Auburn players plan to stick together `no matter what'Wednesday, August 05, 2009CHARLES GOLDBERGNews staff writerAUBURN - Auburn running back Ben Tate says he loves the camaraderie among his teammates this year because last season was not so pleasant."Last year, I would say we were divided," Tate said.Defensive back Walter McFadden likened last season to a "battlefield" as the team looked for leadership.Auburn stumbled to a 5-7 record in 2008 and saw its offensive coordinator fired at midseason and its head coach resign at year's end. Things apparently weren't so great internally, either."It's natural when things go badly for people to get violent and start pointing fingers at one another. That's one of the things we did," Tate said. "Now, if something goes wrong we have to stay together. The coaches have put a lot of emphasis on getting together no matter what."Auburn players reported for fall football Tuesday and will begin practice today. Many Tigers said new coach Gene Chizik has instilled a new attitude in an attempt to leave the immediate past behind."The coaches have put a lot of emphasis on getting together no matter what," Tate said."Our kids have been so resilient," Chizik said. "They've bought in. Our coaches have done a great job trying to nurture these relationships with the players."I think it's been a very smooth transition because transitions are tough, as we know."Last year's problems started with an offense that didn't seem to catch on and slowly degenerated. Then came a division between the offense and defense."The offense had their problems and some guys started hanging their heads - just stuff of that sort," said defensive end Antonio Coleman. "That led to a 5-7 season. It was just the little things that led to seven losses. Coach Chizik came in and corrected that; and all the guys have their heads up."McFadden sees the change in attitude this way:"This year, the leaders we have, they have respect. Somebody can talk to them and the younger guys will listen. Last year was kind of a battlefield in that no one wants to listen because, `Who are you?' This year we've got, `OK, that's Antonio Coleman. He's a guy that's proved something here so I can follow him. Maybe I can be better than him.' That's what we've got going with this team."Coleman, who passed on leaving for the NFL after last season, is ready to get Auburn football back on track."Seven losses? That's a lifetime learning experience for me," Coleman said. "... We have a chip on our shoulder and a lot of work to do."
I had a pretty good "freshmen getting their asses gang-jumped by teammates"
Sounds like something personal to me. I know, you were probably told to get it out in the open, but I really don't think a rival message board is where your Psychiatrist was talking about.
Screw you.Signed,DeRon Furr
Who?
Yeah, if you are going to pointlessly beat the shit out of someone, make sure it is your girlfriend.Signed,Dustin McClintock
Boosh...
Yeah, if you are going to pointlessly beat the shit out of someone, make sure it is your girlfriend.....at the trailer park.Signed,Dustin McClintockDamon Duval
FTFY
Whatever dude. Duval only picked on LSU clarinet players at half time.
Keep going. You have almost used all of the smilies at least once each. Maybe then the new will have worn off and you will stop. Pale Rider will be most displeased with you if you don't...
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