Updated - Let the Games Begin!!!

by WarDamnZach on Feb 4, 2009 12:00 AM CST in Football Comment 57 comments

Well, all the waiting is over… today is the day. Auburn has seemingly already gotten a recruit to fall into its lap. Yet yesterday, the Tigers have lost a couple that many “experts” thought would come.

Look for Auburn to pull in at least one surprise, they always seem to do that. Hopefully it was not just a Tuberville trait. With some of the BIG names on the big board, we are bound to get one of them. In my opinion getting more than one is just a bonus, or gravy as we say here in the south.

I am not a recruiting guru, in fact I pay little attention at all until signing day. 17/18 year olds have no business in my opinion holding a press conference unless they have discovered the cure for Cancer or AIDS. Just sign your letter and let the news stations and websites let the world know. I have never watched a commitment presser and do not plan on it this year either.

See the right sidebar for a nice write up on upcoming pressers. BravinSeattle has done a good job of compiling them for you.

Before the beginning of the madness I would like to say that so far I am very impressed with the job that Coach Chizik and the staff has done. We have had more quality visits this season then I can remember. Tuberville and his staff were good recruiters, but Chizik and his staff appear to be great. Only time will tell.

UPDATE- Here is the list of our signees from Rivals. We did have a surprise or two with Benton coming to us but we lost a couple as well. I am still thinking that David Oku RB is going to go to Tennessee, but Auburn is still working hard to get him. We are loaded at the RB position, and like all young players wants immediate playing time. I would say that he will end up in Syracuse, but they are in a smaller market. Nothing like the SEC.

Dontae Aycock RB 5-10 216 4.5 5.9   Tampa, FL
Daren Bates DB 5-11 195 4.5 5.4   Olive Branch, MS
DeAngelo Benton WR 6-3 210 4.4 5.8    Chatham, VA
Emory Blake WR 6-1 194 4.6 5.8   Austin, TX
Terrance Coleman DT 6-1 244 4.8 5.7   Mobile, AL
Robert Cooper QB 6-4 204 4.52 5.2   Mobile, AL
Nosa Eguae DE 6-2 234 - 5.7   Mansfield, TX
Jonathan Evans LB 6-0 205 4.5 5.6   Prichard, AL
Nick Fairley DT 6-4 295 4.89 5.6   Wesson, MS
Dee Ford   LB 6-2 190 4.46 5.6   Odenville, AL
Eltoro Freeman LB 5-11 218 4.5 5.6   Perkinston, MS
Harris Gaston LB 6-4 225 4.6 5.7   Bessemer, AL
Anthony Gulley RB 5-11 185 4.4 5.6   Brantley, AL
Andre Harris OL 6-4 327 5.67 5.6   Hampton, GA
Josh Jackson DT 6-2 260 - 5.3   Gainesville, GA
Brandon Jacobs RB 6-1 230 4.52 5.6   Lilburn, GA
LaVoyd James WR 5-10 175 4.4 5.6   Mobile, AL
Izauea Lanier ATH 6-1 185 4.5 5.7   Gordo, AL
Philip Lutzenkirchen TE 6-4 245 4.73 5.8   Marietta, GA
Onterio McCalebb RB 6-0 175 4.49 6.0   Chatham, VA
Clint Moseley QB 6-4 200 4.71 5.6   Leroy, AL
Taikwon Paige DB 5-10 175 4.4 5.8   Milledgeville, GA
Tyrik Rollison QB 6-2 185 4.55 6.0   Sulphur Springs, TX
Travante Stallworth WR 5-10 180 4.4 5.5 Leesville, LA
John Sullen OL 6-5 338 - 5.6      Auburn, AL
Reggie Taylor DB 5-10 167 4.4 5.8   Fort Valley, GA
Jamar Travis DT 6-1 298 5.1 5.8   Brewton, AL
Demond Washington ATH 5-9 185 4.4 5.6    Perkinston, MS

War Damn Eagle

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This is the first year I have paid any attention to the process. With the coaching change and all… I thought I would try to follow along. Looks like the uat’s of the world got a rude shock of awakening from the staff at AU! Great job and cudos to them. WDE!!!!

by KoolBell777 on Feb 4, 2009 4:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

hype

It is time to see how good these “great” recruiters are. All the visits mean nothing if they do not sign.

by Titusville Tiger on Feb 4, 2009 5:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Philip Lutzenkirchen

letter received…

If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.

by WarDamnZach on Feb 4, 2009 7:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

All Signed

Daren Bates DB 5-11 195 4.5 5.4 Olive Branch, MS
Dee Ford LB 6-2 190 4.46 5.6 Odenville, AL
Andre Harris OL 6-4 327 5.67 5.6 Hampton, GA
Reggie Taylor DB 5-10 167 4.4 5.8 Fort Valley, GA

If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.

by WarDamnZach on Feb 4, 2009 7:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Phillips

Warchant.com is reporting that Olive Branch, Miss., offensive lineman Aubrey Phillips has signed with Florida State.

If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.

by WarDamnZach on Feb 4, 2009 8:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Can we use this post to talk about Recruiting all day?

Post all the big time signees around the SEC?

by LSU Jonno on Feb 4, 2009 8:11 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Total Class as of 912am EST

Daren Bates DB 5-11 195 4.5 5.4 Olive Branch, MS
Dee Ford LB 6-2 190 4.46 5.6 Odenville, AL
Eltoro Freeman LB 5-11 218 4.5 5.6 Perkinston, MS
Andre Harris OL 6-4 327 5.67 5.6 Hampton, GA
Brandon Jacobs RB 6-1 230 4.52 5.6 Lilburn, GA
Philip Lutzenkirchen TE 6-4 245 4.73 5.8 Marietta, GA
Onterio McCalebb RB 6-0 175 4.49 6.0 Chatham, VA
Clint Moseley QB 6-4 200 4.71 5.6 Leroy, AL
Travante Stallworth WR 5-10 180 4.4 5.5 Leesville, LA
Reggie Taylor DB 5-10 167 4.4 5.8 Fort Valley, GA

If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.

by WarDamnZach on Feb 4, 2009 8:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Updared at 345am EST

Daren Bates DB 5-11 195 4.5 5.4 Olive Branch, MS
Jonathan Evans LB 6-0 205 4.5 5.6 Prichard, AL
Dee Ford LB 6-2 190 4.46 5.6 Odenville, AL
Eltoro Freeman LB 5-11 218 4.5 5.6 Perkinston, MS
Andre Harris OL 6-4 327 5.67 5.6 Hampton, GA
Josh Jackson DT 6-2 260 – 5.3 Gainesville, GA
Brandon Jacobs RB 6-1 230 4.52 5.6 Lilburn, GA
Izauea Lanier ATH 6-1 185 4.5 5.7 Gordo, AL
Philip Lutzenkirchen TE 6-4 245 4.73 5.8 Marietta, GA
Onterio McCalebb RB 6-0 175 4.49 6.0 Chatham, VA
Clint Moseley QB 6-4 200 4.71 5.6 Leroy, AL
Tyrik Rollison QB 6-2 185 4.55 6.0 Sulphur Springs, TX
Travante Stallworth WR 5-10 180 4.4 5.5 Leesville, LA
Reggie Taylor DB 5-10 167 4.4 5.8 Fort Valley, GA

If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.

by WarDamnZach on Feb 4, 2009 8:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Damn that was awful 945am EST

If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.

by WarDamnZach on Feb 4, 2009 8:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Sentimore to bama.

TYGAH BAIT!!!

by LSU Jonno on Feb 4, 2009 8:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

latest signee

John Sullen OL 6-5 338 – 5.6 Auburn, AL

If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.

by WarDamnZach on Feb 4, 2009 9:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Looks like something went on behind the scenes with Benton

by LSU Jonno on Feb 4, 2009 9:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Where's...

Randle going, Jonno? Tell the truth!

by War Eagle Atlanta on Feb 4, 2009 9:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think LSU botched this one.

I think you’ll see Benton to AU (already confirmed), Randle to either LSU or OU, and KK to LSU or Bama depending where RR goes.

by LSU Jonno on Feb 4, 2009 9:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In other news...

