The following video of the 2007 AU/UF has been posted before; however, I bring it up again to give us all hope for 2009. The reasons for 2008 have been hashed, rehashed and regurgitaed 1000X over. CTT's lack of recruiting success the last couple of years is well documented, but let's also give credit where credit is due. If you recall, his 2006 class was loaded with athletes and was a class in which all but 2, I believe, were redshirted. Then, his 2007 haul was among the best in the nation, on paper anyway.
Many people wondered how this program could fall so fast and be seemingly void of talent across the board. I've lamented in the past about a definite lack of playmakers at the skillz positions. It seemed ridiculous that all the so-called experts could unanimously pick the Tigers from Teh Planes to take the SEC in 08' only to see them enter 09' relegated to the bottom of the West and a part of no one's preseason conversation. I pulled this video up (To recall what the "Good times" were all about) and something caught my eye....the number of players still on this years roster who contributed to that win in the Swamp.
While certainly, the fortunes of some of these players have changed, many of them will play major roles in the 2009 edition of the Auburn Tigers. Players like:
Ben Tate
Mario Fannin
Kodi Burns
Montez Billings
Mike Blanc
Wes Byrum
Antoine Carter
Antonio Coleman
Zac Etheridge
Gabe McKenzie
Michael Goggans
Ryan Pugh
Craig Stevens
Tommy Trott
Lee Ziemba
It appears to me that a failed coaching experiment had far more to do with the debacle of 08' than a lack of talent. I'm not naive enough to fail to recognize a pronounced lack of depth for Auburn this year at virtually all positions. BUT....I do think that if this staff gets these guys on the same page and headed in the right direction......
Watch and enjoy.
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