Chizik making progress with recruits

[JohnDeere]

From the podunk paper in Florence..
http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20081218/ARTICLES/812180333/1167/SPORTS40?Title=Chizik_making_progress_with_recruits

AUBURN - Newly hired Auburn coach Gene Chizik said he planned to hit the ground running in recruiting.

Apparently he wasn't kidding.

Chizik and his staff of three temporary coaches have been hard at work on the recruiting trail since Monday. Jeffrey Lee, of AuburnSports.com, said Wednesday their efforts have helped stabilize a recruiting class that seemed to be slipping away.

"The players' reaction has been surprisingly good compared to the reaction fans feared," Lee said.

Quarterback Raymond Cotton de-committed Monday, but AuburnSports.com's Bryan Matthews said there is a decent chance he could re-enter the picture.

However, Cotton's father, Raymond Cotton Sr., made comments on Sunday that were indicative of Auburn fans' disappointment in the Chizik hire.

He told AuburnSports.com, "Auburn did nothing to prove to me they want to be a winner."

Cotton was the only prospect who reneged his commitment as a result of Chizik's hiring.

That could change when Chizik hires an offensive coordinator. Chizik emphasized his plans to re-establish a smashmouth brand of offense at Auburn.

The previous regime recruited most of the offensive recruits to run the spread offense. There are three specific players that could struggle to run a more traditional offense - receivers Brandon Heavens, LaVoyd James and Travante Stallworth. All three are 5-foot-10, and none weigh more than 180 pounds.

Another player recruited to the spread, tailback LaDarius Perkins, has also remained committed.

Chizik said he planned to honor all commitments, but didn't make outright assurances.

"That's an interesting angle to see if Auburn does plan to keep all its commitments," Lee said. "I thought he was basically putting it out there that they may not take the same guys. I don't think they will; they just haven't made any cuts. (Chizik)'s given them a vote of confidence, but it will be interesting to see what happens."

So far, Auburn is clinging on to some prized recruits. Lee said the Tigers couldn't afford to lose tight end Phillip Lutzenkirchen (ranked as the No. 4 tight end by Rivals) or running back Onterrio McCalebb either from a competitive standpoint or a public relations standpoint. Matthews added junior-college receiver Cameron Kenney to the list because of Auburn's need for a playmaker at the position.

Lee also said he expects Chizik to pursue 20-25 top prospects - none of which have been recruited by Auburn to this point - especially hard. He said it would be realistic for Auburn to sign two or three.

The offensive coordinator hire, though, looms especially large right now for potential signees. Chizik said Monday he would not be restricted to a timetable on the hire because he wants the best fit for Auburn.

"I think that's the biggest concern for recruits right now, is offensive guys waiting to see what direction he goes with the offensive coordinator," Lee said. "Guys want to see what style of offense they'll play in."

The Tigers signed junior-college transfer defensive linemen Nick Fairley on Tuesday. Another JUCO-transfer, linebacker Eltoro Freeman, told AuburnSports.com he would sign with the Tigers today.

[AUTiger1]

It doesn't matter who he recruits, he won't be able to sign any of them.  If you don't believe me just ask the bammers.  Nick Saban is God and every recruit in the nation wants to play football for him and UA.