Sam Montgomery, 5 star DE just committed to LSU and said he’s bringing Trent Richardson with him.

by LSU Jonno on Feb 4, 2009 9:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Updated 11am EST

Dontae Aycock RB 5-10 216 4.5 5.9 Tampa, FL
Daren Bates DB 5-11 195 4.5 5.4 Olive Branch, MS
DeAngelo Benton WR 6-3 210 4.4 5.8 Chatham, VA
Emory Blake WR 6-1 194 4.6 5.8 Austin, TX
Nosa Eguae DE 6-2 234 – 5.7 Mansfield, TX
Jonathan Evans LB 6-0 205 4.5 5.6 Prichard, AL
Dee Ford LB 6-2 190 4.46 5.6 Odenville, AL
Eltoro Freeman LB 5-11 218 4.5 5.6 Perkinston, MS
Anthony Gulley RB 5-11 185 4.4 5.6 Brantley, AL
Andre Harris OL 6-4 327 5.67 5.6 Hampton, GA
Josh Jackson DT 6-2 260 – 5.3 Gainesville, GA
Brandon Jacobs RB 6-1 230 4.52 5.6 Lilburn, GA
Izauea Lanier ATH 6-1 185 4.5 5.7 Gordo, AL
Philip Lutzenkirchen TE 6-4 245 4.73 5.8 Marietta, GA
Onterio McCalebb RB 6-0 175 4.49 6.0 Chatham, VA
Clint Moseley QB 6-4 200 4.71 5.6 Leroy, AL
Tyrik Rollison QB 6-2 185 4.55 6.0 Sulphur Springs, TX
Travante Stallworth WR 5-10 180 4.4 5.5 Leesville, LA
John Sullen OL 6-5 338 – 5.6 Auburn, AL
Reggie Taylor DB 5-10 167 4.4 5.8 Fort Valley, GA
Demond Washington ATH 5-9 185 4.4 5.6 Perkinston, MS

If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.

by WarDamnZach on Feb 4, 2009 10:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Deangelo Benton

Did any of you notice that rivals dropped Benton from a 5 star to a 4 star after he signed with Auburn? When he first signed, it listed AU with 1 5 star commit, now we have none.

by Jumpn_JackFlash on Feb 4, 2009 10:21 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

yes i did

i wonder why?

Gotta Love those "classy" Tide Detergent Box Hats

by auskip07 on Feb 4, 2009 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Point is moot

Benton is straight stud.

by LSU Jonno on Feb 4, 2009 11:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jonno....

hope you don’t begrudge the kid too much for choosing the better Tigers. ;-)

I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU

by Todd92 on Feb 4, 2009 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've been a fan of Benton for two years.

We all have. But if that’s what it took to get Randle, and the coaches like Randle more, then so be it.

Nothing against Benton. He had two tries to make his grades, and he didn’t make them. In the end he didn’t have a spot at LSU anymore.

by LSU Jonno on Feb 4, 2009 11:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're not gonna say that LSU pulled its offer now are you?

lol c’mon Jonno……

I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU

by Todd92 on Feb 4, 2009 11:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I won't say pulled it's offer.

But something obviously happened.

benton was all LSU for two years, up until last night. All of a sudden there are rumors about Randle and his family being lied to by LSU coaches or Benton himself about depth chart issues, and all of a sudden Benton winds up and AU and Randle to LSU. Please. There was no coincidence there. Something happened.

by LSU Jonno on Feb 4, 2009 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There were rumors out of AU that Benton was coming....

as soon as his visit was over. I don’t disagree that something happened though…..you never know.

I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU

by Todd92 on Feb 4, 2009 12:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe...

He didn’t want to compete with Randle, as it appeared that the inverse was true. Randle looks like a done deal now…

by War Eagle Atlanta on Feb 4, 2009 1:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Typical...

this happens all the time.

Also Auburn Undercover is posting that Coleman signed as well.

If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.

by WarDamnZach on Feb 4, 2009 10:27 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Heavens

Signed with MISS STATE

If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.

by WarDamnZach on Feb 4, 2009 10:31 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Add Gaston

to the Auburn Camp

If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.

by WarDamnZach on Feb 4, 2009 10:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Updated List at of 1155am EST

