Short viewing period today but we had a lot of observations. Let's get to them:
- A.J. Greene worked with the first team at right tackle during offensive line drills, while John Sullen wore an orange, non-contact jersey and was with the third team at right guard (don't know what is bothering him right now). Brandon Mosley and Roszell Gayden were working as backup left tackles. This competition might not be officially over, but it looks like it's close.
- LB Eltoro Freeman (turf toe) was suited up and taking part in linebacker drills. He had a noticeable limp, and defensive coordinator Ted Roof obviously wants him to be careful. "Be smart," he told Freeman before stretching. "I don't want you pushing it."
- WR DeAngelo Benton had the cast off of his right hand, but he did not dress out and did not practice today.
- Anthony Morgan, who spent the spring and summer at cornerback, looks like he might be back on offense. He wore a blue jersey (that's the offense) today and took handoffs on end arounds during skeleton drills before the practice started. When the team stretched, he cradled a ball in his arms to work on protection. Even defensive GA Travis Williams commented on the jersey change. "He's the enemy now," he joked.
- FB Ladarious Phillips was on crutches and had a foot in a boot. I thought I saw him after the scrimmage the same way but wasn't sure it was him. (It was him or an offensive lineman, I thought.) Doesn't look like he'll practice for a while.
- Morgan, Trovon Reed and Kodi Burns all stood together during the pre-practice skeleton drills. Good chance that those are your Wildcat candidates.
- Freshman Ryan White was back in orange and appears as though he'll be working on the scout team at quarterback. Here's an unofficial list of some scout team notables (they were wearing different jerseys than normal): WR Philip Pierre-Louis, WR Travante Stallworth, OL Eric Mack, OL Ed Christian, OL Andre Harris, TE Dakota Mosley, DE Joel Bonomolo, S Demetruce McNeal, DE Justin Delaine, LB Ladarius Owens, DT Jamar Travis, DB Ryan Smith, S Mike Slade and Morgan, as a cornerback.
- Freshman OL Tunde Fariyike didn't have pads on and was working on the side. DL Derrick Lykes also did not practice.
- You can tell the season's getting closer. During a linebacker drill, Josh Bynes tore into Harris Gaston after the redshirt freshman made a mistake. The cleaned-up message: Quit messing up. PK Wes Byrum was close by on the field and liked the enthusiasm. "Game week, baby," he said with a big smile. "Game week."
13 comments:
So Ladarious Phillips is injured maybe with a broken foot or ankle, and that's all there is to say about that? Also, when you are on the scout team, does that mean you don't play in the games, even on special teams? I am surprised to see Travante Stallworth on that list.
Other questions -
#1 - did Auburn ever pick an opening song? I truly hope it is "All I do is Win" by DJ Khaled -- featuring Luda and Snoop- it is the most exciting and relevant.
#2- Have you seen the picture on the Auburn Tigers home website of the women's soccer team? Good gracious. It's like the women's soccer/babe/model/marryme? team!!
#3- Did you ever find NCAA 2010 to play the season out?? If so, remember to juice Cam's stats.
Well, we don't get to talk to anyone during the viewing period. So all I can write about it for now is that he's on crutches and in a boot. It should be noted that sometimes players do that for a sprain just as a precautionary measure. No need to fear the worst.
As for the other questions:
1) I'm not sure. I assume this will be released just before the opener or as a surprise before the game.
2) Have not seen the picture, but I'll take your word for it.
3) Had a blog commenter simulate the season. I can't remember which post it was under, but someone did it.
Phillips will be fine. Just a precaution.
I just can't see ladarious phillips playing this year. Not because of the injury but because of the skill level. My prediction he won't ever step foot on the field until he is a d-lineman (ala Tez Doolittle).
Andy, who do you think starts at safety? Savage seems to be chizik's boy, so i think he will. I just can't see Etheridge starting the first game with very little contact during camp. Haven't heard much from Mike McNeil either. Cole and Means seem to be backup types to me. Thoughts?
As soon as everything shakes out, I think Etheridge and Savage. Roof likes those two above anyone else.
But McNeil will definitely rotate in. And considering how limited Etheridge has been so far, it wouldn't surprise me if McNeil starts against Arkansas State.
Cole and Means are definitely backup types.
I hope Day-Day/Sugar Bear is alright. I have no idea why I (like many Auburn fans) am so excited about this kid, but something about a 290 lbs RB just brings joy to my heart.
So Andy, like you, I am a Big 10 graduate. I have five Northwestern grads joining me for the Auburn Clemson game. They all came to the 2008 UGA-AU game, and fell in love with AU. After the Outback bowl though, I think there might be some sore feelings. One of these fine gents insists he is streaking the field painted in purple and white. If this shows up on ESPN 3d... yikes.
Anyway my question - do other Big Ten fans look at NU as a success story, or a gimmick?
Finally, outside of Adams and T-Zak, what receiver do you predict will have the biggest impact on AU's season? A good friend of mine and frequent Bunker contributor says it is either Travon or Kodi that will make the biggest splash at WR. There seem to be so many options: DeAngelo, Blake, Kitchens, even Jay Wisner...
I think Northwestern is perceived as both. Yes, it's a gimmicky team the way it throws the ball all over the field, but nobody in the Big Ten wants to play an offense like that. I know I saw an epic Wisconsin-Northwestern games during my college career, with the Wildcats pulling out a double OT win by throwing the ball about 70 times.
Re: WR, I think you nailed it. Kodi and Trovon would seem like the breakout candidates this year, as long as Benton is sidelined. Of the other ones you mentioned, Kitchens might be able to do something, but I imagine it will be as an H-back.
Walker said...
So Ladarious Phillips is injured maybe with a broken foot or ankle, and that's all there is to say about that? Also, when you are on the scout team, does that mean you don't play in the games, even on special teams? I am surprised to see Travante Stallworth on that list.
Other questions -
#1 - did Auburn ever pick an opening song? I truly hope it is "All I do is Win" by DJ Khaled -- featuring Luda and Snoop- it is the most exciting and relevant.
===============================
The official song is "Tiger Walk" by T-Will ft Knuck. T-Will is Travis Williams who played linebacker at AU and then played pro ball before injuring his neck I think or spine. Here is the link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf6Y2_dFhrs
Anyways great job keeping everyone updated AB. My question is why do you think Herbstreit picked Alabama as his no. 1 on the pre-sesason poll but then picked Auburn to win the west?
Herbstreit probably did it to be different. You've got to have something off the wall on those shows or they get dull.
But he's been on the Chizik-wagon since the beginning, even among the 5-19 jeers.
I am expecting a lot from Kodi as a wide receiver this season. Many seem to be underestimating him.
As for the scout team, they won't play in games. But I don't know that this list is carved in stone. It is a very surprising list though, especially Morgan.
Noooooo!!!!! Not Day-Day! Well, I actually read about his injury last week. If he's not back through September I see a redshirt.
Orlando, that was actually Knuck's song...
Good points as always AB. Where'd you go, Wisconsin?
One thing about reporters who are writing stories about Chizik (now outside of your normal beat writers) they never fail to bring up the record and say some Auburn fans were in an uproar when he was hired. They conveniently forget how much the media themselves were in an uproar. One writer out of Louisiana said Chizik was the worst hire in the history of the SEC. Herbstreit as AB said was on the Chizik-wagon from the onset.
Wisconsin, indeed.
Ladarious Phillips will play a huge roll as a ball carrier and catcher for Auburn...mark it down! He might play some defense in special goal line situation though.
Post a Comment