toddc

Everyone go vote for Fan Favorite! Link can be found in the article. link. http://www.hoophallawards.com/

I literally laughed out loud, and I rarely ever do that. Hilarious 😂

Three Options For Auburn To Hire As The Next Defensive Line Coach Here are three directions the Auburn Tigers could go with the next defensive line coach. Zac Blackerby4 hours ago The Auburn Tigers saw Jeremy Garrett leave for the NFL on Friday. After Garrett took the job with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hugh Freeze's newly completed staff needed another assistant coach to fill out the staff at Auburn. Here are three names that could make sense to be Auburn's next defensive line coach. Kyle Pope - Georgia Tech defensive line coach Pope's name popped up as soon as the news of Garrett's departure was reported. He coached for Freeze at Liberty as the inside linebackers coach. Pope also was at Alabama as a graduate assistant in 2017. he also had two stints at Memphis as a defensive line coach as well as the defensive run game coordinator before landing the defensive line job at Georgia Tech. Freeze has made it clear that he's looking for a culture fit and guys he can trust. Pope checks both of those boxes and knows what will be asked of him on the recruiting front. Being from Sylacauga, Alabama can't hurt either. Rodney Garner - Tennessee defensive line coach Garner is a fan-favorite at Auburn due to his extended time on the Plains. He coached two different stints at Auburn as a former player and Auburn graduate. His first stint as a coach at Auburn was from 1990-1995 as tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator. He also was Auburn's defensive line coach from 2013 to 2020. If Freeze goes in this direction, it will make a splash on the recruiting trail. Vontrell King-Williams - Auburn Defensive Line Analyst It seems like Freeze will go with an external hire in this situation but in the case that he wanted to promote from within, it would probably be King-Williams. The defensive line analyst is liked by the players in the room and has their respect already so it could make sense for Freeze to take a flyer and take a risk here. Where the risk doesn't make sense is recruiting. Auburn has several key defensive line commits pledged to the 2025 class and this position group needs to remain a strength on the trail for Freeze's program to get where it possibly could in the coming years.

New coaches may mean some new targets for these guys position though. It hurts to lose anyone but I think we’re in very good hands with our new recruiters.

Little bit of smoke around this kid lately but went quiet after I heard it. Gonna be a big time recruit that AU needs to land. Auburn Facing Stiff Recruiting Competition For Elite RB Recruit Will Auburn be able to land a top in-state prospect? Brian SmithFeb 3, 2024 9:39 AM EST Regardless of which schools come after this priority recruit for Auburn, the Tigers must win the battle. Even before a 2024 recruiting class that did not include a running back, Alvin Henderson has been a priority for the Auburn coaching staff. Now that Auburn did not sign a running back in the prior class, Henderson coming from the southern part of Alabama, and being an elite player, there's no question Auburn needs to land him. Here's how he performed last season. According to Max Preps, the Elba (Ala.) High School standout is coming off a junior campaign with 3,523 yards and 61 touchdowns on the ground. Henderson also came away from the 2023 season with 5 receptions, 124 yards, and 1 touchdown. Auburn had been trending for Rivals #25 recruit in the class of 2025. While there's no reason to believe Hugh Freeze and his staff have not continued to be a frontrunner, there have been several head coaches and top assistants who stopped by Elba High School to recruit him. The race has gone into high gear. Coaches like Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin and Miami's Mario Cristobal are just two of several that stopped in to see Henderson. As a point to the latter coach, Henderson visited the University of Miami on Jan. 27. The Canes are definitely in the race for Henderson as he also took an unofficial visit to Miami during this past season. Now several other teams are truly coming after him. On Feb. 1 alone, Henderson's X timeline shows him with coaches like Kiffin from the Rebels, a photo with Ole Miss running backs coach Kevin Smith, plus running backs coach Norval McKenzie from Georgia Tech. On Jan. 31, it was Alabama's Kalen DeBoer and some of his assistants visitingHenderson, along with Georgia head man Kirby Smart stopping by with running backs coach Dell McGee on the same day. Henderson has proven to be incredibly talented so it's not shocking that teams are doing their best to sign him, but there's also the fact that Auburn no longer has running backs coach Cadillac Williams on the staff; he was close with the talented running back. Fortunately for Auburn, newly hired offensive coordinator and running backs coach Derrick Nix is making an impact as well. He was just in Elba to see Henderson on the basketball court. The following photo is from Feb. 1. Nix was a prime recruiter for Kiffin at Ole Miss and he will be a valued addition to Auburn's recruiting efforts. He's an important factor for Auburn in their efforts to sign Henderson. Besides the schools mentioned above, Florida State, Penn State, and Tennessee are three more schools trying to land Henderson. That being said, the following has long since been the bottom line for Auburn no matter how the competition might be. Henderson is a special talent from Auburn's home recruiting base within the state of Alabama, it's a position of need in the 2025 recruiting class, and he's a difference-maker. Henderson is a must-have prospect for Auburn's recruiting efforts.

