Signing Day 2011

It has been a while since my last blog entry so let's do a quick recap. After completing the greatest comeback in Iron Bowl history to knock off Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Auburn marched to Atlanta and burned South Carolina's defense for an SEC Championship record 56 points and an SEC Championship record 39 point margin of victory. That win propelled Auburn to the #1 ranking in the BCS and secured a spot in the BCS National Championship game. The following weeks were a whirlwind.

We were going to Glendale, of course.

After settling on flying in and out of Las Vegas and getting set up in a posh new hotel on the strip, the vacation of a lifetime was set. The final remaining piece was trying to get tickets but that was growing less and less likely as ticket prices began exceeding $1000 a piece.

We went. We conquered. We got snowed in for an extra day or two. What more can you ask for?

No sooner did the clock strike 0:00 on the University of Phoenix Stadium game clock did the coach's, and subsequently the fan's attention turn to closing out the 2011 recruiting class with a bang.

At that point Auburn had just picked up two commitments at the Under Armour All-American game and then two more at the US Army All-American game. Sitting with 18 commitments and five to seven spots to fill the focus had narrowed to a few select players and retaining the ones already committed.

Now with signing day in the books, how did we finish?

Quarterback - Kiehl Frazier [6'3" / 215] - After not taking a high school QB in the 2010 class, getting a premiere quarterback in this class was a top priority. Before the 2010 class was even in the books there were clearly two top targets for the 2011 class in Jeff Driskel and Kiehl Frazier. Both had sufficient size, above average athleticism and impressive passing abilities. Both QBs were invited to the Elite 11 quarterback camp reserved for the top quarterback prospects in the country. Driskel, a Florida native, decided to stay close to home and play for the Gators which turned 100% of the staff's focus on securing Frazier. Standing 6'3" and weighing 215 pounds Frazier is not quite Cam Newton size but he did have one advantage over every other quarterback in the country; Frazier played his high school ball at Shiloh Christian, former stomping grounds of Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, where they still run Malzahn's offense. Not only has Frazier run Malzahn's offense through high school, he as directed the offense perhaps better than any other quarterback in Arkansas High School history. After finishing his senior season with another state championship he became the first quarterback in Arkansas to ever win three State Championship game MVP honors while winning three consecutive championships. Another prestigious honor Frazier received was being named the USA Today High School Player of the Year.

Running Back - Tre Mason [5'10" / 190] - Easily the most tumultuous position during this recruiting season, running back recruiting went through a lot of highs and lows. In the end Auburn landed a four star 'back out of Florida who brings a nice blend of blazing speed and moderate size. The early goal was to bring in one speed back and one big back. The top speed back target was Mike Blakely who, after multiple early trips to the plains seemed to be leaning hard towards committing early. It was, once again, and Auburn-Florida battle, and once again Florida won out. Coincidentally both of these recruits committed to Florida before Florida's disappointing season, before Urban Meyer retired and before Auburn won the National Championship; one has to wonder if a little patience would have led to a different decision. After Blakely Auburn had a host of speed backs that they were confident in their ability to get commitments from so running back recruiting was slowed down until they could see more senior film, further evaluate their targets and also try and work their way back into contention with other top targets who may have been impressed by Auburn's impressive season. One time top big back target Rodney Coe fell out of favor with the coaches when they believed he was better suited to play linebacker. But, while Coe was dropping new names such as Savon Huggins, Marlin Lane and Jeremy Hill were popping up. Also, the top running back in the nation, Isaiah Crowell, who had previously ruled out Auburn early on was beginning to reconsider the tigers. Everything changed however when long time Alabama commit Brent Calloway pulled a huge shocker and switched his commitment to Auburn during the US Army All-American game. His commitment filled the big back position and the coaching staff turned their focus to either Crowell or the player who had emerged as the top speed back target, Tre Mason. As the final weekend before signing day approached word began to leak that Crowell had made his decision to stick with the home state Georgia 'dawgs and would not be making his previously scheduled trip to Auburn. At that point Tre Mason got the call he was waiting for and made his commitment to be a part of this recruiting class. What happened next with Calloway may not ever be completely known but to the best of my knowledge Brent's heart was in Auburn however his adopted father was more enamored with Alabama for one reason or another. Rather than Calloway spending the weekend with his future teammates in Auburn, his dad "Peaches" drove him to Tuscaloosa. While the coaches received assurances from Calloway during his visit that he was "all in" at Auburn, something changed by Sunday when Calloway cut off all communication to the outside world. By the time signing day rolled around most hope had been lost and he made it official when he signed with Alabama. This left the class short one big back which isn't ideal but Mason's versatility should allow him to see the field early and often in 2011.

Tight End - Brandon Fulse [6'4" / 250] - While the tight end is not an essential part of Malzahn's offense, when he finds a good one he knows how to use it. Fulse became a top target early on and while he wasn't sure if he wanted to leave the state of Florida one huge advantage Auburn had was having his former teammate Onterio McCalebb already on the roster. This was primarily an Auburn-Miami battle but when Randy Shannon was fired Fulse was all but set on committing to Auburn. Recruiting is always a numbers game and since tight end was not a top priority Auburn had to be sure there would be room before accepting Fulse's commitment. Once the targets were narrowed down in the week leading up to signing day it became clear there would be room for Fulse and on January 27th he pulled the trigger giving Auburn one of the top tight ends in the nation.

Wide Receiver - Jaylon Denson [6'3" / 200], Sammie Coates [6'3" / 175] - While Coates and Denson aren't the highest rated receivers in the country (Rivals.com ranks Denson the #24 WR and Coates the #71 WR) it would be hard to say they weren't this staff's top targets. Both players received early offers from the coaching staff after impressive showing in summer camps. Denson didn't just impress at Auburn's camps. At the Palmetto State Showdown Denson was named the MVP of the tournament; a week later he was ranked the 9th best player in the National Select 7-on-7 tournament in Hoover. Coates became a message board superstar when it was reported that the small school star no one had previously heard of ran a blistering 4.31 40-yard dash. At that camp he earned an Auburn offer and immediately accepted it. He went on to lead his team to a state championship victory in which he was named MVP and also was ranked as the 5th best player at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game. Auburn had their shot at higher ranked receivers but they saw Denson and Coates in person and were more than happy to make them the future of our receiving corp.

Offensive Line - Christian Westerman [6'5" / 290], Greg Robinson [6'5" / 295], Thomas O'Reilly [6'3" / 315], Reese Dismukes [6'4" / 290] - This was the money-maker position for this signing class. If games are won and lost in the trenches than things are looking good for Auburn going forward. Oddly enough, what kick-started and perhaps molded our offensive line recruiting this year was the commitment of Spencer Region. Region, a life long 'Bama fan was set to make his commitment to the Tide however something Nick Saban told him rubbed him the wrong way and when he made his announcement he shocked the local state media by committing to Auburn. Region was friends with Dismukes who was also reportedly set to commit to Alabama a couple weeks later and when Region announced for Auburn, Dismukes decided to take a harder look at what we had to offer. Dismukes ultimately committed to Auburn and also convinced O'Reilly to join him. In addition to bringing in O'Reilly, Dismukes became one of Auburn's biggest recruiters, helping anyway he could with other recruits across the nation. Region and Auburn ended up splitting ways and he ended up at Clemson, but Dismukes stayed along with the #1 ranked offensive line class in the country. Robinson, a US Army All-American, was a huge steal out of Thibodaux, Louisiana who followed his good friend and former teammate Trovon Reed to the Plains. Westerman, ranked the third best tackle in the country and number one player in Arizona, was long committed to the Texas Longhorns but this staff never gave up on him. When Texas had their disappointing season and fired their offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Westerman decided it would be a good idea to at least visit Auburn to know his other options. The visit went well and when he met up with multiple other Auburn commits and targets at the Under Armour All-American game he was able to further solidify his bond with his potential teammates. The nail in Texas' coffin was when they attepted to lure Auburn offensive line coach Jeff Grimes to fill that slot on their staff but were turned down in favor of remaining at Auburn. Shortly there after Westerman made the switch and made his commitment to Auburn.

Athletes - Kris Frost [6'3" / 210], Quan Bray [5'11" / 180], C.J. Uzomah [6'5" / 230] - Auburn was after a few guys who could project at multiple positions but it is safe to say that they got all of their top targets. Frost, another US Army All-American, is a unique athlete coveted by schools across the country. Growing up a fan of Michigan it was difficult for Frost to pass up the opportunity to play for his childhood favorite, however after Rich Rodriguez was fired Frost made the decision to commit to Auburn. He could project as a big, physical wide receiver where he will likely get his first shot since that is his preference, however the coaching staff has been up front with him in that they believe his future is at linebacker. Quan Bray was highly recruited out of LaGrange finally picking Auburn over offers from Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Considered one of the more electric athletes in Georgia Bray played quarterback, running back and wide receiver in high school and projects in a similar role at Auburn. He will likely line up in the slot as a receiver, run the jet sweep from the backfield, and even get carries as a wildcat quarterback. Uzomah is another Georgia product, hailing from North Gwinnett High School. More of a jumbo-athlete, Uzomah played quarterback and receiver in high school and could also get reps at QB, be an oversized wide receiver or, more likely, grow into a tight end.

Defensive End - Devaunte Sigler [6'4" / 250], Keymiya Harrell [6'5" / 235] - Defensive end was not a high priority in this year's recruiting class with two sophomores starting at each end spot next year and sufficient depth behind them. Harrell was an early commitment as a raw prospect that this coaching staff could really fit what we are looking for at rush end down the road. Similar to Justin Delaine who was brought in last year (and who now is reportedly measuring in at 6'6" 260) Harrell will likely redshirt while he adjusts to the college game and puts on some weight. Sigler is a versatile prospect who played linebacker in high school but will play with his hand on the ground in college. He will start his career at end and could grow to be a powerful strongside end with the frame to carry much more weight. That being said, if he adds too much weight than moving inside to tackle isn't out of the question. While Sigler was a long time target of this staff there was one player higher on the board that could have taken Sigler's spot. Ray Drew. Drew was the top defensive end in the country not named Jadeveon Clowney and while he grew up a fan of the Seminoles the battle ended up coming down to Georgia and Auburn. With only weeks to go until signing day it seemed like a 50/50 shot, Drew even went as far as to name Auburn his leader. But, knowing that Drew wanted to have his announcement be a surprise most knew that something was amiss. As his announcement date grew closer word began to leak that he would be heading to Georgia. That's when Sigler got the green light and he didn't hesitate to pull the trigger. It will be interesting to see how their careers measure up against each other.

Defensive Tackle - Gabe Wright [6'3" / 275], Angelo Blackson [6'5" / 290], JaBrian Niles [6'2" / 270] - Where defensive end was not a priority, tackle was just the opposite. After losing Mike Blanc and Zach Clayton to graduation and Nick Fairley decided to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL the depth chart at defensive tackle is wide open. True freshmen Jeff Whitaker and Kenneth Carter got playing time last year in a reserve role and figure to be the favorites for the starting roles next year. Blackson, an early commitment is potentially a hidden gem. From a small private school in Delaware Blackson is a freak of an athlete. At nearly 300 pounds Blackson played middle linebacker in high school. It's hard to imagine how Auburn found this small school star but once they did and brought him down to visit it didn't take long before he made his pledge to Auburn. It may take him some time to adjust to the speed of the SEC but his size and athleticism should allow him to contribute early in his career. Niles is a versatile lineman who actually began his career as a quarterback. As he continued to grow his size became impossible to ignore and he eventually ended his career as a defensive end but this staff doesn't believe he is done growing. While he could play some strong side end, line coach Tracy Rocker believe Niles could be a disruptive force from the inside. Niles choose Auburn over offers from Alabama, Florida and Florida State.

Linebacker - Chris Landrum [6'2" / 215], Justin Garrett [6'2" / 185] - Auburn lost two veteran linebackers to graduation and while their immediate replacements are likely already on campus it was important to restock the depth chart. Landrum was an early in state target who received offers from both Auburn and Alabama but after visiting both he decided he wanted to be an Auburn Tiger. Though Landrum suffered a broken ankle early in his senior season he was able to return before the playoffs and help lead his team to the state 1A championship where he was named MVP. Reportedly already up to 6'3" 235, Landrum has the size to contribute immediately but if he doesn't redshirt the majority of his contributions will likely be on special teams as he adjusts to the speed of the SEC. Garrett is a speedy outside linebacker from Tucker, Georgia. With offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia and Tennessee, Garrett is perhaps the most underrated recruit in this class. He is a bit undersized but he really fits the mold of a weakside linebacker in Chizik's Tampa 2 defense. Ultimately Garrett choose Auburn over the summer after a visit that convinced he and his parents that it would be the best place for him.

Defensive Back - Erique Florence [6'2" / 185], Jonathan Rose [6'2" / 170], Robenson Therezie [5'10" / 180], Jermaine Whitehead [6'0" / 185], Anthony Swain [6'3" / 215] - If the offensive line is the strength of the signing class on the offensive side of the ball than the defensive back class is what is carrying a great defensive signing class. The headliner of the position, Erique Florence (There is no "n" in Erique), did not make his commitment to Auburn until national signing day but after showing up in Auburn for nearly every home game over the past two years and taking an unofficial visit over the summer wearing a bright orange dress shirt with an Auburn tie and an Auburn hat it wasn't much of a secret who was the favorite to land his signature. His mom actually wanted him to get away for college which is why the biggest competition ended up being Southern Cal but ultimately he chose to stay close to his home in Valley, Alabama. A consensus top three safety in the nation Florence should help immediately on special teams and will push for playing time at safety as a true freshman. Jonathan Rose of Leeds, Alabama was the early headliner of the defensive back class. When he committed in August Rose was ranked the #3 cornerback in the nation. His long frame and physical attitude gives Ted Roof exactly what he is looking for in cornerback. Rose will see time on special teams and try to work his way into the rotation at cornerback, likely getting his first shot at the nickel back. The third in state player to join the secondary in 2011 is Gadsden City safety Anthony Swain. Swain was one of the first commitments of the 2011 class when he made his pledge all the way back in March. While he signed as a safety Swain has the size and physical approach to the game that could lead him a step closer to the line of scrimmage later in his career. I would expect, barring injury, Swain to redshirt his freshman year during which time he may grow into a linebacker. While the in state haul was terrific Auburn also added two four star players from out of state in versatile cornerback/safety Robenson Therezie from south Florida and lockdown corner Jermaine Whitehead from Mississippi. Therezie was ranked by Rivals as the "hardest hitter" in the nation. Though he lacks prototypical size, Therezie really knows how to lay the wood at the point of contact. Despite a strong push by his head coach to go to Alabama, Therezie stuck with the commitment he made at the Under Armour All-American game. Jermaine Whitehead's recruitment was an interesting one. He committed to Mississippi State back in April but that didn't slow down other schools from pursuing the top cornerback. While Whitehead continued to stay in contact with the Auburn staff and make occasional trips to the Plains it appeared less and less likely that there would be room for him in this class. Marcus Roberson, ranked the number two cornerback in the nation was long the top cornerback target for Auburn and he had given indication to the coaching staff that we were in good shape. That proved true when on January 31st Roberson pulled the trigger and committed to Auburn. However, the next morning Roberson and the coaching staff had a conversation that didn't leave the coaches feeling great about his commitment. Word out of Florida was that Roberson was already wavering and the in state Gator's still had a chance to pull a signing day surprise. When the coaches didn't receive the reassurance from Roberson they were looking for they pulled Roberson's offer and turned to Whitehead. Whitehead made it official on signing day when he finally made the switch from Mississippi State to Auburn.

As always national signing day was an emotional up and down roller coaster that brought together a second consecutive top five recruiting class for Chizik and company. We had a couple of misses, most notably not getting a second running back, but in the end this staff filled nearly every need with top ranked recruits and gave Auburn possibly the greatest back to back recruiting classes in school history.

As soon as one class is in the books 100% of the focus can turn towards bringing in the next top ranked class for 2012. With one commitment already in the fold a lot of ground work has already been laid.

Michael Flint of Oxford, Alabama didn't waste much time making his commitment for the 2012 class, making his pledge nearly 15 months before his signing day. Flint figures to be one of the top offensive linemen in the nation already holding offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Florida State and LSU. He also has two highly rated teammates at Oxford, linebacker Kwon Alexander and safety Trae Elston.

Though this list is sure to change drastically before signing day 2012, here is an early list of top Auburn targets to keep an eye on:

Zeke Pike - 6'5" / 220 - The Edgewood, KY quarterback has already made a couple trips to the plains and currently has Auburn at the top of his list of favorites. Offers - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Southern Cal
Matt Davis - 6'2" / 200 - This dual threat quarterback from Houston, Texas had a phenomenal sophomore season but missed nearly all of his junior year due to injury. Davis is high on the Auburn program and has visited a couple of times already. Offers - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Iowa, LSU, Oregon, Texas A&M
Trey Williams - 5'8" / 175 - Williams has been producing highlight tapes since his years in pop warner. A sure fire top 10 running back nationally, the Spring, Texas native has named Auburn among his favorites early in the process. Offers - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Miami (FL), Texas A&M
T.J. Yeldon - 6'2" / 205 - Yeldon is a rare balance of size and speed among running backs reminiscent of guys such as Adrian Peterson or Darren McFadden. He has a ways to go to prove he is in that class but the tools are there. Yeldon grew up a fan of Alabama but has spent a lot of time on the Auburn campus. Offers - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, Tennessee
Jeremy Richardson - 6'3" / 225 - Richardson signed with Auburn out of high school in the 2010 class. After spending two years at East Mississippi Community College this top wide receiver talent is looking to finally make his way to the Plains. Offers - Auburn
Artimas Samuel - 6'2" / 205 - Carver continues to turn out SEC talent year after year. This top receiver target will be tough to keep away from Georgia but the Auburn staff will be after him hard. Offers - Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina
Caleb Peterson - 6'4" / 295 - This top offensive lineman from Auburn High is a top target for this staff. Though he is currently in Auburn's back yard Peterson actually grew up in Georgia watch mostly NFL football and moved to Auburn just over a year ago. This will be a big in state battle. Offers - Alabama, Auburn
Ty Darlington - 6'3" / 265 - Darlington should be one of the top guards in the nation and has already names Auburn among his favorites out of an impressive group of suitors. Offers - Auburn, Clemson, Florida State, Iowa, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech
Jordan Jenkins - 6'3" / 235 - Possibly the top defensive line recruit for Auburn next season. The Harris County defensive end will be a top five player in the state of Georgia and already has named Auburn among his top group of schools. Offers - Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Tennessee
Jarontay Jones - 6'3" / 235 - Jones is best of three D-1A prospects coming out of Stephenson High in Stone Mountain, Georgia in 2012. The top defensive end has visited Auburn a couple of times already and should be a frequent visitor going forward. Offers - Auburn, Miami (FL), South Carolina, Tennessee
Justin Shanks - 6'2" / 256 - This Pratville defensive tackle made it to Auburn for a couple of games over the fall at both Alabama and Auburn building up what should be a big time in state battle. Alabama has already landed his teammate Justin Thomas. Offers - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida
Quinteze Williams - 6'5" / 250 - Williams made the trip over from Tyronne, Georgia last weekend and came away with naming Auburn his leader. Williams is rangy defensive tackle with the frame to carry a lot more weight. Offers - Auburn, Florida State, Tennessee
Kwon Alexander - 6'2" / 215 - Likely the top prospect of the Oxford trio, Alexander has already been tabbed as one of the top linebackers in the 2012 class. Alexander will have his pick of schools but like with most Alabama prospects, getting him to leave the state boarders will be a challenge. Offers - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Nebraska, Oklahoma
Javier Mitchel - 6'1" / 200 - Jonathan Rose's former teammate at Leeds is an extremely raw prospect but shows very impressive athleticism. Having played just two years of football Mitchel will be an interesting prospect to watch his senior year.
Geno Smith - 6'0" / 165 - St. Pius X doesn't produce much top division one talent but Smith certainly fits the bill. This top cornerback has already visited Auburn a few times and has Auburn among his favorites. Offers - Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia Tech
Trae Elston - 6'0" / 175 - Elston is the third member of the Oxford trio and like his teammates figures to be one of the most highly sought after players at his position. This safety grew up a Clemson fan and they will definitely be a major player in his recruitment, but Elston is not in a rush to end the process. Offers - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, LSU
Travis Blanks - 6'1" / 180 - This North Florida Christian star is currently listed as an athlete but projects as a defensive back and return man in college. Blanks has already visited Auburn multiple times and is extremely high on the Tigers. Offers - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee