Chizik's First Comments

[Townhallsavoy]

HOOVER, Alabama - Gene Chizik said his exchange with an NCAA representative at the SEC spring meetings in Destin was not "confrontational at all," and thanked Julie Roe Lach for answering his questions about the NCAA's investigation into Auburn.

The give-and-take was described as "heated" by the New York Times.

Chizik conceded he was "always under the impression those were private conversations. I was trying to get a clarification of the process. I appreciate it very much I got clarity," he said Thursday before addressing the media throng at SEC Media Days.

Some of the early highlights before his formal address:

**Chizik said "we're still working through the process" about whether running back and Florida transfer Mike Blakely will be eligible this season. Blakely tweeted Wednesday that he was denied a wavier that would have allowed him to play, despite the fact he was at Florida last spring.

**On whether recruits talk about NCAA rumors:

"Not very much at all. When we recruit on players and their parents we focus on Auburn," Chizik said.

**On whether LB Jawara White will play after neck surgery: "I can't tell you definitely...whether he'll come back or not. He's made a lot of strides."

**On an off season following a national title.

"It hasn't changed the way I got about day-in, day-out business. But it has changed the excitement and energy of the Auburn family.

"You stay on the same pattern every year. When we hit the ground Jan. 11, we had moved on to the next season."

**On the continuing rumors...

"It's not frustrating to me because I'm so focused on the things we need to do at Auburn every day. I feel great where we're at. Those are the things I concentrate on."

**On Auburn making Gus Malzahn the highest-paid assistant coach in the country:

"They know how I feel about continuity of staff. I told these guys I want this to be the best job they've ever had when they took it, and I hope they feel that way.

"Our administration has been great giving me the ability to do that."

**On whether dismissed running back Eric Smith will return.

"His dismissal is permanent."

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/07/auburns_gene_chizik_says_he_go.html

[GH2001]

**On whether dismissed running back Eric Smith will return.

"His dismissal is permanent."

Guess that settles the Eric Smith debate.

[The Prowler]

Coach Chizik said Angelo Blackson could be the next Nick Fairley....to watch out for him.

DAMN I'M GOOD.

[jmar]

Guess that settles the Eric Smith debate.

See I told you guys...we don't need a true fullback.

Ok, ok I was wrong.
               
                                     

[Pell City Tiger]

See I told you guys...we don't need a true fullback.

Ok, ok I was wrong.
               
                                     

Ladarius Phillips (#37 for those of you keeping track at home) is gonna straight up fuck some fools up. Take dat to da bank, home boiiiiiiieeeeee!