After Wesley McGriff's unorthodox season, Freeze 'glad we could talk him into coming back' 'It’s the third time I have hired him, so obviously I love him and believe in him.' Nathan King6 hrs After an unorthodox season on the Plains, Wesley McGriff isn’t going anywhere. Auburn’s cornerbacks coach came back for his third coaching stint with the Tigers to be part of Hugh Freeze’s inaugural staff, but midway through the season, he moved off the field due to an undisclosed "personal issue." And at the end of the season, it appeared McGriff was on his way out. Ultimately, however, McGriff will be sticking with the Tigers’ coaching staff in 2024, giving Freeze another familiar face in the meeting rooms and on the field — and a key returning coach for Auburn’s defensive backs, after safeties coach Zac Etheridgestepped down and joined Houston’s staff. “It’s the third time I have hired him, so obviously I love him and believe in him,” Freeze told reporters this week at the Senior Bowl. In late October, McGriff moved off the field, and his title was "chief of accountability and in-house recruiting.” He remained on staff throughout the season. In early January, after Auburn hired Colorado defensive coordinator Charles Kelly to its staff, McGriff left for an assistant job coaching under Mike Elko at Texas A&M as DB coach and passing game coordinator. The hire was announced by Texas A&M, but Auburn Undercover was informed McGriff had yet to sign the contract. As Auburn made moves on its defensive staff last month, though, an opening was created by Etheridge’s departure, and Freeze’s goal became to convince McGriff not to head to Texas A&M and return to Auburn in 2024. “Glad we could talk him into coming back,” Freeze said. McGriff was hired by Freeze last offseason, after the two worked together previously at Ole Miss. McGriff thus began his third career coaching stint at Auburn, having also been on staff in 2016 and 2019-20. He coached the Tigers' cornerbacks, while Etheridge handled safeties and nickels. Etheridge resigned from the coaching staff last month, so McGriff will coach cornerbacks in 2024, while Kelly will oversee safeties. “I don’t have to worry about the message from him being different than the message I send,” Freeze said. “He’s a great recruiter and a great coach, and he really works hard at building a genuine relationship.” McGriff’s reprised role in the secondary will provide a steady presence for an Auburn defense that will be working under another new coordinator. Freeze hired D.J. Durkinthis week, formerly the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Florida and Michigan, and the head coach at Maryland. McGriff will have a steep challenge on his hands in replacing starters D.J. James and Nehemiah Pritchett, as Auburn has a bevy of youngsters waiting in the wings for bigger roles in 2024. Keionte Scott is also set to move from nickel to outside cornerback. “I don’t know about the new DC and all that, but I know Coach Crime (McGriff) will definitely have those guys ready to play,” Pritchett said at the Senior Bowl.

I really thought he was one of the good ones last year. Hopefully CHF can find an even better one.

Auburn DL coach Jeremy Garrett leaving for NFL job Another assistant coaching job opens up at Auburn Nathan King5 mins More staff changes are on the way for Hugh Freeze heading into Year 2 at Auburn. Tigers defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett is leaving Auburn to become the new defensive line coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Auburn Undercover has been informed. Garrett informed the team of his decision this week and is expected to be officially announced by Jacksonville soon. The news was first reported by 247Sports' Matt Zenitz. Garrett's departure makes for five assistant jobs turned over at Auburn from the 2023 season, as Freeze also had to replace offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery, defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, safeties coach Zac Etheridge and running backs coach Cadillac Williams. Auburn Undercover will update this story. Check back for additional information.

Athens and still here. I arrowhead hunt over that way a lot.

He drove so gosh darn fast though. Paraphrasing of course. 😝

My mom and I were coming back from Huntsville while listening to the game and she had to pull over to the curb on Hwy 72 we were so excited. We listened to the rest of the game on the median. 😝

I remember him actually saying that he was going into next season with what he had at least once.

Anyone who was okay with this at all is a complete homer or insane! 😝

I rarely, if ever, post anything from Goodman, but I think he’s on to something with this article. Hope he’s right! Goodman: Suddenly, Auburn is more Saban than Alabama Joseph Goodman | jgoodman@al.com Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze walks the field before Auburn takes on Alabama in the Iron Bowl Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (Julie Bennett | preps@al.com)Julie Bennett | preps@al.com This is an opinion column. _____________________ Something unexpected happened after Nick Saban retired. Alabama hired a coach known for inspiring loyalty and Auburn’s Hugh Freeze transformed into the SEC’s new unapologetic tyrant. Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I kinda like it. It took a while, but Freeze is finally demonstrating at Auburn that he has what it takes to survive in the SEC. It’s not about taking care of the Auburn family. It’s about winning at all costs. What’s been going on at Auburn during the transition of power over in Alabama? While the Sabans were planning life after football in sunny South Florida, Auburn’s coach was plotting and scheming. First Freeze waved so long to Auburn legacies Cadillac Williams and Zac Ethridge. As an encore, Freeze then hired controversial assistant coach D.J. Durkin. It was a page right out of the Saban playbook. With a series of bold staff changes, Freeze is putting together a team he thinks gives Auburn the best chance to compete for a national championship. Fans may not like the staff turnover, but none of that will matter if Freeze can position Auburn on even ground with Alabama and Georgia at the beginning of this new era in the Southeastern Conference. This is a time of change in college football, and Freeze is making the most of the chaos. With Saban out, Auburn now has one of the best coaching staffs in the country. Based on everything we’ve seen, you have to wonder if Freeze knew the end was coming for Saban’s time at Alabama. Auburn’s coach had a plan in place for when it happened. Did Freeze have inside knowledge, or did he just anticipate Saban walking away? Either way, no other team in the SEC benefits more from Saban’s exit and Freeze was ready to make his moves. I hate to see Williams and Etheridge go. Freeze thinks it was for the best. We’ll see. As much as I love Williams and what he did for Auburn, I have to be completely honest about my opinion of what’s taking place on the Plains. Freeze is sending a powerful message. He’s going to do whatever it takes for Auburn to consistently compete against its two behemoth rivals. Strong leaders make difficult decisions. We’ve seen it before. When Saban was hired at Alabama, he wasted no time cleaning house. The good-ol’ boy network was out. Feelings were hurt. Some big names were pushed aside. Saban was ruthless but every tough decision he made was for one reason, out-recruiting the competition in the SEC. It’s hard to believe, but here we are. Suddenly, in the span of a month, Auburn is more Saban than Alabama. How that affects the dynamic of the Iron Bowl is anyone’s guess, but there’s no question the rivalry is already transitioning into a post-Saban reality. Saban was a players’ coach, but he was hard on his assistant coaches. Some adapted to the rigorous demands and some flamed out but none hung around for long. Kirby Smart was the exception and now we know why. He was the second coming. Alabama’s football facility was always a revolving door of Saban recruiters. It looks like Freeze decided to manage Auburn’s staff just like his old friend. This is Auburn’s time, and no one can blame Freeze for doing what he thinks is best for the Tigers. Freeze couldn’t replace Williams immediately, of course. Think back to 2022. Williams saved Auburn football and was the toast of the Tigers. Many, including me, thought he could have made a good head coach. Freeze, on the other hand, was a questionable hire with a checkered past. Williams helped with the transition, but it’s impossible to be a successful boss and then take a backseat. Cadillac will always have those magical four games at the end of the 2022 season. Auburn is better for them and the history of the Iron Bowl is richer in spirit thanks to Williams. No one can ever take that away from him. What’s next for this Iron Bowl rivalry? Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer isn’t anything like his predecessor. That’s not a bad thing. No one expects him to lead like Saban and, frankly, if DeBoer even tried then that would be a death sentence for his time in Tuscaloosa. Here’s what we know about DeBoer. He’s an offensive-minded coach who inspires loyalty in his assistant coaches. That’s pretty much the opposite of Saban in every way. Saban inspired fear. Freeze was paying attention. Never forget that Auburn sent out a late-night news release about the resignation of Cadillac Williams. It hit my inbox at 9:34 p.m. It was the day after Saban retired. Perfect timing, in other words, for as little scrutiny as possible. Sneaky stuff. Just Auburn being Auburn? Not quite. This was something different. It was Freeze announcing his new image as the Iron Bowl’s uncompromising dictator.

I guess all the rumors were, just rumors. Also, see who’s not mentioned!

Hugh Freeze explains decision not to add transfer quarterback Chandler Vessels Auburn coach Hugh Freeze didn’t feel the need to add a quarterback through the transfer portal this offseason. While other programs around the country were loading up on new signal callers, the Tigers were content with the players they already had. Payton Thorne is set to return as the starter for the 2024 season, while freshmen Hank Brown and Walker White provide a foundation for the future behind him. Speaking with the media at the Senior Bowl on Wednesday, Freeze explained that he prefers to develop his QBs from high school rather than chase the top portal prospects. “I didn’t (go after a transfer quarterback),” the coach said. “I know the Twitter world had me taking everybody. That’s the hot thing to do now. If a quarterback went in the portal, I started immediately getting messages. ‘This is the one.’ “I just really like our room. I wanted to try to build with high school kids like Hank and Walker. Us try to develop those guys along with, obviously, the experience Payton brings. I kind of want to see that through.” Thorne led the Tigers to a 6-7 finish and appearance in the Music Bowl this past season. He had his ups and downs, finishing with 1,755 yards, 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with a 61.1% completion percentage. Thorne also made an impact as a runner with 515 yards rushing and three scores on the ground. Thorne struggled against some of the tougher defenses in the SEC, but showed his potential at times. He also has an impressive two-year stint as a starter at Michigan State prior to transferring to Auburn, totaling 6,501 yards, 49 touchdowns and 24 interceptions with the Spartans. There is belief that with another year in the system, Thorne can regain the form that he showed in East Lansing. The Tigers did add on Cam Jackson, who played quarterback for Cal last season, but he is set to play receiver and add another weapon for Thorne along with Georgia State transfer Robert Lewis. Then there’s the freshman whom Freeze hopes will one day lead the program themselves. White signed this offseason as a four-star recruit out of Little Rock Christian Academy (AR). He ranked as the No. 86 overall player and No. 7 quarterback in the 2024 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Brown is a former three-star recruit who saw his first action in the bowl game, going 7-of-9 passing for 132 yards. Both players clearly have potential to one day take the reigns as Auburn’s starter, and with Thorne still around for one more year, Freeze believes his quarterback room is just fine.

Not there’s anything wrong with that. 😆

Looks like CHF was impressed with his interview. Hugh Freeze talks about the recent hire of a new defensive coordinator Hugh Freeze had this to say about Auburn's new defensive coordinator. Andrew StefaniakJan 31, 2024 3:48 PM EST After Ron Roberts left to coach at Florida, the Auburn Tigers were in the market for a new defensive coordinator. Roberts just didn't seem to be the right fit forAuburn, and with him taking the job at Florida, it gave Coach Hugh Freeze the opportunity to hit this hire out of the park. Auburn's defense was solid last season, but Coach Freeze would love to see it taken to the next level. This is why Coach Freeze brought in DJ Durkin, who was the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M under Jimbo Fisher. Now, of course, Texas A&M has severely underachieved over these past few years, but Durkin's defense was good. Last season, it led the SEC and was seventh in college football in sacks with 42 and was 13th in college football in stopping the run, only allowing 108.8 yards per game on the ground. Coach Freeze had this to say about the hire of Durkin to be Auburn's next defensive coordinator, "John Coen has been so supportive, but I told him "John, I got to take my time, I got to get this right" Freeze said. "There was so much interest in it from people I really like. I loved his interview. I loved the time we spent with him and his wife, Sarah. They're great individuals and people that will add so much experience to our building and defense, so I'm really excited to have DJ." It's good to hear that Coach Freeze feels close with Durkin and his family, as this will help them coach alongside one another. This was a good hire that will hopefully take Auburn's defense to the next level.

You wouldn’t believe the restaurant scene in Athens these days Cole. Salty Cod(seafood), Southern Table (southern fusion), li’ Marisos ?sp(Italian), Ro’s Grill(little southwest vibe) and more. Florence has some good food too.

Hopefully this becomes the norm! 3 Auburn signees win awards at Alabama Mr. Football banquet By Matt Cohen | mcohen@al.com Central-Phenix City's Cam Coleman celebrates his touchdown during the AHSAA Super 7 Class 7A championship at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)Vasha Hunt | vhunt@al.com Three Auburn signees won awards at the 2023 Alabama Mr. Football awards presented on Tuesday in Montgomery. Five-star wide receiver recruit Cam Coleman out of Central-Phenix City was named the Class 7A Back of the Year, four-star linebacker recruit Joe Phillips out of Booker T. Washington in Tuskegee was named the Class 4A Lineman of the Year and three-star linebacker recruit DJ Barber out of Clay-Chalkville was named the Class 6A Lineman of the Year. Auburn signees Perry Thompson and Malik Blocton were nominated as well but did not win their categories. Thompson lost to Coleman and Blocton lost to Barber. Alabama commit and five-star receiver Ryan Williams from Saraland was named the state’s overall Mr. Football. He made history as the first-ever two-time winner of the award. Coleman was the last of the three winners to be announced. “War eagle,” Coleman said as he walked off the stage in the front of the ballroom at the Rennaissance hotel in downtown Montgomery. When he walked up on stage, Auburn wide receivers coach Marcus Davis, who was in the crowd, smiled in his seat. Davis led the way to Auburn signing the best wide receiver class in program history with Coleman, Thompson, four-star receiver Bryce Cain and four-star receiver Malcolm Simmons. “First off, it takes a village with the help of Coach Freeze and the rest of the staff,” Davis told AL.com after the awards ceremony. “It takes a village to get those guys. You’ve got a couple guys that’s the best in the state that want to compete and get better. That’s a big part of it as well. It’s a testament to those guys and what they want to build as players.” Davis wasn’t able to talk explicitly about Auburn’s recruiting goals ahead of the Feb. 7 National Signing Day, especially after Williams re-committed to Alabama last week. He said the plan at this point is to “finish strong.” “You’ll see as you go,” Davis said. Coleman is currently on campus going through workouts at Auburn. Thompson hasn’t arrived yet. Davis said Coleman has gotten better throughout winter workouts and gotten acclimated to college since his January arrival. “That’s going to be fun,” Davis said of when he can get all his receivers on campus. “It’s a process. Those guys are going through this process right now. We’re looking forward to it with them.” Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at mcohen@al.com

D.J. James speaks highly on Kayin Lee: "He's a veteran in my eyes" Auburn cornerback D.J. James believes that Kayin Lee is capable of stepping up for Auburn next season. Daniel LockeJan 30, 2024 5:17 PM EST D.J. James was an asset to the Auburn Tigers during his two seasons with the program. James missed one game during his time with the Tigers. He recorded 75 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss of yards, three interceptions and 21 pass deflections. In an interview with Zac Blackerby of Locked on Auburn at the senior bowl, James talked about who he believes will step up in the Tigers' secondary and believes Kayin Lee will be up to the challenge. "Kayin Lee, he's a veteran already in my eyes," James said. "He played as a freshman, he knows the game, he's physical, he's fast, he's fluent. I'm really excited for him." Lee, a 5-foot-11 cornerback from Ellenwood, Georgia, played in every game for the Tigers during his freshman season. Lee recorded 18 total tackles, two tackles for a loss of yards, six pass deflections and one forced fumble. According to 247Sports, Lee was a 4-star recruit with a 0.9386 composite rating. Lee was the No. 2 player in Auburn's 2023 recruiting class behind defensive lineman Keldric Faulk. Lee was the No. 146 player nationally, the No. 16 cornerback and the No. 11 player in the state of Georgia. Lee will be expected to take a big jump in 2024 because of everything that Auburn lost, but a revamped coaching staff and an influx of new talent should put him in a position to do just that.

CHF is on a mission