SIGNED LETTER OF INTENT Pos Stars Ht Wt 40 RR Video Enrolled Hometown
Dontae Aycock RB 5-10 216 4.5 5.9 Tampa, FL
Daren Bates DB 5-11 195 4.5 5.4 Olive Branch, MS
DeAngelo Benton WR 6-3 210 4.4 5.8 Chatham, VA
Emory Blake WR 6-1 194 4.6 5.8 Austin, TX
Robert Cooper QB 6-4 204 4.52 5.2 Mobile, AL
Nosa Eguae DE 6-2 234 – 5.7 Mansfield, TX
Jonathan Evans LB 6-0 205 4.5 5.6 Prichard, AL
Dee Ford LB 6-2 190 4.46 5.6 Odenville, AL
Eltoro Freeman LB 5-11 218 4.5 5.6 Perkinston, MS
Harris Gaston LB 6-4 225 4.6 5.7 Bessemer, AL
Anthony Gulley RB 5-11 185 4.4 5.6 Brantley, AL
Andre Harris OL 6-4 327 5.67 5.6 Hampton, GA
Josh Jackson DT 6-2 260 – 5.3 Gainesville, GA
Brandon Jacobs RB 6-1 230 4.52 5.6 Lilburn, GA
Izauea Lanier ATH 6-1 185 4.5 5.7 Gordo, AL
Philip Lutzenkirchen TE 6-4 245 4.73 5.8 Marietta, GA
Onterio McCalebb RB 6-0 175 4.49 6.0 Chatham, VA
Clint Moseley QB 6-4 200 4.71 5.6 Leroy, AL
Taikwon Paige DB 5-10 175 4.4 5.8 Milledgeville, GA
Tyrik Rollison QB 6-2 185 4.55 6.0 Sulphur Springs, TX
Travante Stallworth WR 5-10 180 4.4 5.5 Leesville, LA
John Sullen OL 6-5 338 – 5.6 Auburn, AL
Reggie Taylor DB 5-10 167 4.4 5.8 Fort Valley, GA
Demond Washington ATH 5-9 185 4.4 5.6 Perkinston, MS

If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.

by WarDamnZach on Feb 4, 2009 10:54 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

War Damn Eagle.....

Blake and Benton…..fantastic. Does anyone know who the rumored steal from Bama’s class might be or have been…….there are only so many left. Kirkpatrick? Brandon Moore? Atchison? I think Chizik may have a couple of more spots available it would be nice if it included Brandon Moore, Kendall Kelley, or Dre Kirkpatrick. whats the news of David Oku?

I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU

by Todd92 on Feb 4, 2009 11:17 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think it was the LB, smith.

But he signed with Bama I think.

by LSU Jonno on Feb 4, 2009 11:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

David Oku

Decommitted from UT, though I’m sure you already knew that. However, he also is frustrated, wants some space, feels like he’s getting too much attention, and he won’t sign today anyway. Still, you’d have to think AU has a good a shot as anyone else.

by Sparkey on Feb 4, 2009 11:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Brandon Moore just signed with Bama...

no shocker but I was hoping.

I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU

by Todd92 on Feb 4, 2009 11:30 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

So did Atchison from what I understand, but I could be wrong.

by Sparkey on Feb 4, 2009 11:34 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

what happened

What happened to Jamontay Pilson. Ok so according to Rivals that was all of our commited players. So if all of those are signed and done. Who do we still hope for? We got a bunch of 4 stars, 1 five star that dropped apparently after signing. It can be over already

Richard Miller
WAR EAGLE

by Itsmillertime2004 on Feb 4, 2009 11:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Pilson won't qualify and will be a placement at JUCO.

I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU

by Todd92 on Feb 4, 2009 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt it's over this early.

Give it some time, there’s still some players out there.

by Sparkey on Feb 4, 2009 11:39 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm very pleased with the class we have this year

The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs

by jd is legend on Feb 4, 2009 12:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Go ahead and pop the cork.....

today is a success for AU regardless of what further recruits we sign (which I still think we have 2 or 3 spots left for qualifiers and maybe more. Chizik has planted AU firmly in the top 20 and it looks as though we will finish in the top 15 easily according to both Rivals and Scout. Chizik not only stopped the bleeding he brought the class back from the brink. Any further signees can be looked at as icing on the cake……

I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU

by Todd92 on Feb 4, 2009 12:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

consider it popped

On the head there todd on the head getting Benton was a testament to the staff’s ability in recruiting i thought he was hard set on LSU. The rest of the guys aren’t anything to shake a Champagne bottle at either. On second though let them have all the champagne they want.

Bradley 'The Tater' Frye.
-Die Hard Auburn Fan

by infiltrating_sun on Feb 4, 2009 1:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

How 'bout no on the champagne for recruits

We wouldn’t want them to all get MIPs and miss the first couple of games of the season, now would we?

