Post event recap:
Chizik couldn't make it. T-storms in AL made his return to Auburn uncertain and he has to be in Auburn in time for a camp tomorrow morning. We got Luper instead and he promised not to give us "coach-speak" on any topic that he was allowed to discuss (no recruiting).
First: Luper is a funny guy and I can see why the recruits like him so much. Very personable and very much at ease speaking to our crowd.
Topics covered:
1) O-line: best performing unit in the spring. Solid at the starting positions, need depth.
2) RBs: Tate is going to get 1000+, no question in Luper's mind. Fannin, Smith and McCalleb (sp?) will all have roles to play in this offense, but there will be emphasis on power running.
3) Gabe McKenzie will be playing on the offensive side of the ball this year. He and Lutz will be a monster tandem.
4) Benton, Blake and another Fr WR will most likely contribute. If we can find 3 consistent players on the current roster, then Luper thinks that WRs can be a strength of this team.
5) There will be times that the offense will run out of the shotgun near the goal line.
6) Gus is the brightest offensive coach that Luper has ever worked around. Uniformly respected amongst the staff. He has added bits of OSU's and AU's (traditional) offense to his own. The emphasis will be on tempo (95% in the HUNH), but no meerkat peering at the sidelines after getting set.
7) Defense is the stronger of the two units right now (thus running against the 2nd D at A-Day "so we could show some positive yardage"). D-Line is a force to be reckoned with. Secondary has 6 players at CB that can all start. Mike McNeil will be back by the 3rd or 4th game of the season. Aairon Savage will play this year (called it miraculous after the severity of the injury sustained). We'll play 5 DBs often to keep speed and athleticism on the field.
8) Tyrik Rollison has made his grades. There is zero chance that he will not be in uniform this fall.
9) QBs: the race is WIDE open. "Do not be surprised to see ANY of the kids under center. (this statement was made closely on the heels of #8...)
10) Clinton Durst is the only player on the team that can beat Luper at ping-pong.
I think that covers it. If I think of anything else, I'll add it.
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