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Fans cheer as Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates after his team’s 59-31 win over the West Virginia Mountaineers in Gaylord Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, November 25, 2017. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

Brayden Hill and Kale Brister, both 10 and of Durant throw footballs while waiting in line for Meet the Sooners Day in Gaylord Memorial Stadium in Norman on Saturday, August 05, 2017 Ian Maule/Tulsa World

Ian Maule/ Tulsa World

Guilherme Marchi falls off of a bull through the finals of the PBR Championships in the BOK Center on Sunday, August 13, 2017. Ian Maule/Tulsa World

Ian Maule/ Tulsa World

Bishop Kelley’s Mackenzie Lewis, hugs Meredith Wilson as their teammates celebrate behind them after they defeated Claremore from the 5A Girls Soccer State Championship in the University of Tulsa on Friday, May 12th, 2017. Ian Maule/ Tulsa World

Ian Maule Tulsa World

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footyplusau · 8 years ago

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Fit Witts puts hand up

RELIEF was the main emotion Jarrod Witts displayed after completing his first full game in Gold Coast colours on Thursday night against the Western Bulldogs.

The recruit had only lasted one quarter against the Brisbane Lions in the opening JLT Community Series game before he split the webbing in his hand for the second time in 12 months and was sent to surgery.

Having recovered quickly from the operation, he threw a protective glove on his left hand then shouldered the rucking load – with occasional support from Peter Wright – against the Bulldogs with 13 handballs and a kick, as well as 31 hitouts in a promising performance.

‘The shoulder felt great’: Gazza all smiles

Only a dropped mark in the last quarter diminished his rating, with senior coach Rodney Eade pleased overall with his ruckwork.

Post-game Witts was focusing on the positives when he spoke to AFL.com.au.

“It’s an awesome feeling to get through [the game],” Witts said.

The 24-year-old’s importance to Gold Coast’s fortunes in 2017 should not be underestimated.

The renewed interest in him is underlined by the fact he has fulfilled more media commitments in the four months he has spent with the club than he did in five years at Collingwood.

At 209cm, with 40 games experience and the ban on third-man up he could stamp himself on the competition if he takes his chance to become the club’s number one ruckman.

At this point he sits in the box seat to get first crack at being the main man ahead of Tom Nicholls and Daniel Currie, having learned most of his trade at Collingwood.

NSW-raised he joined the Magpies in 2011 and was gaining momentum in 2014 with 20 games before a shoulder injury stopped him in his tracks.

Following a post-season operation he played 11 senior games in 2015 and just two last year before seeking a trade.

It’s not hard to understand why the big man’s energy and enthusiasm was tested at times during that period.

“You can’t really lie flat. I used to sleep on my stomach and my side so you have to sort of lay on the 45 (degree angle) with your arm in the sling for about six weeks,” Witts said.

“It’s pretty much learning to sleep on your back.”

His wish is that such a recollection soon becomes a distant memory.

“I hope I don’t have to go down that road again,” Witts said.

‘There was a lot to like’: Eade keeps cool

During that time the lead he had established over the emerging Brodie Grundy in the race to be the Magpies first ruck narrowed.

Again injuries intervened.

Split webbing in his hand that became infected meant he lost his spot after round one last season and Grundy grabbed it.

Witts only returned to the seniors when the Magpies tried to double-team Melbourne’s Max Gawn on Queen’s Birthday, a tactic that failed spectacularly, before disappearing from centre stage back to the VFL.

At season’s end he was traded to the Gold Coast hoping to be given more AFL opportunity and be part of a successful team.

“That would be nice and that is obviously the goal,” Witts said.

The first difference that struck him was the Queensland heat and the impact it had on his long, lean body.

Jarrod Witts looked good in his first full game for the Suns. Picture: AFL Photos

He found himself dropping five kilograms during the main sessions, working out eventually through trial and error whether to hydrate before training or replenish afterwards.

Once he settled he went to work with Suns’ assistant coach Matt Primus, a first-class ruckman in his day, and began building on aspects of his game he had developed at Collingwood.

So far his tap work has been strong and he continues to work on his marking.

His habit of dropping his height as he takes a mark rather than grabbing it at its highest point is noticeable, but it is an issue he can overcome if he maintains the faith.

“[I’m] always working on marking. It is probably the hardest component of the game,” Witts said.

Notably it was a dropped mark at the MCG when playing for Collingwood against Hawthorn in 2014 that put Witts in the headlines.

His then coach Nathan Buckley spoke to him in a demonstrative manner on the boundary line soon after he spilled it, which, of course, created headlines.

He didn’t back away from the fact he made a mess of a mark in the last quarter against the Bulldogs, looking for a moment like an old drunk playing kick-to-kick as he grassed the ball and let Liam Picken pounce on it and kick a goal.

This time however, in what is a good sign for the future, Witts’ reaction to the mistake was steely, with the big man conceding he was getting better at moving on if he made an error.

“That comes from the coaches,” Witts said.

“They have instilled a lot of confidence in me to just back myself…if I do make a mistake, don’t worry about it, don’t let it bother you, don’t get caught up on it and [move] straight on to the next contest and have an impact.”

Witts hopes the change in the third-man up rule has a positive effect on him, but knows it will only play a minor role on his form.

“I will be able to use my height a bit more and not have to worry too much about what is behind me and what is coming in from the side, so I can just stand tall,” Witts said.

The Suns need him to stand tall, knowing that he should improve on whatever he does at the start of the season.