The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs

by jd is legend on Feb 4, 2009 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Randle to LSU

by LSU Jonno on Feb 4, 2009 1:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

congrats I would have been shocked at this point had it been otherwise.

I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU

by Todd92 on Feb 4, 2009 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That most likely puts Kelley and Kirkpatrick...

at Bama.

I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU

by Todd92 on Feb 4, 2009 1:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Glad we finally got a big physical receiver. Seems like all our WRs are definitely quick, but with the exception of Montez Billings, they are all pretty small. Not only is Benton big and physical, he’s fast too. Great pick up. War damn eagle.

Yeah, Randle shocked no one by signing with LSU. Anywhere but Bama is fine with me really.

by Apeman3289 on Feb 4, 2009 1:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Borderline miraculous considering circumstances....

To come in, mere weeks till NSD, put together a staff and piece together a top 20 recruiting class, Gene Chizik and staff did a spectacular job.
This class today is every bit as impressive as anything Tuberville put together in the last few years. It may be light on the O and D-line but we brought in great talent at the skill positions, which is where we traditionally have such an awful time getting good quality.

Its funny, everybody has been running to dump dirt on our program and read our eulogy, but coach Chizik has shown we aren’t going to be outworked on the recruiting trail. It just goes to show that Auburn still has a lot to offer, regardless of who the coach is, and that kids really don’t care that this coach or that coach recruited them or any of the crap being peddled on the internet. What they want is an opportunity to be a contributor to a teams success and hopefully find a path to the NFL. As much as the haters want to run us down, we still are one of the best programs in America, and If Chizik produces the same results on the field we are all going to be very happy Tiger fans.

On what day did the Lord create Bear Bryant and couldn't he have rested on that day too?

by Col.Angus on Feb 4, 2009 1:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hey Auburn, let's make a deal

you guys give us Oku and we’ll forget about you going for 1 instead of 2 in the Sugar Bowl.

Deal?

-Syracuse

by Sean Keeley on Feb 4, 2009 3:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If you think...

…that we’ve forgiven Pat ‘Tye’ for that transgression, you are sadly mistaken, sir!

Pretty funny, just the same…

by War Eagle Atlanta on Feb 4, 2009 3:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL....

I was at that game and I don’t want to rub salt in the wound…..but, I could give a rats ass if we ever get forgiven (no offense). And I wouldn’t think that Oku would commit career suicide this early in his life by choosing the Orangemen. I will say this….I would rather Syracuse get him over Tennessee. But AU is runningback U and he would be another in a long line of great AU runningbacks to grace the Plains and maybe even win another Heisman.

I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU

by Todd92 on Feb 4, 2009 3:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A tasty morsel to further the good feeling......

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=908831

I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU

by Todd92 on Feb 4, 2009 3:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I’m excited about this class. We’ve address some much needed kids at the WR position, and more depth at RB. I can’t wait to see if Tyrik Rollison can play QB at this level. I don’t pay to close attention to the rankings cause there absolutely worthless. Depending on who’s recruiting the kid plus wear he’s from play a big factor on there ranking. Ive seen a lot 5 star kids peak at high school and a lot of 3 star kids get in the right system or right coach and blossom to a NFL draft pick. I think Chizk killed it first year. War Eagle!!!!!

1990 National Champions- Colorado Buffalo's
1913,1957,1983,1993,2004 National Champs- Auburn Tigers

by trayrenfro on Feb 4, 2009 6:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I love the

“rankings don’t mean anything”….total cop out….You’re only saying that to make yourself feel better….Be honest and admit you wish you had a top 5 class. You guys did a good job for the hand that was dealt. Be proud of that and don’t try to belittle rankings just becuase your team didn’t pull the big numbers.

When you are an Alabama fan you are expected to hate Auburn, I hate Tennessee because I want to.

by bammer on Feb 4, 2009 7:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't pull big numbers?

15th in Scout and 18th in Rivals? That’s not exactly a booger, especially considering the hand that was dealt, as you said. To hear most Bama fans tell it, Auburn shouldn’t even be a blip on the radar.

Rankings don’t mean everything. They’re more like a fuel gauge. Sure, you got a full tank, but that doesn’t mean the engine is going to running wide open. You have to step on the gas for that to happen.

But Bama fans should go ahead and celebrate. Having another recruiting national championship may lead to 100,000 at the spring game and raising a second finger…

by War Eagle Atlanta on Feb 4, 2009 8:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs