Just finished Gene Chizik's press conference about his recruiting class. Here are the basic points of his nearly 30 minutes on the dais:

1. He thinks his staff is great and is a major reason Auburn pulled in the class it did.
2. Auburn looked at the "mark of the man" more than anything.
3. If you want an answer about anybody specific, you're not getting much of anything.

Here are some quotes that I typed up during the presser (which will be up on video shortly, I promise):

(Opening statement)
"We’ve had a blast. It’s been so fun to go out in this state right now and recruit the state of Alabama with all the great high school coaches and rekindle a lot of old relationships. Today was a big day for us."

(On the last couple days)

"This day is a little nerve-wracking, because it comes down to the last few days. There were a lot of guys at the last minute, it happens ever year, they’re not sure where they’re going to go or what they’re going to do."

(On recruiting some bigger names like WR DeAngelo Benton)

"We feel like anytime we can get a young man on campus here right now, and they see the pride and tradition and all the things that Auburn has to offer, you’ve got a shot. We threw our hate in the ring and we battled for him. That was never an easy get all the way up to when we received the fax."

(On the goal of this year's class)

"Our goal each year: upgrade. Our goal is to make sure next year’s recruiting class is better than this one. We want competition."

(On the excitement of this morning)

"It’s kind of like game day. Matter of fact, when we talked about Fridays and Saturdays on recruiting weekends, we said it was like game day. And you’ve got to produce. It was an exciting morning. Didn’t sleep much last night."

(On the importance of signing day)

"It’s your test. It’s your exam. All the work you put in -- how’s your exam.?"

(On if recruiting Texas will be a plan in the future or a one-time thing)

"I think the first thing that’s evident is how important the state of Alabama is for us. Then you’ve got to figure out where else you’re going. And for us it was a little bit different for us this year, because you’ve got to deal with pre-existing relationships."

(On if he plans to add any members to the signing class)

"Stay tuned. We’re going to do our due diligence with anybody. If that’s an opportunity that’s right for Auburn, then we’ll go for it."

(On quarterback Clint Moseley)

"First of all, we’re always looking for winners. It’s hard to win state championships. And you’re looking at a guy who has won three. He’s a great athlete. He brings a lot of winning to the table. He’s exactly what we envision."

(On LB Eltoro Freeman and getting him mid-year)

"Really huge. You talk about an excitable guy. He’s exciting to have around. He’s what you’re looking for at that position. He’s physical and runs well. Excited about being at Auburn. And it’s huge that you get him in here at mid-year."

(Anything surprise you today?)

"I don’t think so. Nothing surprises me. With this day, shoot."

(On getting two big-time receivers, Benton and Emory Blake and if he was confident they'd sign with Auburn)

"When you’re talking about two very highly-recruited guys, you really don’t know until it’s through, it’s locked. I’m never going to say that either one were going to come through 100 percent until we got it. Until you get it, you don’t know."

(On Benton's preparedness, considering he did not play last year)

"Coming out of high school, he was one of the top wide receivers in the country. He was a great player. Again, when you talk about your staff going out and just trying to find guys. He was one that we found and looks like he can step in and play today, physically. He hasn't take a step back. He's a couple years older, a couple years wiser, and I think he's ready."