“I am just learning about working with different guys, getting those combinations right and trying to get our timing right and making the right calls at the right times,” he said.

Witts appears as ready as ever.

The post Fit Witts puts hand up appeared first on Footy Plus.

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auburnfamilynews · 4 years ago

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Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

To hell with Georgia.

While this is being written, the nation has been riddled bemused by the misfortune of our Chief Executive’s recent diagnosis, but that’s going to take a quick and staunch back page to what will transpire ‘tween the hedges once the sun sets this evening.

I’m not even old, and I remember a time wherein the Auburn-Georgia rivalry was... civil. Maybe it wasn’t completely healthy, or polite, but we didn’t seem to get into it the way that we do now. Amen Corner held importance, but we didn’t stir in the true hatred until Thanksgiving arrived. I even enjoyed listening to Larry Munson’s gravelly bourbon drawl.

I also didn’t grow up in Georgia.

Things were fine for most of my adolescence. Georgia was a competitive series, where neither team really threw together a serious winning streak. Georgia’s four-game streak from 2006-2009 was the longest streak by either team in the series since Auburn won six in a row in the mid-to-late 1950s. We had some absolute classics, especially throughout the 90s and 2000s — the First Overtime Game in the SEC, Ronney Daniels going wild, Cadillac’s coming out party, 4th and 15 in Auburn, 4th and 11 in Athens — but I never felt awful after losing to Georgia. It was like losing to a friend who just got the better of you that day and you knew that tomorrow you’d have your revenge.

Then, the strangest thing happened.

It was almost like spiking the ball at the Thanksgiving backyard football game and then pantsing your brother while taking the last slice of pumpkin pie and the best spot to watch Home Alone. I thought we were friends, and then you want to come and gloat like that? I never expected it.

Then again, I didn’t grow up in Georgia. Can’t say I even knew a Georgia fan for the majority of my life. Why all of the sudden rudeness? It was hard to feel bad about what happened three years after the dancing escapades.

In fact, it was nearly impossible. The schadenfreude was even sweeter three years after that when several Georgia coaches hit the deck when a miracle occurred, and even better when we turned their own native son against them in 2017.

Still, this has been Georgia’s rivalry as of late. While we treated Alabama like our Super Bowl, they realized that the Nerds in Atlanta weren’t any sort of real rival, and turned their true attention to us. Mark Richt made a living off of beating Auburn (and lost it in Jacksonville), and Kirby’s somehow managed to end up getting the benefit of some of the worst coaching in Auburn history (and major injuries) to help him beat the Tigers four out of his first five tries.

Today’s pandemic-dampened festivities lead into a blood match tonight. It’s turned petty. It’s turned nasty. It feels like we all grew up in Georgia as of late. We can at least hope that the masks will somewhat silence the effect of a grown man barking at you.

SERIES HISTORY: Georgia leads the series 60-56-8 and has won three straight games in the rivalry including the 2017 SEC Championsip.

LAST MEETING: Georgia beat Auburn 21-14 last season at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn nearly erased a 21-0 deficit, but a critical error on a pass from Bo Nix to Harold Joiner on a late fourth down killed Auburn’s hopes. The Tigers fell by a touchdown at home.

LAST WEEK: Auburn took down Kentucky 29-13, getting three touchdown passes from Bo Nix (both to Seth Williams) and three turnovers from the defense, while limiting Kentucky’s offense to nearly nothing in the second half.

Georgia struggled with Arkansas, trailing 7-5 at halftime before Stetson Bennett IV threw for two touchdowns on the way to a 37-10 victory. The Bulldogs ran for less than three yards per carry and had real trouble getting going overall.

KEY STARTERS:

Auburn

Bo Nix: 16-27, 233 yards, 3 TDs

Seth Williams: 6 catches, 112 yards, 2 TDs

Eli Stove: 4 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD

K.J. Britt: 11 tackles, 1 TFL

Owen Pappoe: 8 tackles, 1 sack

Roger McCreary: 4 tackles, 1 INT

Georgia

Stetson Bennett IV: 20-29, 211 yds, 2 TDs

Zamir White: 13 carries, 71 yds,1 TD

George Pickens: 4 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD

Nakobe Dean: 7 tackles

Richard Lecount III: 3 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 PD

Nolan Smith: 6 tackles, 1.5 sacks

KEYS FOR AUBURN:

Get over the Georgia headache. This team isn’t better than Auburn. They want to be Alabama, but they’re not, and will likely never beat Alabama while Kirby is leading the program. However, for whatever reason, Gus Malzahn has allowed Georgia to become his biggest bugaboo. Auburn had the better team in 2014, but the Texas A&M defeat the week before sent us into Athens on a down note. If Gus realizes that Sean White’s arm is broken in 2016, we just run the ball and win. The SEC Championship is a wash, since Kerryon Johnson’s injury was more than we could handle, but last year never should have seen us go scoreless for three quarters. Gus needs to prove he can go into a road rivalry atmosphere and win. He’s 0-fer in Athens, Tuscaloosa, and Baton Rouge. He gets two opportunities in those places this season. We may never have a better chance in Athens with what we saw from them last week and how little the crowd will be a factor. He absolutely has to win this game, and it could end up as a positive turning point in his career. How do you do that?

