Wednesday, February 4, 2009
THE BIG DAY..
Well-- it's that time-- we've all been waiting for it-- now it's here-- NATIONAL SIGNING DAY!! This is one of the most exciting days of the year for those devout college football fans. This is when you find out what your team is really going to be made of in the next four or five seasons. This day-- well it's what we like to call-- the heart of college football-- recruiting is what it's all about. Who will we get? Will it be who we hoped for? These questions and more will be answered every hour as we all wait impatiently for those "Letters of Intent" to begin coming out of that fax machine!!! Stay tuned.... WAR EAGLE!!!!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Hard Work Prevails...
So despite all the turmoil the tigers and the auburn family have experienced over these last few months, the rankings are out --- Auburn has made it to the top 25 nationally for recruiting!! This goes to show that hard work goes a long way. HD Matters would like to recognize the coaching staff for all their efforts to retain those that Coach Tubbs recruited as well as the new ones. We hope to see more soft commitments that lead to hard ones on Feb. 4th (especially Rollison and Atchison who has gained interest in AU again). We have two coaching spots left to fill before our staff is complete-- hopefully good recruiters as well. But before we get too carried away-- we still have a lot of work to do. So keep it up Coach!!! WAR EAGLE!!!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
A LOT OF MONEY AND NO CHARACTER MAKES FOR A VERY BAD DAY
Some would say James Willis has just committed the unpardonable sin---defected from Auburn and gone to Alabama---with two weeks to go in the recruiting season. The responses are all over the board and range from:
* Chizik should have seen this coming and prevented it
* Willis is a liar and traitor
* Recruits will fall off the radar this year
* Auburn is doomed in recruiting for years to come in Mobile area
Bottom line is NONE OF THE ABOVE IS CORRECT---Auburn will be just fine----Chizik will do the following:
* Contact all recruits that had any connection to Willis--find out their reaction and tell them if they were coming to Auburn for Coach Willis then go some where else. Auburn is much more than anyone person!!!!!!!!
* Continue to work all the additional recruits we have on the bubble and not allow this "small event" distract the staff from the true vision.
* Land as many high quality players as we can with the time we have left
* Go hire a better LB coach/recruiter than Willis every was
Auburn will be fine---Willis will be fine--War Eagle and lets move on with recruiting and hiring remaining coaches and NOT MAKE THIS MORE THAN IT IS--A SIMPLE BLIMP ON RADAR NO ONE WILL EVEN CARE ABOUT IN A MONTH.
War Eagle!!!!
* Chizik should have seen this coming and prevented it
* Willis is a liar and traitor
* Recruits will fall off the radar this year
* Auburn is doomed in recruiting for years to come in Mobile area
Bottom line is NONE OF THE ABOVE IS CORRECT---Auburn will be just fine----Chizik will do the following:
* Contact all recruits that had any connection to Willis--find out their reaction and tell them if they were coming to Auburn for Coach Willis then go some where else. Auburn is much more than anyone person!!!!!!!!
* Continue to work all the additional recruits we have on the bubble and not allow this "small event" distract the staff from the true vision.
* Land as many high quality players as we can with the time we have left
* Go hire a better LB coach/recruiter than Willis every was
Auburn will be fine---Willis will be fine--War Eagle and lets move on with recruiting and hiring remaining coaches and NOT MAKE THIS MORE THAN IT IS--A SIMPLE BLIMP ON RADAR NO ONE WILL EVEN CARE ABOUT IN A MONTH.
War Eagle!!!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Recruiting's last days go CRAZY
It changes by the hour---first a recruit is visiting--then he backs out--or--one is committed and then he is committed but looking around (soft verbal) then he is opening it back up etc... you get the picture ---18 years old!!!!
Anyway---this is the latest
Offensive Line
Big needs --but few options--we have two "fair" commitments at this time but really have no meaningful options-- as Johnnie Farms (4*)has backed out of this week ends visit and has decided to stay with North Carolina. This is really bad news for AU because the Tigers really have "zero" options to go after this late in the game. HD sees the poor OL recruiting by Tubbs and Co. and a loss of some recruits since Coach C took over as the #1 problem with this recruiting class. VERY WEAK---better hope Chez Ramsey gets medical clearance and is encouraged to re-join the TEAM!!!
Receivers----we have a couple "fair ones" committed if we can hold on to them---the de-commitment of Kenney is still a mystery based on his "lack of contact from AU" excuse as the reason for dropping them. We need to hang on to Stallworth and hope the full court press on Emory Blake wins him over. The success of this years receiver class hinges on getting Blake as the rest of the prospects are long shots that will not sign and with out Blake our receiver commitments look an awful like our OL commitments ---not so good.
Quarterback ---as much as I want to be excited about "Mr. Football" committing to AU---I just can not fool myself that much----he may turn out to be NFL material one day (hoping!!) but based on the existing "known facts" he is average at best. (We lost Cotton--which was a real loss--even if his dad is a pain in the butt). This Rollison kid may or may not be a serious candidate---he is planning to visit -and- if AU were to convince him to come I will take back all the negative things I have said about the QB position!!!!--as this kid is better than Cotton--much better!!!
Running Back--we are fine as long as we keep the two we have---we don't need Perkins but we would like to get him back. The Bryce Brown visit is all smoke and mirrors--even if he does come it is all for show.
Tight end ---we have one of the best!!!
DL---good group remains committed--but we better watch Arkansas on Coleman---he likes getting stroked and they are pouring it on---Coach C better be aggressively following up everyday or we will get embarrassed --especially since Uncle Coleman has decided to remain for final year. Best news is that we have many additional prospects that seem to be seriously interested in AU and I believe will will add to the current commitment list---the DL will be the strength of the signing class as it stands at the moment.
Secondary---we did not need much in this area and we have two solid prospects---enough said.
Line Backers---we have one rally good one signed ( The Bull) and couple average ones committed---we do have a few left to work with but only one--Tana Patrick--really gets the blood flowing---but AU has a chance at him and should land Petey Smith as a consolation prize. (Not ruling out DT Shackelford either)
All in all---HD Matters applauds the effort of the new staff and they have created some excitement with Ruben Randle agreeing today to come on a visit and the fact we are possibly going to get Bryce Brown to visit as well --but excitement of this kind does not necessarily translate into results. We have lost several great players--perhaps due to the coaching mess--but bottom line is that Coach C and company have not demonstrated they can replace the ones we lost with talent that is as good or better.
Soooooooo if we can keep the commitments we currently have as of today-- and get the following prospects to commit ........
* T. Rollison (buys into the Malzhan offensive plan)
* Tana Patrick (says yes to Roof's Defensive concepts and Willis' personality)
* DT Shackelford (pull him away from Tennessee)
* That we land 3 of the remaining 5 defensive line prospects we are attempting to win over (they are all talented and would contribute but I like--or think we have the best shot at Nosa Equea 3* --Corey Gains 4*--and Myles Wade 4*)
* Emory Blake 4*( the most important remaining prospect on the board based on the tremendous needs for big-physical receivers)
......Then HD Matters will shout loud and proud --Job well done Coach C !!!!
War Eagle and we will keep you posted
Anyway---this is the latest
Offensive Line
Big needs --but few options--we have two "fair" commitments at this time but really have no meaningful options-- as Johnnie Farms (4*)has backed out of this week ends visit and has decided to stay with North Carolina. This is really bad news for AU because the Tigers really have "zero" options to go after this late in the game. HD sees the poor OL recruiting by Tubbs and Co. and a loss of some recruits since Coach C took over as the #1 problem with this recruiting class. VERY WEAK---better hope Chez Ramsey gets medical clearance and is encouraged to re-join the TEAM!!!
Receivers----we have a couple "fair ones" committed if we can hold on to them---the de-commitment of Kenney is still a mystery based on his "lack of contact from AU" excuse as the reason for dropping them. We need to hang on to Stallworth and hope the full court press on Emory Blake wins him over. The success of this years receiver class hinges on getting Blake as the rest of the prospects are long shots that will not sign and with out Blake our receiver commitments look an awful like our OL commitments ---not so good.
Quarterback ---as much as I want to be excited about "Mr. Football" committing to AU---I just can not fool myself that much----he may turn out to be NFL material one day (hoping!!) but based on the existing "known facts" he is average at best. (We lost Cotton--which was a real loss--even if his dad is a pain in the butt). This Rollison kid may or may not be a serious candidate---he is planning to visit -and- if AU were to convince him to come I will take back all the negative things I have said about the QB position!!!!--as this kid is better than Cotton--much better!!!
Running Back--we are fine as long as we keep the two we have---we don't need Perkins but we would like to get him back. The Bryce Brown visit is all smoke and mirrors--even if he does come it is all for show.
Tight end ---we have one of the best!!!
DL---good group remains committed--but we better watch Arkansas on Coleman---he likes getting stroked and they are pouring it on---Coach C better be aggressively following up everyday or we will get embarrassed --especially since Uncle Coleman has decided to remain for final year. Best news is that we have many additional prospects that seem to be seriously interested in AU and I believe will will add to the current commitment list---the DL will be the strength of the signing class as it stands at the moment.
Secondary---we did not need much in this area and we have two solid prospects---enough said.
Line Backers---we have one rally good one signed ( The Bull) and couple average ones committed---we do have a few left to work with but only one--Tana Patrick--really gets the blood flowing---but AU has a chance at him and should land Petey Smith as a consolation prize. (Not ruling out DT Shackelford either)
All in all---HD Matters applauds the effort of the new staff and they have created some excitement with Ruben Randle agreeing today to come on a visit and the fact we are possibly going to get Bryce Brown to visit as well --but excitement of this kind does not necessarily translate into results. We have lost several great players--perhaps due to the coaching mess--but bottom line is that Coach C and company have not demonstrated they can replace the ones we lost with talent that is as good or better.
Soooooooo if we can keep the commitments we currently have as of today-- and get the following prospects to commit ........
* T. Rollison (buys into the Malzhan offensive plan)
* Tana Patrick (says yes to Roof's Defensive concepts and Willis' personality)
* DT Shackelford (pull him away from Tennessee)
* That we land 3 of the remaining 5 defensive line prospects we are attempting to win over (they are all talented and would contribute but I like--or think we have the best shot at Nosa Equea 3* --Corey Gains 4*--and Myles Wade 4*)
* Emory Blake 4*( the most important remaining prospect on the board based on the tremendous needs for big-physical receivers)
......Then HD Matters will shout loud and proud --Job well done Coach C !!!!
War Eagle and we will keep you posted
Monday, January 19, 2009
Auburn Loses 4 star Receiver ?????
Yep--Cameron Kenney is reporting that he will not visit Auburn on Jan. 30th as planned---he indicated Auburn has not been contacting him enough to demonstrate that they really want him. He said he will commit to either Georgia or Oklahoma.
HD Matters is very concerned about this latest news and hopes Coach C and staff have not $%^&* up this process and have a good reason that a school desperate for large/physical receivers can allow one that had committed to get away ----especially for the reason being provided by Kenney---to let him go says Auburn is either really dumb or that they are really smart--smarter than either the Dogs or the Sooners. YOU DECIDED !!
HD Matters is very concerned about this latest news and hopes Coach C and staff have not $%^&* up this process and have a good reason that a school desperate for large/physical receivers can allow one that had committed to get away ----especially for the reason being provided by Kenney---to let him go says Auburn is either really dumb or that they are really smart--smarter than either the Dogs or the Sooners. YOU DECIDED !!
Big Recruiting Weekend on the Plains, BUT........
Auburn's coaching staff had a busy weekend hosting about 10 recruits---and extending an offer and hiring Colorado's OL Coach Jeff Grimes--Grimes has been at Colorado the past two seasons and prior to that had seasons with Boise St and Arizona St among others. He is felt to be an excellent recruiter---young and energetic and has a history of coaching the OL to up-tempo offense's like the one Auburn will run under Gus Malzhan. HD Matters is excited with the new Hire and expects AU fans to see significant improvement in OL play in 2009. (One more coaching hire remains --secondary)
On the prospect front Auburn picked up commitments from the following:
Clint Mosley (Mr. Football in Alabama for the 2008 season out of Leroy) accepted an Auburn offer virtually on the spot. Auburn extended this weekend and Mosley quickly agreed.
John Sullen ( an enormous OL prospect out of Auburn High-- standing 6 foot-5 inches and 335 LBS) de-committed from Southern Miss an accepted Auburn's offer
Anthony Gulley --an all purpose athlete out of Brantley--also indicated he would commit to Auburn next week after his visit to Troy.
HD Matters is excited about the Grimes hire for OL coach and the new commitments but really wants to see (expects) Coach C and company to make some strides to land two highly recruited/high rated receivers and a minimum of one more highly ranked OL and DL player during the remaining time leading up the the February 4th signing date. Several prospects considering Auburn that fall under the "everybody wants them category" are as follows
* Johnnie Farms --set to visit January 23--4 star OL prospect from Perry Ga. ---his is currently committed to North Carolina (previously committed to South Carolina) --he was also on the old AU coaching staff's radar last year but some how stopped being pursued by Tuberville and Company. Farms is a "big time" player that AU needs to land.
* Emory Blake---big time receiver from Austin TX---with multiple offers from most Big 12 schools is another example of the type receiver we need to win over---i know AU got in the mix late---but Trooper/Luper and Company need to pull this one off---He is a big physical receiver--with speed and skill. Blake could redefine what it means to be a receiver at Auburn and open up outlets in Texas for future receivers.
* Tana Patrick---one of the top prospects in Alabama and the nation at the LB position---many major programs such has USC and Miami have recruited him----Coach C needs to land him to make a statement---that the state of Alabama will not be surrendered--it would be a big moral victory and a significant commitment .
HD Matters is impressed and excited about what the coaching staff for Auburn have been able to pull together in such a short time---but then again that is what you expect when you hire people that are suppose to be some of the best. For the new staff to really make a statement that Auburn is for real and here to stay they need to land the 3 players discussed above--or-- ones just like them. War Eagle and good luck!!!.
On the prospect front Auburn picked up commitments from the following:
Clint Mosley (Mr. Football in Alabama for the 2008 season out of Leroy) accepted an Auburn offer virtually on the spot. Auburn extended this weekend and Mosley quickly agreed.
John Sullen ( an enormous OL prospect out of Auburn High-- standing 6 foot-5 inches and 335 LBS) de-committed from Southern Miss an accepted Auburn's offer
Anthony Gulley --an all purpose athlete out of Brantley--also indicated he would commit to Auburn next week after his visit to Troy.
HD Matters is excited about the Grimes hire for OL coach and the new commitments but really wants to see (expects) Coach C and company to make some strides to land two highly recruited/high rated receivers and a minimum of one more highly ranked OL and DL player during the remaining time leading up the the February 4th signing date. Several prospects considering Auburn that fall under the "everybody wants them category" are as follows
* Johnnie Farms --set to visit January 23--4 star OL prospect from Perry Ga. ---his is currently committed to North Carolina (previously committed to South Carolina) --he was also on the old AU coaching staff's radar last year but some how stopped being pursued by Tuberville and Company. Farms is a "big time" player that AU needs to land.
* Emory Blake---big time receiver from Austin TX---with multiple offers from most Big 12 schools is another example of the type receiver we need to win over---i know AU got in the mix late---but Trooper/Luper and Company need to pull this one off---He is a big physical receiver--with speed and skill. Blake could redefine what it means to be a receiver at Auburn and open up outlets in Texas for future receivers.
* Tana Patrick---one of the top prospects in Alabama and the nation at the LB position---many major programs such has USC and Miami have recruited him----Coach C needs to land him to make a statement---that the state of Alabama will not be surrendered--it would be a big moral victory and a significant commitment .
HD Matters is impressed and excited about what the coaching staff for Auburn have been able to pull together in such a short time---but then again that is what you expect when you hire people that are suppose to be some of the best. For the new staff to really make a statement that Auburn is for real and here to stay they need to land the 3 players discussed above--or-- ones just like them. War Eagle and good luck!!!.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Slow Sports day in the world of Auburn Football
On a slow news day -- HD Matters has the following quick updates:
* McCalebb and "The Bull" (Freeman) and Fairley are all on Auburn's campus--McCalebb and Freemen are in class--Fairley is suppose to start next week--good news for the Spring Football game with all three being able to participate
* Coach C gets his first new recruit--Gordo High athlete Izauea Lanier--great work coach but now go out there and get us a couple big time play- makers at receiver and one home run OL man and we will all feel much better!
* Down to the last two coaching positions --OL seems to be between John Grimes --former MS State OL coach--or-- Steve Campbell--current Head coach at Gulf Coast Community College in Ms-----HD Matters thinks the better fit is Campbell as he runs a hurry up--no huddle offense like new OC Gus Malzahn likes--thus more compatibility on style--but we shall see..
* Status on Randel--Brown--Rollison visiting ????? WE will let you know when we Know
War Eagle for now!!!!
* McCalebb and "The Bull" (Freeman) and Fairley are all on Auburn's campus--McCalebb and Freemen are in class--Fairley is suppose to start next week--good news for the Spring Football game with all three being able to participate
* Coach C gets his first new recruit--Gordo High athlete Izauea Lanier--great work coach but now go out there and get us a couple big time play- makers at receiver and one home run OL man and we will all feel much better!
* Down to the last two coaching positions --OL seems to be between John Grimes --former MS State OL coach--or-- Steve Campbell--current Head coach at Gulf Coast Community College in Ms-----HD Matters thinks the better fit is Campbell as he runs a hurry up--no huddle offense like new OC Gus Malzahn likes--thus more compatibility on style--but we shall see..
* Status on Randel--Brown--Rollison visiting ????? WE will let you know when we Know
War Eagle for now!!!!
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