Auburn turns red hot on the recruiting trail

By John McMullen  |   Wednesday, June 25, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Auburn Tigers
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With the 2008 college football season fast approaching, the Auburn Tigers are still thinking about the future.

Auburn picked up five commitments in the last week after a productive passing camp and now boasts more recruits than any other SEC school at this point. In fact, the Tigers have been tallying commitment after commitment earlier than any SEC school in history.

Aaron Moore, the latest future Tiger to sign on, is a 6-foot-5, 260-pound offensive lineman who committed Tuesday. Other newcomers whom head coach Tommy Tuberville and company include running back LaDarius Perkins, wide receivers Travante Stallworth and LaVoyd James and offensive lineman Andre Harris.

It's always tough to project how kids will adapt to the college atmosphere, but the undersized Moore should provide Auburn with a lot of versatility and the ability to play any of the offensive line positions. Unless he adds a lot of weight, however, the pivot seems the best bet for the Texan.

Of course, in today's college football world you need bulk up front and Tuberville filled that void by inking Harris, a massive 330-pounder. A natural guard, Harris projects to be a road grader in the running game.

You can't underestimate depth and talent on the offensive line when you consider most coaches think you win football games at the point of attack. However, the recent success of college heavyweights like USC, LSU and Texas proves that speed kills, so star recruiter James Willis also brought in plenty of that.

Stallworth and James are similar players; neither of the two has great size, but both are lightning fast and should prove to be vertical threats. Meanwhile, Perkins also possesses elite speed from the backfield, giving Auburn a lot of offensive options down the line.

Of course, that doesn't mean that the Tigers aren't thinking about 2008. Despite a pair of new coordinators, Paul Rhoads from Pitt on the defensive side and Tony Franklin from Troy on offense, an imposing schedule and a muddled quarterback situation, a lot of experts think Auburn can win the SEC West and become a top-10 team this year.

Running back Ben Tate, offensive lineman Tyronne Green, defensive linemen Antonio Coleman and Sen'Derrick Marks, cornerback Jerraud Powers, kicker Wes Byrum and punter Ryan Shoemaker are all threats for All-SEC accolades; that means hopes are high, with some even whispering national championship.

That said, Tuberville has been astute enough to know memories in college football are short. A 10-2 record and a trip to a BCS bowl is quickly forgotten with just one bad season.

Today's college football landscape is all about succeeding now while reloading for the future. No hiccups allowed.
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About John McMullen

John is the managing editor of The Phanatic Magazine, the assistant managing editor of The Sports Network and the co-host of the highly rated 'Johns on Sports' radio show on WTBQ in New York. Every Saturday from 6:30-9 p.m. (et) you can hear John along with his co-host, John Gottlieb, talk to the ...
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