Keep Bo Nix upright. Nix wasn’t sacked once last week and only pressured twice. That was Kentucky, this is going to be the best defense we see all year. Bo took some good shots last week looking downfield, but I think we may see the full extent of the Chad Morris offense this week, with plenty of short and intermediate passes mixed in. Let Bo weave in the pocket, and work on settling his happy feet just a little bit so that he can make the necessary pass. He’s not going to leave Athens with a clean jersey, but taking a hit’s the price to pay in this rivalry.

Win the run game on both sides of the ball. Auburn must do a better job of running the ball, even if to give the defense a little bit of a rest. Kentucky sped the game up and reduced the number of possessions last week and Auburn looked like they got a little antsy as a result. If the Tigers can do the same thing, and run for over a hundred yards at a respectable clip (3.8+ ypc), then I think we’ll be in good shape. Defensively, you have to make Stetson Bennett, or J.T. Daniels, or D’Wan Mathis win this game. Rodney Garner’s going to rotate his guys up front, so hopefully we see them get stronger as the game moves along like last week.

Play necessarily rough. They deserve it. With a little bit of this, it may force Georgia into a repeat of the penalty-fest they put on last week.

STRESS-O-METER:

Let’s do this. Plenty of time for dark liquor and aggression before kickoff. War Damn Eagle.

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auburnfamilynews · 5 years ago

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As we continue our march to kickoff, we take a look at the top 100 recruits to sign with Auburn of all-time*. The rankings are based on 247’s composite recruit rankings, which unfortunately only date back to 2000.

THE RECRUIT

Moore had as good a sophomore tape as you will find for a defensive lineman. But a nasty knee injury stole his junior year and he honestly didn’t seem back to 100% through most of his senior season. But both at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game and the Under Armour All-America Game it looked like maybe he was getting his step back. Moore’s future is most likely in the interior as a 3-tech though he could also slide out at strongside defensive end. He’s got a long frame but a very quick first step that makes him a nightmare in pass protection for interior offensive lineman. He’s a great fit for what Rodney Garner likes to do with his big fellas up front. - AUNerd

With the trend towards most players signing in the early signing period, a lot of the January recruiting drama from years past has dissipated. Though that’s honestly a good thing for the players, it does make whatever theatrics we do get all the more intriguing. For Auburn in 2019, there were two big storylines to follow in January. Even though Malzahn and Co. lost George Pickens to UGA, they did secure a huge signing from Mississippi defensive lineman Charles Moore.

Moore was a long time Mississippi State commit, but that relationship seemed tenuous at best after Dan Mullen left after the 2017 season. Moore stayed on with the Bulldogs until after the early signing period, before finally decommitting in January and taking several visits to other schoools, including Florida, Florida State, and LSU. He even took a last minute unofficial visit to Starkville just days before National Signing Day. Come the first Wednesday in February, though, Moore ended up choosing the Auburn Tigers. As we’ve hit on before, Auburn’s most recent addition to the defensive staff (Marcus Woodson) has made Mississippi a priority, and Moore will be a part of the trio of Magnolia state defensive linemen that Coach Garner will get to play with, along with Jaren Handy and Derrick Hall.

THE PLAYER

As I recommend with all of the upcoming freshman, take a look at Nerd’s breakdown from their signing day to find out more about their play style. Moore is a big body who will likely end up at tackle, but until he adds more bulk he should be able to play at defensive end, as well. There’s also a world in which Moore redshirts simply due to the numbers Auburn has on the defensive front.

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auburnfamilynews · 5 years ago

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Lee Hunter’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeeHunt54019537/status/1155260243275845634

Like Big Cat Weekend, the goal of this past weekend was to get a number of top targets on campus in order to lay the groundwork for future booms. Mission accomplished.

This week is a unique week on the recruiting trail. For much of July and all of August, it’s the dead period in recruiting which means that prospects and coaching staffs can not have any face to face contact. But from July 25th to July 31st, there is a quiet period which allows recruits to have face to face contact only on a college campus. That has lead to the majority of programs throwing very large recruiting events in hopes of getting their top targets on campus one more time before fall camp begins.

Starting in 2016, Auburn has taken advantage of this time period by throwing a picnic/bbq event at the end of each July. It’s almost like a second Big Cat Weekend though its focus is a bit more split between this class and future ones. It’s proven to be successful thus far. This year it looks likely to have the same results.

The Tigers landed one commit and sure sounds like a few more could pop in the coming weeks. Like Big Cat Weekend, the goal of this event isn’t necessarily to land same day commits. Instead, it’s to forge strong bonds not only between their top targets and the coaching staff but also allow current commits and future targets to bond as well. Often times, it’s the connection between fellow prospects that ends up mattering just as much as the relationships with the coaching staff.

Here’s a rundown of who made the trip and updates on their recruitments.

Auburn Commits

4* LB Trenton Simpson

4* LB Wesley Steiner

4* WR Kobe Hudson

4* WR Ze’Vian Capers

4* WR JJ Evans

4* LB Cameron Riley

3* OG Tate Johnson

3* OG Avery Jernigan

3* OT Jeremiah Wright

3* QB Chayill Garnett

3* OT Jonathan Buskey

All but four Auburn commits made it to campus this past weekend and it doesn’t appear that any of the four showed up at other events. Last year, George Pickens spurned Auburn’s event for Georgia’s, something that in hindsight proved more important than I realized at the time so I was playing close attention to see if something similar went down this year. Thankfully, that doesn’t appear to be the case and even more importantly, the majority of Auburn’s top ranked commits made the trip to help the staff recruit.

The biggest news from this group is obviously Wright’s commitment. He’s someone JB Grimes has wanted for a long time and Auburn is reportedly thrilled they could get him on board before the season. He gives Auburn 6 offensive line commits which could mean they are done at that position. However, they will reportedly continue to pursue some JUCO OT talent and don’t be surprised if they host some more OL official visitors during the season.

@CoachGusMalzahn @AUBRecruiting @GabrielWade10 @KennyDillingham @LevornH WAR EAGLE pic.twitter.com/7okyrPyDFX

— thatjeremiah77 (@thatjeremiah771) July 27, 2019

2020 Targets

4* RB Tank Bigsby

4* WR EJ Williams

4* DB Ladarius Tennison

4* CB Marco Domio (JUCO)

4* CB Kendall Dennis

4* DB Brian George (JUCO)

3* DL/Buck Rashad Whitehead

3* DE Bradyn Swinson

K Evan McGuire

One of the bigger storylines this weekend was tracking where Tank Bigsby would visit. There was confidence that he would be on the Plains but with Tank anything is possible. Well the nation’s #7 running back elected to head to Auburn over Athens and even more importantly returned Sunday to talk with the staff. This is turning into an AU alum showdown between Carnell Williams and Dell McGee. Can Caddy land his first big boom as an assistant? That possibility feels MUCH more realistic than it did just a few weeks ago.

The other big time offensive target to visit was Phenix City native EJ Williams. He was close to being an AU commit following this event last year but his recruitment absolutely exploded during the fall and now Auburn has been playing catch up. The good news is he stated Auburn had moved up to #2 on his list following the visit. The bad news is Clemson continues to lead and with a decision coming at the end of August, it’s hard to see this one going Auburn’s way. Luckily, the Tigers already have a very strong WR class committed so Williams is more of a “really nice to have” than a necessity.

It’s been hard to get a handle on Auburn’s top DB targets this cycle and even harder to know who might actually be favoring the Tigers. That picture got a lot more clear this weekend. All four DB prospects that visited are absolute takes for the Tigers and there’s a chance all four might now be favoring Auburn. Two are JUCO prospects Marco Domio and Brian George. Both have already used official visits to the Plains and could be closing in on a decision. Interestingly, EJ Williams was only one of two uncommitted prospects to visit Auburn for both Big Cat Weekend and the War Eagle Picnic. The other? The nation’s #2 JUCO cornerback Brian George. Jason Caldwell also reports that Domio’s flight was cancelled which could have meant taking the much shorter drive to College Station but his family instead elected to drive 10 hours to the Plains. The JUCO prospects also reportedly spent a lot of time together during the event. Auburn very well could have to replace both starting cornerbacks next season. Signing two of the top three JUCO recruits this cycle sure ain’t a bad way of going about filling that hole.

As for prep targets LaDarrius Tennison and Kendall Dennis, both have been reported in the past as having Auburn as a top school. But you really can’t start taking players’ interest seriously until they start taking multiple visits to campus. The fact both elected to travel to Auburn for this weekend is big news. Getting Domio, George, Tennison and Dennis in this year’s class would be huge for Auburn. The other name to continue to track is 4* CB Ethan Pouncey. Chances are good at least three from that group will be Auburn Tigers next season.

2021 Targets

5* DB Ga’Quincy McKinstry

5* DT Lee Hunter

4* WR Jaquez Smith

4* WR Julian Nixon

4* WR Dacari Collins

3* LB Chaz Chambliss

3* QB Aaron McLaughlin

3* DT Isaac Washington

3* WR Jackson Meeks

3* OL JT Pennington

This weekend wasn’t just about locking down some top 2020 targets, it was also about getting a jump start on the 2021 class. The recruiting cycles kick into gear so much earlier with the new early signing period. That’s why Auburn really split their focus of this event between finishing out their current class and getting a foundation in place for the next one. It sounds like they made signifiant progress on both.

It’s believed that Kenny Dillingham’s cryptic tweets on Saturday evening about a 2nd possible commit were in regards to Alpharetta, GA native Aaron McLaughlin. The 6’4” 225 lb gunslinger camped (along with 3* Will Crowder) with the Tigers on Friday and it sounds like he impressed both Gus Malzahn and Kenny Dillingham. So much so that the Tigers are hoping to get him on board very soon. It’s interesting that Auburn might go so hard after a pro style QB given Auburn’s recent focus on dual threat prospects the past few classes, but supposedly McLaughlin showed enough mobility during camp to make the coaching staff feel good about him being able to run the whole offense. One thing is for sure though this dude can throw the football.

McLaughlin might not be the only future 2021 boom. Lee Hunter has long favored the Tigers so much so that when asked about his top schools his answer was “Auburn, Auburn, Auburn, Auburn”. The Eight Mile, AL native is a 247 Composite 5* already and expected to be one of the top prospects in the country next season. Landing Hunter would be a massive early boom for this 2021 class. He reminds me a lot of Derrick Brown at this point in his career and I don’t say that lightly.

Hunter wasn’t the only instate 5* on campus. The man they call Kool-Aid, Ga’Quincy McKinstry, was back on campus again this weekend. Ranked as the nation’s #15 overall prospect in the 2021 class, McKinstry has long been a frequent visitor to the Plains. But this trip was a bit different as it wasn’t only Gus Malzahn that wanted to meet with him. Bruce Pearl stopped by and let McKinstry know that he also has an offer to play basketball for the Tigers.

#AG2G Truly Blessed & Honored ‼️To Receive An Basketball ⭕️ffer From Auburn University... I WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO PLAY BOTH SPORTS #WAREAGLE @coachbarber @CoachFlanigan pic.twitter.com/Jcaq6Xprul

— GaQuincy McKinstry™ (@GaQMcK1) July 28, 2019

You don’t see many kids play both football and basketball in college but Auburn is willing to let McKinstry do both. This is going to be one of the most hotly contested recruitments in the state next cycle. It will be interesting to see if Alabama follows Auburn’s lead and gives Kool-Aid a chance to be a dual sport athlete at the next level.

Finally, file the name Isaac Washington away. Visiting from Pilot Mountain, NC, Washington appears to be an early top target for Rodney Garner. He left the Plains with the Tigers on top. Don’t be surprised if his name quickly climbs the prospect rankings over the next year.

Really great day at Auburn University yesterday one of the best days of my life thank you @coachg76 & @CoachGusMalzahn for everything can’t wait to be back. #WAREAGLE pic.twitter.com/LIQQfUQ4A9

— isaac (@isaacw_74) July 28, 2019

2022

OL Lucas Taylor

QB MJ Morris

DT Dominick James

DB Andre Stewart

DB Khamauri Rogers

I will admit that even my obsessiveness over recruiting hasn’t lead me to watch much 2022 film but there was a bit of news from this list. Khamauri Rogers left the Plains with an offer in hand. Given Auburn’s recent success in the state of Mississippi and Rogers having Marcus Woodson has his position coach, I think he’s a name to track over the next couple of cycles. I am guessing we will see him on campus more in the future.

Blessed to receive an offer from Auburn University #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/A6u6RKuZvB

— 1 (@Khamauri1k) July 27, 2019

War Eagle!

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auburnfamilynews · 6 years ago

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Not a ton of happy things to report right now on the recruiting trail for the Tigers.

Life is good for Auburn athletics right now. The men’s basketball team is heading to Nashville with a ton of momentum while the women look set to make the NCAA tournament. Baseball and softball are a combined 36-6 as they prepare for conference play. Auburn equestrian is still the nation’s best. So stay locked in on all that goodness because there isn’t a ton of happy things to report right now on the Auburn football recruiting trail...

Demouy Kennedy Decommits

Auburn’s 2020 recruiting cycle has gotten off to a rocky start. News broke Saturday afternoon shortly after Auburn’s triumph on the hardwood that 4* LB Demouy Kennedy no longer considered himself committed to the Tigers.

4-star recruit no longer considers himself an #Auburn commit. https://t.co/TeNQ1uQmyV pic.twitter.com/zJKeXahmt3

— Keith Niebuhr (@Keith247Sports) March 9, 2019

Kennedy becomes the 4th decommit of the 2020 class which matches the amount Auburn had in all of the 2019 cycle. It also matches the career high for decommits under Gus Malzahn. Needless to say, that’s less than ideal.

This is a big blow. Kennedy is the #109 prospect in the country per 247 Composite and has a chance to challenge for top 50 status before this cycle is over. Between him, 4* Buck Quandarrius Robinson and 4* DL Andy Boykin, the Tigers have dealt with some pretty impactful decommits this early in the cycle.

Fortunately, Auburn sits in a good spot for a number of prospects at the linebacker position. 4* Cameron Riley, 3* Desmond Tidsol, 3* Rodney Groce and 3* Tyus Wheat all have named Auburn their leader at some point. The Tigers are also in the top group for 4* Phillip Webb and 4* Trenton Simpson. Then there’s the intriguing recruitments of 5* Justin Flowe and 4* Jayion McCluster. Put simply, Auburn will more than likely be fine come signing day. Still, it always stinks to see talented prospects go elsewhere. Auburn will continue to pursue Kennedy but as of now LSU is probably the team to watch.

Top OL Targets Heading Elsewhere

To continue the bad news, it looks like two of Auburn’s top OL targets are headed to Auburn without a lake but with a more recent national championship trophy. Last night, 4* Mitchell Mayes announced his verbal pledge to Clemson.

I am Mitchell Mayes and ... I am a Clemson Tiger #WE2DEEP20 #ALLIN All Praises to the Man Above pic.twitter.com/BIKhqJssXy

— Mitchell Mayes (@_7msm_2) March 11, 2019

I honestly felt like Auburn had taken the lead for Mayes after his recent visit but that proved false. Dabo has recruited extremely well in his time at Clemson but is poised to assemble possibly his best class ever this cycle which is a tad frightening.

A big reason why that looks to be happening is Mayes is probably not the only top OL target they land this week. Thursday, 4* Bryn Tucker appears set to make his decision and Clemson is the overwhelming favorite. Both Mayes and Tucker were guys high on Auburn’s board so it stinks to miss out this early in the cycle. Auburn has spread a wider net this go around hunting for offensive line talent, hopefully it pays off better down the road.

Graduate Transfer To Visit Again

So I do have some happy news to discuss in this update. Auburn appears close to landing a replacement for Darius Slayton in the near future. Former Arkansas wideout La’Michael Pettway is set to visit the Plains a 2nd time per AuburnUndercover’s Keith Niebuhr.

Some fairly big #Auburn recruiting news: #Arkansas grad transfer WR sets 2nd AU visit (VIP) https://t.co/9QHXjYnZXS pic.twitter.com/C4NUe1oJye

— Keith Niebuhr (@Keith247Sports) March 10, 2019

Pettway visited back in January and it felt like Auburn might have positioned themselves as the team to beat. However, keep an eye on Oklahoma State. Pettway will also make another trip to Cowpoke country before making his final decision. Unless he also stops by Iowa, it feels safe saying this decision will come down to Auburn vs Oklahoma State. I still think the Tigers end up being the pick.

Can confirm @yaaapettway with be in Stillwater on Monday. 6’2 WR looking for a new Home. #GoPokes pic.twitter.com/5QalmIIrbn

— Boone Pickens State (@BP_State) March 10, 2019

War Eagle!

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auburnfamilynews · 7 years ago

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One of Auburn’s top targets plans to announce his commitment on October 14th. What are Auburn’s chances?

I will be honest, recruiting has been pretty boring recently for Auburn. That shouldn’t really be a surprise. When football season arrives, recruiting tends to take a back seat for both coaching staffs and recruits as both focus on their seasons. That’s not to say it’s completely ignored. Coaches are on the road pretty much every week to see top recruits in action and recruits are on the road pretty much every weekend to check out their top schools in person. There aren’t a lot of commitments during the season as many kids want to wait until the season is over and they have taken all their official visits before publicly announcing.

There are always exceptions. This week, right before the FBI bomb dropped on college basketball, 4* DT Coynis Miller announced he plans on committing on October 14th.

Save the date October 14 ill be committing to one of the universities listed below •instagram @junior256_ •snapchat@itsjuneyah http://pic.twitter.com/fn0cLTp0Pd

— 〽️ajor (@junior256_) September 26, 2017

This is a big domino about to fall. Auburn wants two defensive tackles in this class and already have one on board in 3* Daquan Newkirk. There is not any fuzziness or confusion around who they want for that second spot. It’s Miller. It’s always been Miller. Auburn was the first Power 5 school to offer the talented defensive lineman and his second D1 offer. The staff has made plenty of trips to Jackson-Olin over the past few seasons to visit not only 2017 signee 4* LB Tadarian Moultry but to also recruit Miller. He’s a dude with incredible potential and three of the top SEC programs in the country are all hard after his signature.

So who does he pick? It’s hard to say right now. Early on in his recruitment, Auburn was the clear leader. Then Alabama jumped into the fray and I personally thought he would end up with the Tide. Then this summer, the Tigers started trending with rumors AU might land him in August. But then he took a trip to Gainesville right before the dead period and decided to postpone his commitment. Recently, he named the Gators his #1 team with AU a close second but he’s made multiple trips to Tuscaloosa to start the season (including this weekend for the Bama/Ole Miss game). Auburn’s insiders have Crystal Ball picks in for Auburn while one Alabama insider has one for the Tide. No picks from any meaningful Florida insiders or national analysts.

So I have no idea...

For now, I am hopeful he ends up picking the Tigers. He’s very close with Rodney Garner, his mom is an Auburn fan and his former teammate Tadarian Moultry is on campus. He’s also good friends with Auburn commit 4* RB Asa Martin who still thinks Miller ends up donning the orange and blue with him next season. That along with a clear opportunity to play early should have Auburn fans feeling hopeful. However, his last visit to Auburn was for the Georgia Southern game and it’s unclear when he will visit again. I think if he visits the Plains next weekend then he picks Auburn. If he instead chooses to go to the Florida/LSU game, then it will be a hard time being optimistic a recruit will commit to a school he hasn’t visited in a month after visiting the other finalists multiple times.

Missing on Miller would be a huge blow. Auburn has not really pursued other defensive tackles very hard because they have had their minds set on Miller. Like Marlon Davidson, Nick Coe and Byron Cowart, he’s a guy that can play both inside and outside at the next level. Landing Miller would be a huge win for Rodney Garner and would be a huge boost for this recruiting class.

Two Explosive Performances

Last night, one Auburn commit and one top Auburn target put on incredible shows.

Chaminade RB Shivers with an insane display of speed and toughness. 8 rushes for 238 yds 4 tds in one half. 3A Chaminade 52 8A Piper 0 http://pic.twitter.com/6M10osfTUJ

— Jay Jancosko (@tulane17) September 29, 2017

Seth Williams has 201 receiving yards, two TDs to lead Bryant past Central http://bit.ly/2yeUJOQ http://pic.twitter.com/LZYwUWjpYq

— TuscPreps (@TuscPreps) September 29, 2017

You read those numbers right. Longtime Auburn commit turned top recruiter, 3* RB Shaun Shivers, put up video game stats in a 52-0 blowout last night. He averaged just shy of 30 yards per carry and scored a TD every other time he touched the ball. That’s insane no matter the competition. Shivers will bring an explosive element to Auburn’s backfield that the Tigers have sorely been lacking this year. He’s got enough muscle and wiggle to be a threat between the tackles but will no doubt do much of his damage burning defenses on the outside. Adding him and 4* RB Asa Martin to Auburn’s backfield next season should have Tiger fans excited about the future.

As for 4* Seth Williams, he continues to put up jaw dropping numbers this fall. The 6’3” 212 lb wideout is making a strong case to challenge 4* Justyn Ross’s spot as the top WR in the state. As crazy as it sounds, Auburn appears to be in really good shape with a top WR recruit playing for a school named after Paul Bryant. The Tide seem focused on recruits outside the state which has allowed Auburn to make a really big push and possibly build a lead for the talented pass catcher. Kodi Burns was at the game last night to see the performance in person and I imagine he’s working hard on getting Williams back on campus soon. The Tigers have a chance at signing an elite WR class this season with 4* Matthew Hill and 3* Shedrick Jackson already on board. Add Williams to that group and it’s hard to ask for a better WR class.

Auburn vs Mississippi State Visitor List

The Tigers will welcome a large contingent of 2018, 2019 and even 2020 prospects to the Plains Saturday for their home SEC opener. Some familiar and new names are on the list. All credit to Benjamin Wolk over at SECCountry who compiled the majority of this list:

4* WR Justyn Ross

4* WR Matthew Hill (Auburn Commit)

4* RB Asa Martin (Auburn Commit)

4* OG Tank Jenkins

3* DL Jamarcus Chatman (Tennessee Commit)

3* S Jamien Sherwood (Auburn Commit)

3* OG Jalil Irvin (Auburn Commit)

3* DT Daquan Newkirk (Auburn Commit)

3* WR Shedrick Jackson (Auburn Commit)

3* TE Tyneil Hopper

3* S Kolbi Fuqua (Auburn Commit)

3* CB JaKorey Hawkins

3* CB Keith Washington (Michigan Transfer)

3* TE Michael Parker

3* ATH Josh Marsh (Auburn Commit)

2019 4* WR George Pickens

2019 4* CB Tyron Hopper

2019 4* LB Ja’Len Sims

2019 3* OT Brandon Cunningham (Miami Commit)

2019 3* OT Carter Colquitt

2019 3* CB Jalen Alexander

2019 3* CB Jaydon Hill

2019 3* DT Patrick Lucas

2019 3* C Louis Paul Smith

2019 CB Rhasaan Christian

2019 ATH Javonni Cunningham

2019 RB Calvon Harris

2019 OT Adrian Medley

2019 ATH CJ Yarbrough

2019 Marcus Crowley

2020 5* WR Kobe Hudson

2020 DE Andy Boykin

2020 ATH Jecoryan Davis-Hamilton

The last time Justyn Ross saw this Auburn offense in person they were giving up 11 sacks and only compiling 117 yds. Hopefully, round two shows a much improved offensive attack. Kodi Burns is expected to see Ross in person tonight. Clemson is considered the team trending right now but you can never count out Auburn or Alabama when it comes to top instate talent.

Two of Auburn’s top tight end targets will be on campus which is interesting. Tyneil Hopper was one of the first names that jumped to the top of the board when Larry Porter was hired but there hasn’t been a ton of noise between Hopper and AU for some time now. Parker, on the other hand, blew the coaching staff away this summer earning an offer. However, he’s got two brothers already playing for the Crimson Tide so if Nick Saban ever decides to offer the Hunstville native it might be difficult for him to say no. At this time, I am not sure who would be preferred over the other. It could be a first come, first serve type of deal. Both probably want to see some catches from tight ends though before jumping on board.

Finally, there are two very interesting names on this list. Jamarcus Chatman is a one time LSU commit now Tennessee verbal who plays on a loaded Rome team. He’s teammates with one of Auburn’s top Buck targets, 4* Adam Anderson. In his own right, he’s an outstanding defensive lineman who could play end or tackle at the next level. He has the frame Garner loves and I would not be surprised if he landed an offer soon. If the Tigers don’t think they are going to get Andres Fox they might try and flip Chatman. That could help them with Anderson as well.

The other name to keep an eye on is Keith Washington. The former Michigan Wolverine is a Prattville native who decided to transfer before the season. Auburn is still in the market for a cornerback and are evaluating a number of JUCO DBs. Could Washington be Auburn’s answer? It will be interesting to see how it all unfolds.

War Eagle!

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auburnfamilynews · 7 years ago

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One of Auburn’s top targets told reporters this weekend on visit that the Tigers hold the lead and a decision will be coming soon.

4* Buck Richard Jibunor has been on commit watch for quite awhile. In fact, back in March I speculated that Auburn looked like it was about to land the talented athlete out of Athens, GA. However, he didn’t make the follow up visit and since then has made it clear that no decision would come until he had visited a handful of schools. That list appears to be down to one: Florida. Jibunor told Benjamin Wolk over at SECCountry that he is planning on visiting Gainesville for the Florida-Tennessee game on September 16th. He plans to have a decision very soon after that which should be good news for Auburn as he also finally admitted publicly this weekend that the Tigers are his top team and have been for awhile.

From the very beginning of this recruiting cycle, Auburn has made the Nigerian native a priority. He’s very raw having only played football for a few years now but is an elite athlete who has the chance to be an absolute force as a pass rusher at the next level. Over the summer, he won the DL MVP at The Opening Regional in Atlanta and the LB MVP at Rivals 5 Star Camp. He also took reps as a CB at another camp and plays WR for his high school team. This is a kid with a lot of ability, a great attitude and the raw tools to be something special in a few years. If Auburn can lock him down in a few weeks that would be a huge win for this staff and a big boom for this recruiting class.

Jibunor isn’t the only Nigerian native to track though. 3* DE Kayode Oladele seems to be trending Auburn’s way as well right now with the last 7 Crystal Ball picks pointing to the good guys. The Tigers would like to land five defensive lineman this class and Oladele seems to be emerging as one of the top defensive end targets to go with 3* Andres Fox. For both Jibunor and Oladele, the fact that Auburn already has two Nigerian natives on campus in Prince Tega Wanogho and Prince Sammons appears to be playing a major role. Commitments from Jibunor and Oladele would solidify that Nigerian pipeline that seems to be emerging and give Auburn two high ceiling athletes on the defensive line. Definitely something to track over the coming weeks and months.

Recapping Weekend Visitors

Of the four expected 4* 2018 visitors, three made the trip this weekend. 4* OG Trey Hill, 4* DT Coynis Miller and 4* Richard Jibunor all made the trek to the Plains Saturday to see Auburn open the year with a dominating performance. Unfortunately, 4* WR Seth Williams ended up not making the trip but I wouldn’t read too much into that as he didn’t visit anywhere this past weekend. He was supposed to come with his team but the trip got called off.

I am starting to really believe that Trey Hill could end up an Auburn Tiger. He’s visited AU now more than ten times and seems to love the fact that the Tigers have made him a priority. He also told Wolk that he likes the look of Auburn’s depth chart and thinks he could find his way onto the field pretty quickly.

Hill won’t judge his entire decision on playing time, but he sees a channel to the field with the Tigers.

“The depth chart situation, you’re going to have backups at either school that can play. It’s just a matter of coming in and working hard and fitting in. I’m paying attention to it, but I’m really not [looking at it too much],” Hill said. “Most of their [interior] guys are seniors. If I come here, I feel that I’d fit in.”

As for Miller, he continues to state that Florida holds the edge though not by much. It sounds like Auburn continues to feel really good about where they stand with him and having 4* RB Asa Martin committed could really help as the two are close. Throw in his former teammate Tadarian Moultry being on campus along with his close relationship with Rodney Garner and it’s hard not to think that if Auburn takes care of business on the field this season, Miller will end up a Tiger.

Wolk put together a nice summary of info on some of the top targets that made it to campus this past weekend. Here’s who looks to have made it on campus, always a chance I missed somebody:

4* OG Trey Hill

4* WR Matthew Hill (AU Commit)

4* DT Coynis Miller

4* RB Asa Martin (AU Commit)

4* Buck Richard Jibunor

3* WR Shedrick Jackson (AU Commit)

3* ATH Josh Marsh (AU Commit)

2019 4* WR George Pickens (AU Commit)

2019 3* OT Carter Colquitt

2019 3* CB Jalen Alexander

2019 LB Kameron Brown (Derrick Brown’s little brother)

2020 4* WR Dazalin Worsham (#1 player in AL)

2020 DE Andy Boykin

2020 LB Quanderrius Robinson (Coynis Miller’s teammate)

Commit Tracker

Auburn’s pair of running back commits had big nights this past week. 3* RB Shaun Shivers bounced back from a rocky first game with a 23 carry 163 yd performance in a 14-13 win over Miramar. He apparently even took some snaps at cornerback, shutting down 3* WR Dominick Watt in the second half. Not to be outdone, 4* Asa Martin rushed for 4 TDs and 200 yards in a 41-14 beatdown of Bob Jones. That’s 363 yds and 4 TDs between the pair of them. Auburn is adding two very explosive backs to the backfield next season.

While Martin is having an insane start to the season, you might argue that 4* QB Joey Gatewood has been the best of Auburn’s commits so far. The 6’4” 232 lb beast put on a show on ESPN2 two weekends ago in a tough loss to Cartersville then followed that up by leading his Bartram Bears to a 35-24 victory over Mainland, a team that was on a 30 game regular season home winning streak. Gatewood rushed for 68 yds and 2 TDs to go along with 144 yds through the air and 2 more TDs. That’s 7 TDs through two games and over 500 total yards all while rotating every other series with teammate 3* Riley Smith. Gatewood is quickly silencing the haters and establishing himself as one of the top QB prospects in this class.

Here’s how the last week went for the rest of Auburn’s commits:

4* WR Matthew Hill scored on a 58 yd punt return, rushed for 22 yds on 2 carries and caught 5 passes for 46 yds in 35-7 beatdown of South Gwinnett.

Can’t find any stats on 4* S Quindarious Monday but his team lost a tough one to Douglas County 37-32.

4* LB Michael Harris had a 16 yd rec in 35-21 loss to Colquitt County. Haven’t found any defensive stats yet. Auburn coaches were at this game to see Harris, 4* OT Dylan Wonnum, 4* LB JJ Peterson and plenty of other prospects in action.

Due to lightning, 3* S Jamien Sherwood’s game was cut short but he did get a pick and score on a 9 yd rushing TD before then.

Haven’t found anything on how Jalil Irvin’s Stephenson team did this past weekend.

3* DL Daquan Newkirk had quite the debut recording 7 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 QBH and a pass breakup in a wild 42-41 win over Itawamba. Excited to see what he does this fall in a very strong Junior College division.

3* WR Shedrick Jackson did not play in Hoover’s win over Meridian last week due to lingering injury from Grayson game. Expected back this week.

According to Keith Niebuhr, 3* OL Kameron Stutts was pulled in the 2nd half after a head to head hit. Niebuhr believes he will be back this week. Stutt’s team lost 33-20 to Fayette County.

Tough night for 3* S Kolbi Fuqua’s Cordova team who got spanked 47-6 by Pleasant Grove. Haven’t found any stats on Fuqua’s performance.

According to Wolk, Josh Marsh sat out this week due to minor knee injury.

Also according to Wolk, 2019 4* WR George Pickens had 3 catches for 41 yds in Hoover’s win.

War Eagle!

from College and Magnolia http://bit.ly/2xe0ATR

#IFTTT #Blogger #auburn #auburn fast #wareagle #AuburnFamilyNews #war eagle #sec #football news #aubu

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