aubiefifty

i do not believe lies should fall under freedom of speech. i hope they make fox and company pay. and not just the company but tucker and lou and all those who lied to fill their pockets with more money due to ratings. it also ratchets up the hate and violence as people want to get out there and protect their vote with protests where many on the right at these protests look for a reason to hurt people. trump started all this mess and the right to include right wing news have all bought in to the hate. and claiming the whole time they are christian.

i think some coaches like to approach spring ball and especially with freshmen where they tear you down and build you back up.

yardbarker.com Auburn LB target Chris Cole calls Tigers a 'powerhouse,' expects to visit soon Matthew Jacobs 4–5 minutes One day, you are just a high school kid playing ball. Going about your business, attending school and practice... life is normal. Then one day your phone won’t stop ringing. That's been the case for Chris Cole. The three-star linebacker has quickly become a busy man. After Cole won the MVP at the Gameday Camp Series, Texas A&M noticed his stellar performance and made him his first scholarship offer. That garnered national attention and the floodgates opened. Or, as Cole himself put it: “things changed”. A few short weeks later he has over twenty offers on the table. One of which is from Auburn. What Chris Cole brings to the table The Auburn staff immediately saw the physical traits and ability Cole brings to the table. Out of Salem High in Salem, Virginia, the rising 3-star recruit, (expected to make a leap with a solid senior season) stands at 6 feet 4 inches and is framing 210 pounds before ever stepping into a college training program. Cole brings a size that has offensive and defensive coaches around the country foaming at the mouth. His speed with that size, currently the fourth fastest 60m guy in the nation, is just what the SEC ordered. He has shown flashes of brilliance at multiple spots on the field. He could legitimately play wide receiver, multiple linebacker positions, and safety at the collegiate level. When I posed the question of what position he thought he would want to play in college, he quickly responded: “I will play wherever they put me.” Smart answer from a smart young man. Auburn’s role in Cole’s future Auburn has offered Cole a scholarship opportunity to come get his degree and play for championships in the SEC. Due to restraints in Cole’s schedule, contact with the coaching staff has been minimal to this point. When I asked Chris about that he made it clear that since Auburn has recognized his ability as a recruit, that he looked forward to continuing to build that rapport and relationship with the staff. When I pressed further about what he liked about Auburn as his possible choice the young man just reiterated that he liked how Auburn was a “powerhouse SEC program” and knew that Head Coach Hugh Freeze was in the rebuilding phase of getting this team back to greatness. That was the perfect segue for me to sneak in “the” question: When are you going to visit Auburn and where do they stand in your list? Cole noted that Auburn had invested an offer in him, and it was “only right for he and his family” to come and have a visit and they were all just trying to find a date that works. As far as the second part of my question, he slyly would only say he is searching for a place with the perfect program fit for him. I brought his attention to how many recruits seem to be finding Auburn’s program and facilities to be the perfect fit and falling in love with it, he responded with a smile and a heart gesture. I did want to follow up on a rumor that has been circulating that Cole really wanted to stay within his home state and Auburn could turn his head from that. He said his home state had nothing to do with his traveling then repeated that it was all about a program fit for him. What will the future hold for Chris Cole? We closed it out with what his goals were for his senior season. The young man’s passion for the game could not be hidden: “Ball out!! Finish strong!! Get bigger, faster and stronger. I’m prepping for college” I couldn’t help but think that was an interesting take considering how many colleges were suddenly prepping for him. He has another year to add more muscle to his frame and perhaps get even faster. Maybe he will even narrow down to a position. The talent is definitely there, and this man should definitely be considering one of the SEC schools to find out if he can get to the next level. When Auburn gets him on campus, that could be a major turn in this young man’s life. Whatever he chooses, I will remember him as one of the most professional recruits I have had the pleasure of interacting with. His presence far exceeds his age. In the end, his maturity is why every school will end up wanting him. Hopefully, we get to see this young man “ball out” on Saturdays at Jordan-Hare.

Auburn football WR breakout candidate: AU is ‘going back to the fast stuff’ Mary Kate Hughes 2–3 minutes Auburn football AUBURN, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Camden Brown #17 of the Auburn Tigers looks to run the ball by defensive back Jaylon Carlies #1 of the Missouri Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) If you go back to 2014, a popular slogan within the Gus Malzahn-coached Auburn football team was “Auburn fast.” The Tigers were known for a fast-paced offense, with guys like Cam Newton, Ontario McCalebb, and others demonstrating their speed in orange and blue. Oftentimes the offense would snap the ball so quickly that it was slightly disorienting to the opponent defense, and the “Auburn fast” brand became an Auburn thing. However, in the years since the early 2010s, much has changed. Now, with Hugh Freeze at the helm of the Auburn football program, the Tigers are expected to return to that pace with a more up-tempo offense with a focus on the RPO. This is a definite change from the past few seasons, where wide receivers have been less productive than fans would like to see. Sophomore wide receiver Camden Brown, who has been getting a lot of praise during this year’s spring practice, is a big fan of the new offense, per The Montgomery Advertiser, and he hinted that “Auburn fast” could be making its return to the Plains: “I’m not going to lie, it brings me back to St. Thomas (Aquinas High in Florida) with (coach) Roger Harriott and (offensive coordinator) Wes Carroll, going back to the fast stuff,” sophomore receiver Camden Brown said Wednesday. “I remember last year, I had never been in like a huddle before. It was kind of weird because it was slowing down my play.” Of course, the Tigers are embracing change during this offseason, attempting to correct problems regarding the quarterback, wide receivers, offensive line, and overall unity on the team. Hopefully, getting an element of speed back in the offense will increase productivity for the receivers, because it definitely is not a talent issue. With new addition Nick Mardner and quite a few returners in the room ahead of the 2023 season, if they can adjust to the new schemes the Tigers should have a more successful offense this fall

flywareagle.com Auburn football QB commit Walker White actively recruiting Cam Coleman Mary Kate Hughes 2–3 minutes Auburn football wide receiver Omari Kelly (19) reacts after making a catch as Auburn Tigers take on LSU Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Auburn Tigers lead LSU Tigers 17-14 at halftime. One of the biggest wins so far in recruiting for the Auburn football program has been the commitment of 4-star quarterback Walker White. It was somewhat of a surprise when the 2024 prospect committed to the Tigers, as most people expected him to choose Clemson. Some were skeptical of his early commitment, but White did a lot to affirm that Auburn football was his final choice, including naming a long list of prospects he hoped to get to the Plains to play alongside him. Since his commitment, he has been actively recruiting many top-ranked players in his class, including J’Marion Burnette, who committed last week. Another prospect on his list is 5-star wide receiver Cam Coleman. The in-state receiver was considered to be an Alabama lean for awhile, but he has been made a top priority by the Auburn football program and his recruitment has definitely been heating up. He unofficially visited campus twice in one week, on March 23 and 29, according to his 247 Sports recruiting profile. Coleman, from Phenix City, is ranked as the #21 overall prospect and the #7 wide receiver in the class of 2024, and is the #4 recruit out of the state of Alabama. He has over 20 offers so far, but his 247 Sports profile claims that his top interests at the moment are Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, and LSU. Not only is the Auburn staff making Coleman a priority, but so is Walker White. The wide receiver reported that White definitely wants to be throwing to him on the Plains in the future, per Auburn Live: “He was just texting me the other day,” Coleman said to Spiegelman. “Walker is in my ear a lot … really, ever since he committed. I know that he wants me down there for the spring game and to come and build a relationship with him.” The future is looking bright for the Tigers, and hopefully Cam Coleman will be a player that gets them back to the top where they belong.

sports.yahoo.com Five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews ‘loved the energy’ at Auburn’s practice JD McCarthy 2–3 minutes The Auburn Tigers hosted five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews on an unofficial visit Friday and they are starting to become a factor in his recruitment. It was his second visit to the Plains and Matthews, who included Auburn in his top 12 schools, told Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports that the visit “went good.” He was impressed with the energy Auburn had at practice and enjoyed getting to meet with Hugh Freeze and wide receivers coach Marcus Davis. Matthews is the No. 6 overall player and No. 1 wide receiver in the 247Sports Composite ranking. The Lilburn native is also the No. 2 player from Georgia. His mother Regina was with him and also had a great time. “On our second visit to Auburn, we had a great sunny day to watch practice, put names/voices with faces and tour the new football facilities,” she told Wiltfong. “Mike had the opportunity to see the practice up close and personal and speak with the great football coaching staff. The Auburn campus is so picturesque and we enjoyed our time there. It is important to experience a day like that during the recruiting process.” The visit gives Auburn a chance for the talented wide receiver who has also unofficially visited Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and has scheduled an official visit to USC. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder caught 48 passes for 1,030 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior for Parkview High School. On defense, he made 20 tackles and picked off one pass as a safety. More Recruiting! Auburn's A-Day game ranked among this season's most intriguing spring games Auburn makes top 12 for 5-star wide receiver Mike Matthews Auburn has reached out to Washington State transfer TJ Bamba Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15. Story originally appeared on Auburn Wire

al.com Auburn's top-rated 2022 signee 'looks like a whole new guy' this spring Published: Apr. 01, 2023, 9:40 a.m. 5–6 minutes AUBURN, AL - March 01, 2023 - Auburn Linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. (#17) during spring practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Declan GreeneAuburn University Athletics The highest-rated signee in Auburn’s 2022 class is on track to be a regular contributor for the Tigers’ defense this fall after redshirting as a true freshman last season. Robert Woodyard Jr., who flipped from Alabama to Auburn during the early signing period in December 2021, contributed mostly on special teams while appearing in just four games last season. This spring, however, the former four-star in-state prospect has carved out a spot for himself in the Tigers’ core linebacker rotation. “He looks like a whole new guy from a couple months ago during the season at practice,” junior linebacker Cam Riley said. “…If you see Robert now, he looks like a whole new person.” Read more Auburn football: Trio of transfers has “absolutely improved” Auburn’s offensive line this spring “He’s a monster”: Auburn trying to temper expectations for freshman edge rusher Keldric Faulk Auburn’s wide receivers look to “change the narrative” this season Woodyard has been working mostly alongside Riley with Auburn’s second pairing at inside linebacker, while Ole Miss transfer Austin Keys and senior Wesley Steiner have been the first grouping in the rotation this spring. It’s a promising step forward for Woodyard after playing sparingly during his first season on the Plains, when he was relegated mostly to special teams work and earned the designation as defensive scout team player of the year. “He’s got a tremendous attitude,” linebackers coach Josh Aldridge said in February. “He’s always in the building, which is what everybody told me when I got here, that he was the guy that spent a lot of time in that facility. And so that so far has been really good. Pretty mature for a young kid.” Woodyard is the youngest player in a surprisingly experienced linebacker room for Auburn this spring. Despite losing leading tackle, team captain and four-year starter Owen Pappoe to the draft, Auburn returns Riley and Steiner from its primary rotation last season, as well a veteran Eugene Asante, while also bringing in a pair of transfers with SEC experience in Keys and LSU transfer DeMario Tolan. The 6-foot, 241-pound Woodyard signed with Auburn as the nation’s No. 141 overall prospect and a top-10 player in the state. A highly touted linebacker out of Mobile, Woodyard was committed to Alabama for a year and a half — since the summer before his junior year — but the Tigers’ former staff managed to flip him during the early signing period that cycle. He became the first player to flip from Alabama to Auburn since Opelika safety Stephen Roberts did so during the 2014 cycle. Though he was the highest-rated player in Auburn’s class, he spent part of the offseason before his freshman year recovering from a meniscus injury that cost him the final three games of his senior season at Williamson. Now fully healthy and with a year of learning experience under his belt, as well as a new coaching staff in the picture, Woodyard is positioned for a key role in the Tigers’ defense this season. Roberts said last week that he would like to be able to go three-deep at the two inside linebacker spots this fall, and he believes he currently has five linebackers who are game-ready. Woodyard is one of them. “He can strike,” Roberts said. “He can make tackles. He’s athletic. For him, it’s just being young, and you want to be able to see him be more vocal on the field with communication and getting everybody in the right spots, being able to help people out on the field. That’s some of the things we kind of expect from that position, so we kind of need him to take those growth steps forward.” While Woodyard still needs to develop from that standpoint, he at least has the ideal size to play the Mike position in Auburn’s defense and the kind of hard-hitting mentality required to be an effective linebacker in the SEC. “He’s a physical guy; he’s always around the ball,” Riley said. “He has a knack for the ball, like he wants to make every play He takes the time to actually learn the defense. He’s a new guy, man. I can’t believe it.” Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde.

auburnwire.usatoday.com Two SEC schools are co-leaders for four-star wide receiver Mario Craver JD McCarthy ~2 minutes Auburn is looking to sign an impressive wide receiver class in the 2024 recruiting cycle and a key target is four-star receiver Mario Craver. Craver is from Pinson, Alabama and the Tigers are one of the top teams in his recruitment. They are battling a host of other schools, but Craver told Blake Alderman of 247Sports that Auburn and Florida are his top two schools. Buy Tigers Tickets “Amazing, he said of the process. “It’s really going pretty quick. This is the moment where everyone is starting to push. I am trying to stay true to who has been sticking with me the longest and try to see through the fake.” The 5-foot-9, 152-pounder took unofficial visits to both schools in March and is planning to officially visit both later this spring or in the summer. He also revealed that he plans to commit before his senior season starts. Craver is the No. 239 overall player and No. 35 wide receiver in the 247Sports Composite ranking. He is also the No. 14 player from Alabama. Hugh Freeze and Auburn have already landed an impressive haul of in-state targets in the 2024 cycle. They have commitments from the No. 8 (J'Marion Burnette), No. 18 (A'mon Lane), and No. 22 (Jayden Lewis) players in the state. Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15.

Five 2024 defensive recruits that the Auburn Tigers have their sights set on Jack Singley 4–5 minutes The Auburn tigers defensive potential and their actual product on the field have been quite different in the past few seasons. As the experience and the talent was there for many positions but due to a large quantity of younger players transferring, the depth and youth that the defense needed was not there. With Zac Etheridge and Wesley McGriff leading the charge during the last recruiting cycle the DB room is the most talented and deep room on this team, that includes the offensive side of the ball as well. The defensive line and linebacker rooms though didn't suffer massive losses this offseason from the portal it saw stars like Owen Pappoe, Derick Hall, Colby Wooden, and Eku Leota all leave for the NFL draft. The needs that this new defensive staff, led by new DC Ron Roberts, have to focus on are the LB group and the DL/Jack groups. The following is a list of players by the Auburn Daily, that we believe will be targeted and pursued to fill these needs 1. Joseph Phillips - LB Phillips, who is an Alabama native, is being heavily pursued by Auburn, who was one of the first P5 schools to offer him. He has established a connection with DC Roberts and LB coach Josh Aldridge. Phillips obviously likes not only these coaches but the staff and university as a whole, he has visited Auburn three times in 2023. The 4-star plays for Booker T. Washington High and was a focal point of the defensive scheme as he had 75 total tackles along with nine sacks and 18 tackles for loss. 2. Jeremiah Beaman - DL A 6'4 265 defensive demon, Beaman looks to be one of the best DL of this class. He has the quickness and versatility to play on the interior and set up as an edge rusher, this skill combined with his frame he could bulk up and be a productive interior lineman at the next level. Beaman has visited Auburn only once in 2023, but Auburn, along with Clemson and Alabama seem to be the top three for this Birmingham native. He complied 50 total tackles, including 10 sacks and 10 TFLs during his Junior season. 3. Kamarion Franklin - DL The highest rated player in Mississippi according to 247, has broken records for his high school and of all the lineman and rushers in this list has the most career sacks. Franklin who was offered by Auburn in September 2022 has only visited once, but had high praises for the Tigers. As mentioned he has an absurd amount of career sacks, he has totaled 29 sacks in 24 career games. His frame sets him as a future interior DL as he is a large 6'5 and 265 pounds. 4. Jordan Ross - EDGE The consensus number one player in the state of Alabama and the number two edge prospect in all of the country, Ross is a priority almost every power five program. There’s no doubt to as why, he’s a 6’5 215 pound force of power and speed on the edge. The Tigers have not managed to get the Vestavia Hills native on campus, as he rarely takes visits. Jeremy Garrett has been pushing him to come and their connection seems to be growing. 5. KJ Bolden - ATH The Buford, GA prospect is one of the top 15 recruits in all of the 2024 class. He has offers from pretty much every P5 program. Bolden plays Safety and there’s a reason he’s the only DB amongst this group, he is one of the best hybrid safety prospects in years. He isn’t afraid to get in the box and lay a big hit, despite his smaller frame, 6’0 185. Zac Etheridge has made it a priority to get Bolden on campus and Bolden has been impressed, saying he looks to visit more in the future. These players, all four-star or above, would bolster this class undoubtedly but would make the first season of the Hugh Freeze era a notice to the rest of the SEC that Auburn can and will get the big guys away from their rivals.

247sports.com Battie brings 'speed and quickness' to Auburn offense Jason Caldwell 3–4 minutes AUBURN, Alabama—Late in the 2022 season, coach Philip Montgomery’s Tulsa Golden Hurricane had a matchup with a South Florida team that had already seen its coach fired during the year and was running on fumes. While the Bulls were really struggling, that didn’t mean they didn’t have some things for Tulsa to worry about heading into the game. The main thing on the minds of the defensive coaches was trying to stop Brian Battie. “He was the guy we needed to stop, for sure,” Montgomery said. “Because he’s electric with the ball in his hands.” Tulsa won the game 48-42, but they didn’t come close to stopping Battie. Carrying the ball 18 times for 169 yards and a touchdown, Battie also added a two-point conversion for South Florida in the loss. Making the move to Auburn to work as the offensive coordinator for the Tigers, Montgomery knew right away that Battie was a guy he wanted to work with as soon as the speedy running back entered the portal. Now that he’s on campus, the diminutive back has shown exactly why he was so tough to tame. “The thing about Brian, and he’s got really good speed, but the thing that you notice when you’re around him or even as as person that played against him, he is very, very difficult to tackle,” Montgomery said. “And he does a great job of setting up blocks, being patient. “He can really stop and start and create some spacing for himself. And then, I’m just telling you, he hides behind things and then all of a sudden you see him just pop out and good things are happening. Really impressed with what he’s been able to do so far.” A 1,000-yard rusher for a bad South Florida team, Battie was often the focus for the opposing defense but he still managed to make plays. It’s something that teammate Damari Alston has seen already this spring out of Battie and he knows the reason why. “He definitely adds some speed and quickness,” Alston said. “He's a really quick guy. He can obviously take kicks back as well. I just feel like he adds that speed and that quickness that we need in the room.” 3COMMENTS Now with Battie in his offense and getting a chance to coach him instead of against him, Montgomery said he’s excited to see what he can bring to this offense as the Tigers get ready for the 2023 season. “When you get him out in space and all of a sudden he’s this and he’s got that shake to him, he can get you off balance,” Montgomery said. “And if you notice, if you go back and truly watch his tapes, he doesn’t take many just straight-on hard hits. He’s a guy that just understands how to maneuver himself and find ways to stay positive and finish forward.” ">247Sports

si.com Auburn DB target Jalewis Solomon ranks Tigers high on his recruitment list Matthew Jacobs 3–4 minutes Solomon wants to make the switch from receiver to defensive back in college. Great minds think alike Solomon, class of ‘24, a current four-star wide receiver, out of Schley County High School in Ellaville, GA, seems to be on every top football program’s wish list. With over thirty standing offers, he visited Auburn again last week for the first time this year with the Hugh Freeze staff and new football facilities. He and defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge had a conversation and found out they both wanted the exact same thing. Solomon wants to be a defensive back; coach Etheridge wants him as a defensive back. Sometimes things just click. Stats and Skill With a senior season left to build on his foundation, Solomon lists out at six feet one inch and weighs in at a lean 190 pounds. He has great hips and footwork that would only get better under the tutelage of a coach with the experience of Auburn’s Coach Etheridge. His field awareness and the quickness with which he processes information tells of a young man with a high football IQ. He has amazing speed running laterally and backwards with his eyes towards the offense. The odd thing is he might end up having the best hands on the field out of any of defensive backs he plays with. His skillset translates wonderfully to being a lockdown corner in the SEC that could be a nightmare for both receivers and quarterbacks. There could be a lot of pick-sixes in this man’s future. Where Auburn fits There are some serious schools in the mix for this young man that he is very high on. Including the likes of South Carolina, Florida State, Florida, and that school across the state of whose name we do not speak. However, when I asked Mr. Solomon about his Auburn visit, he lit up and said, “It was amazing!” There appeared to be a solid relationship forming with Coach Etheridge. It was uncanny how both of them ended up being on the same page about a lot of things concerning Solomon’s future prospects. Solomon has already scheduled another visit for Auburn’s A-Day Spring Game on April 8. Perhaps the loveliest village on the plains can bring this man into the Auburn family. As busy as Mr. Solomon is, he did have time for one last question. I asked if there was anything he would like to say to the Auburn fans. His answer: “Let Auburn fans know I haven’t forgot about them, and I will return.” - Jalewis Solomon He already sounds like an Auburn man. Hopefully, he will become one.

yahoo.com Multiple SEC programs have reached out to Yohan Traore Taylor Jones 1–2 minutes As a five-star center that ranked in the top 25 of the 2022 recruiting cycle, it is easy to see why Auburn was elated to receive the signature of Yohan Traore. As he begins to explore more opportunities within the transfer portal, it is also easy to see why many programs are making the most of their second chance. Traore entered the transfer portal on March 28 following his freshman campaign and has already heard from 11 programs. Among those that have reached out are two SEC rivals of Auburn — Alabama and LSU. According to recruiting analyst Andrew Slater, Traore has also heard from Oklahoma, TCU, Saint Louis, Memphis, Arizona State, Cincinnati, NC State, DePaul, and UC Santa Barbara in addition to Alabama and LSU. Traore, along with Chance Westry, announced their plans to depart Auburn following their freshman seasons. Traore appeared in 25 games this season and averaged 2.1 points and 1.4 rebounds. What am i missing here?Do they think they can coach him up? If he is that talented why get rid of him? a bad fit maybe? I am a huge bruce fan so this is no slight it just shocked me for some reason.

you side has not done a damn thing to stop this gun madness. and ol raygun outlawed assault rifles. it has gotten completely out of hand and thousands dying now because if it. we sell to people who do not deserve a gun. in fact i believe one dude on your side was talking to give felons their gun rights back. maybe he did not reflect the whole party but the truth is if you take countries that do not allow guns have pretty much no shootings or massacres. it has gotten so bad it is to the point cops are afraid to go in like the um shooting before last. the point is the right is responsible for this along with the nra. we are gun crazy in this country and if i am not mistaken we are the most violent non third world country existing today. and since you want to insult biden your guy just got indicted on the first of what i believe will be many charges against him. i could care less if he is a former president. no one should be above the law. the point is your side does not want to do a damn thing about guns and making america safer. in using those three words you guys have made it worse. you might as well own it. you can act all outraged but i am outraged because we are allowing our kids to be murdered and all you guys have is thoughts and prayers. what a shame. and you are damn straight i am mad about it. and you kiss ,y ass buddy for enabling this crap to continue because you damn sure have not mentioned one word on alternatives. and kids die. and then you make fun of them when they get on the air and try to envoke some kind of change themselves. see how that works? that is the truth. you guys made fun of the the on kid to the point of him getting death threats after he survived a school shooting many of his friends did not.

yahoo.com Auburn’s A-Day game ranked among this season’s most intriguing spring games Daniel Locke 2–3 minutes A new era is underway for the Auburn Tigers Football Program. The hiring of Hugh Freeze has sparked a lot of interest and excitement that the program has not been surrounded by for the past two seasons. A 247Sports article written by Will Backus listed the spring games with the most interest in 2023 and Auburn’s “A-Day” game made the cut. Backus is looking forward to seeing Freeze back in the SEC. “If nothing else, this marks coach Hugh Freeze’s return to the SEC stage. The former Ole Miss coach who had his tenure with the Rebels end amid an NCAA investigation into numerous recruiting violations rebuilt his career at Liberty. Now he is right back in the SEC West, trying to revive a program that desperately lost its way under former coach Bryan Harsin. Freeze was relatively vocal about his displeasure at the roster he inherited, thanks to Harsin’s lackluster recruiting efforts, which translated into Freeze hitting the portal hard for 12 prospects. Seven of those play along the offensive or defensive line. Auburn’s spring game is key for those pieces gelling together.” According to 247Sports, the Tigers have the No. 18 recruiting class and the No. 4 transfer class in 2023. Among these recruits is defensive lineman Keldric Faulk and cornerback Kayin Lee. Both players are ranked in the top 20 at their position. Some of the biggest hits Auburn made in the portal include linebacker DeMario Tolan from LSU and defensive lineman Justin Rogers from Kentucky. Auburn’s spring game is scheduled for April 8th and kick-off is set for 1:00 p.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium. More Football! What is the one question that Auburn must answer ahead of the 2023 season? Auburn football: Nonconference tilt listed among best matchups of 2023 Former Alabama quarterback praises Auburn tradition Story originally appeared on Auburn Wire

happy april fools day!!!!! grins

terry had a pin for every year he was there and i had all of them once. i think we should do this again with freeze and have an orange and blue swagger pin made. sometime back then they resurfaced legion field and i got a piece of that with 23 22 on it celebrating bo over the top. i thought it was a fun little item to collect. i paid ten bucks for it at the Gadsden mall in Penneys......

i love me some bruce. we are so lucky to have him. the man is still popular enough it is hell getting an autograph of him on ebay.

Montgomery Real-Time News Man dies in fall from wall outside Skybar Cafe in Auburn Published: Mar. 31, 2023, 2:41 p.m. NEW! By Carol Robinson | crobinson@al.com A man was found dead Friday morning outside Skybar Café in Auburn. Auburn police received a 911 call at 10 a.m. reported a person down in the 100 block of West Magnolia Avenue. The caller told dispatcher the person was a white male and appeared to be dead, said Assistant Police Chief Clarence Stewart. Police and medics responded to the scene and confirmed the man was dead. His identity has not been released, but Stewart said he was a 36-year-old man from Georgia. Video footage reviewed as part of the investigation showed the man had fallen from a wall. Efforts to reach Skybar were unsuccessful. A representative from Skybar Café told WRBL that it appears the man fell from a wall separating Skybar from other local business. Stewart said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Auburn police. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

Cole Cubelic believes Freeze off to a great start. https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/35525685

flywareagle.com Underclassman RB has surprised Auburn OC more than anybody else Mary Kate Hughes ~3 minutes Auburn football running back Damari Alston (22) cuts up field as he runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on San Jose State Spartans at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. San Jose State Spartans lead Auburn Tigers 10-7 at halftime. The Auburn football program is nearly finished with the 2023 edition of spring practice, and it has emerged that there are definitely areas of improvement for the Tigers. Head coach Hugh Freeze noted that the quarterbacks and the wide receivers still have a long way to go before the fall, while the offensive line has been praised for improvement. If there is one position group on the team that doesn’t need to be worried about, it’s definitely the running backs. The Tigers’ RBs have historically been a strong group, and with Cadillac Williams leading the way that isn’t expected to change. Junior running back Jarquez Hunter has already proven himself to be a powerhouse for the offense, even while competing for playing time with Tank Bigsby as he did last season. The Tigers also brought in USF transfer running back Brian Battie, and Jeremiah Cobb will join the group as a true freshman this fall. However, don’t sleep on sophomore running back Damari Alston, who saw game action several times as a true freshman last season. According to offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery, Alston has made quite an impression during spring training, per Auburn Undercover: “”I’ve thought from the start of spring camp, he’s the guy that’s probably surprised me a little bit more out of the running back room than anybody,” offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery said this week of Alston. “From Day 1, I thought he had a pretty good feel with what we were trying to do in the run game, with seeing it, setting up blocks and still had that physicality about him. But the speed that he brings — man, he’s got gears in there.” Montgomery has said he would like to have a true three-back rotation in the new offense this fall, and Alston has been keeping up with both Hunter and Battie during practices. As a true freshman, Alston had 14 rushing attempts for 85 yards, and he played in all 12 games. He also contributed on special teams during kick returns, with four attempts for 47 yards. Although many parts of the Auburn football team still need work ahead of Hugh Freeze’s first season on the Plains, there is clearly still much to look forward to this fall.

Optimism abounds in Auburn’s running back room Updated: Mar. 30, 2023, 6:54 p.m.|Published: Mar. 30, 2023, 12:23 p.m. 3–4 minutes New Auburn coordinators Philip Montgomery, Ron Roberts provide spring practice updates By Nubyjas Wilborn | nwilborn@al.com Sophomore running back Damari Alston knew the question was coming before Tuesday’s press conference. He smiled when a reporter asked about the competition within Auburn’s running back unit for playing time heading into the 2023 season. “Like, to me, competing is everything,” Alston told reporters. “With Coach ‘Lac adding Brian (Battie) to the group, I feel like it keeps me more on my toes every day coming to practice just knowing that I have to be on my A-game and do everything that I have to be on the field.” Read More Auburn Football: Auburn’s wide receivers look to “change the narrative” this season Hugh Freeze on Nick Saban: “I want to beat the crap out of him during the Iron Bowl” Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts’ magic number for contributors this season is 25. Here’s where that stands this spring Alston had 14 carries for 85 yards, with a 35-yard run in the San Jose State as his longest carry. As a freshman, the Georgia native was a distant third option to Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter. Bringing in a running back that ran for over 1,000 yards last season at USF could be intimidating for a sophomore seeking to cash in on extra carries created by Bigsby leaving for the National Football League Draft. Alston choose to embrace the challenge. “I feel like us as a whole; we’re so connected,” Alston said. “We brought him in with warm arms, open arms, and ever since then we’ve all just been going at it, competing, helping each other on the field and off the field. Our running back room is at its best right now, and it’ll keep improving.” Cadillac Williams leads the charge in competition as running backs coach. Alston appreciates how Williams succeeded in a crowded backfield during his time on the Plains. “Cadillac is just going to be Cadillac,” Alston said. “Ever since I came in, he’s always coached us the same. He’s always just been a real standup guy. He’s always kept it real on and off the field. I feel like nothing’s going to change. He’s going to remain the same.” Hunter had 668 yards on 104 touches with seven touchdowns last season as Auburn’s second option. He’s expected to be the first choice for carries. Offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery believes Auburn will have a steady rotation with Hunter, Battie, Alston, and incoming freshman Jeremiah Cobb. “I think keeping a guy healthy throughout the season is important for us,” Montgomery said. “We know what Jarquez is going to bring and how tough he is and the physicality he brings and being able to catch the ball out of the backfield and do those things. But I think all those guys are bringing the same thing to the table, and I’ve been impressed with that room.” Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group

Auburn trying to temper expectations for 'monster' freshman Keldric Faulk Published: Mar. 30, 2023, 12:55 p.m. 7–8 minutes During the frenzied three-week period after Hugh Freeze accepted the head coaching job at Auburn, there was one recruit he allocated a preponderance of his time to — Keldric Faulk. Freeze made the one permitted in-home visit to Faulk less than two weeks after taking over on the Plains, but he made sure the 6-foot-6, 275-pound edge rusher felt like a priority to Auburn every day leading up to December’s early signing period. That meant phone calls every morning and every night, and “a ton” of FaceTime conversations between the Tigers’ new coach and the talented four-star in-state prospect. Read more Auburn football: Why Auburn’s linebackers have been a pleasant surprise this spring Auburn’s wide receivers look to “change the narrative” this season Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts’ magic number for contributors this season is 25. Here’s where that stands this spring As Auburn’s first spring under Freeze winds down, with just a few more practices remaining before next weekend’s A-Day game, it’s easy to see why Freeze and his staff made such an overwhelming push to land Faulk, the top-75 prospect in their initial signing class. “I’m telling you, Keldric Faulk, he’s going to be it,” defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett said. “He’s going to be it. Really excited about the way he rushes and the way he’s progressed since he got here. He’s going to be good.” Faulk has been among the standouts for Auburn this spring, and not just as a true freshman early enrollee. The Highland Home product has been the talk of teammates and coaches alike for his development — as well as his size — at a position of serious need for the Tigers. Freeze didn’t hide the fact that Auburn is “deficient in true pass-rushers” this spring following the departures of Derick Hall and Eku Leota, and while the staff still wants to add more depth in that area, Faulk is a newcomer who they believe can make an immediate impact at the Jack linebacker position in Ron Roberts’ defense. “Keldric Faulk, man, he’s a monster,” linebacker Cam Riley said. “He stands up at a good size. He’s a good, complete edge, I would say. He’s a very physical guy. He sets the edge, for a freshman, that’s pretty outstanding.” It shouldn’t come as a complete surprise that Faulk’s stock has quickly risen at Auburn. He was, after all, the prized signee in Freeze’s first recruiting class on the Plains. A longtime Florida State commit, Faulk flipped to Auburn at the start of the early signing period and wound up being the Tigers’ highest-rated signee in a transitional class that finished 18th in the 247Sports Composite team rankings. Rated as the No. 74 overall recruit in the country, Faulk was regarded as a top-10 defensive line prospect in the class and one of the best players in Alabama. As a senior at Highland Home, Faulk earned first-team All-State honors and earned an invite to the All-American Bowl thanks to his ability off the edge. It’s a skillset that has, so far, translated well to Auburn, where he looks to provide some immediate relief as a pass-rusher. After losing Hall, who led the team in sacks each of the last two seasons, as well as Leota (second in sacks in 2021, third in 2022 despite missing much of the year due to injury), Auburn has a need to fill off the edge. The Tigers added Vanderbilt transfer Elijah McAllister, and Faulk, as well as Opelika product Brenton Williams to a room that returned just one scholarship piece: Dylan Brooks. With an opportunity in front of him as an early enrollee, Faulk has capitalized this spring. “He’s special,” defensive end Jeffrey M’ba said. “He’s special. I watch him. The way he plays, he plays hard. He gives everything he’s got every single time. I don’t even think he’s lost one 1-on-1…. That tells you how good he is. He’s not afraid to line up against anybody. All he thinks about is being great. Being around a kid like this is cool.” The hype-train for Faulk is gaining steam this spring, but it’s important to remember he’s still a true freshman and is still adjusting to the college game. Though Faulk certainly looks the part — at 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, he’s Auburn’s most physically imposing Jack linebacker — Roberts said it took him about six practices to really get a feel for the system and start to come into his own. “There’s so much hesitation — what do I do, what am I doing, how do I play this, how do I play that? — which is normal,” Roberts said. “That’s kind of expected going into things…. I think he’s done an outstanding job, and he’s shown an ability to be a heck of a football player for us.” Over the last two weeks of practices, though, things have started to slow down more for Faulk. His grasp of the position and its role within the defense is getting stronger, he’s adjusting to the speed of the game, and it’s showing out on the field and in the meeting room — even as Roberts said Faulk and his fellow freshman, Williams, are still in a growing phase this early on. That Faulk has caught on so quickly is a promising sign for Auburn on the pass-rushing front, but the Tigers are trying not to hoist him onto a pedestal heading into Year 1. They’re confident he can play a key role off the edge, with Roberts certain he’ll make the most progress in the offseason months and through fall camp, which should have him SEC-ready come September. However, they also want to temper expectations for a true freshman coming in, especially at that position. Though Auburn is deficient in returning pass-rush production (Marcus Harris, with two, is the only returning player who had more than one sack last season), the program hasn’t had a true freshman lead the team in sacks since it became an officially recognized stat in 2000. Three redshirt freshmen have led the team in sacks in that span (DeMarco McNeil with five in 2000, Quentin Groves with 11 in 2004, and Colby Wooden with four in 2019), but in the last decade, Auburn has had only one true freshman finish with more than two sacks in his first season: Carl Lawson, who had four in 2013. The only other true freshmen since then who had multiple sacks in their debut seasons were Big Kat Bryant in 2017, Richard Jibunor in 2018 and Owen Pappoe in 2019. Each of those three finished with two sacks apiece. “I don’t think he realizes how good he can actually be,” Garrett said. “He’s just coming in to work. He’s not listening to anybody telling him how good he is or anything like that. He’s coming in, he’s studying. He’s working hard. He’s trying to learn. He’s out there early walking through techniques. “I just think the kid’s going to be special, has a bright future as he keeps progressing.” Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde.

Trio of transfers has ‘absolutely improved’ Auburn’s O-line this spring Published: Mar. 31, 2023, 7:10 a.m. 6–7 minutes One of the biggest questions surrounding Auburn this offseason has yielded some promising answers as the team rolls toward its annual A-Day spring game. The Tigers’ retooled offensive line, featuring a trio of Group of Five transfers, has taken shape during spring practices — leaving Hugh Freeze and his offensive staff feeling much better about the position group than they did when Freeze was hired at the end of November. “Offensive line, I think, has been a real positive surprise throughout the spring,” offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery said this week. “I think the guys that we’ve been able to add to that room have made an impact.” Read more Auburn football: “He’s a monster”: Auburn trying to temper expectations for freshman edge rusher Keldric Faulk Why Auburn’s linebackers have been a pleasant surprise this spring Auburn’s wide receivers look to “change the narrative” this season Auburn’s offensive line play has left plenty to be desired in recent years. It has been a combination of misses on the recruiting trail — both in terms of prospects the previous coaching staffs were unable to land and number of overall additions to the room — and underdevelopment of the players on the roster. The result was oftentimes underwhelming play from the offensive line, whether in pass protection or run blocking, and an uneven scholarship distribution that left the group with several holes to fill this offseason following the departures of six seniors and the transfer of a junior with starting experience. When Freeze and Co. took over the program, Auburn had just eight scholarship offensive linemen on the roster. Getting those numbers back up was a priority, and one that was promptly addressed through the transfer portal and the 2023 class. Auburn added eight offensive linemen for the upcoming season (the most in a single cycle since Gene Chizik signed seven in 2012), landing four high school signees (the most prep linemen signed by the program since 2015), a top-rated junior college prospect in Izavion Miller and a trio of plug-and-play transfers: offensive tackles Dillon Wade (Tulsa) and Gunner Britton (Western Kentucky) and center Avery Jones (Eastern Carolina). It’s the three experienced transfers who have provided the biggest boost this spring, as Jones has assumed the first-team job at center in a group that also includes Wade at left tackle and Britton at right tackle. They have typically been joined by Jeremiah Wright (left guard) and Tate Johnson (right guard) in the first rotation as Auburn sorts out its depth chart along the line for this fall. “Those guys are really starting to mesh as a unit,” Montgomery said. “I think coach (Jake) Thornton’s done a great job with them. Right now, those guys to me are still our strength and that’s where you want it to be, in my opinion, as you start building an offense or a team it all starts in the trenches. Those guys jelling and coming together, getting on the same page is going to be a positive move for us.” The transition for Wade, Britton and Jones has been seemingly seamless — and a welcome development, considering each player’s level of experience. Wade’s move to the SEC has probably been the easiest considering he played under Montgomery at Tulsa and is already familiar with his system, even as Montgomery works to meld his philosophy with Freeze’s. He started 16 games for Tulsa the last two years, including every outing at left tackle last fall before opting to transfer as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the portal. Britton spent five seasons at WKU and started 18 games, including all 14 for the Hilltoppers last season. He entered the portal as the sixth-rated tackle on the market before signing with Auburn in January. Then there’s Jones, a former four-star recruit who started his career at UNC but spent the last three seasons at ECU, where he started 32 games for the Pirates before hitting the portal this offseason as the top-rated center on the market. RELATED: Hugh Freeze explains value, balancing act of honestly assessing Auburn’s quarterbacks publicly “He’s taken a lot of snaps,” Montgomery said. “He’s not being surprised by a lot of the different looks that we’re getting from our defense right now, which has been great. A guy that can handle those duties, can make a lot of calls. As a quarterback getting good snaps and knowing where those things are going to be, especially in the game that we want to play in the RPO system. You know, you start spraying snaps all over the place and then that’s going to affect the way you run your offense. “I think his veteran presence in there has been really significant and will continue to be that way.” All three of those additions — along with the signing of Miller and freshmen early enrollees Connor Lew, Clay Wedin and Bradyn Joiner — have not only helped replenish some of the numbers in the trenches for Auburn but infused the unit with a fresh wave of talent and experience. As Montgomery pointed out, the Tigers are more athletic up front than they were just a few months ago. The group’s approach throughout the spring has also impressed Montgomery, who wants to see that continue through the final handful of practices and A-Day as he, Thornton and Freeze try to put more on their plates heading into the offseason. Simply put, Auburn’s coaches want to see them “continue to keep raising the bar” this offseason and see what results that will yield come fall. At this point, at least, one thing is certain to Freeze. “They have absolutely improved us,” Freeze said. “We won’t know until the fall if — did we close the gap far enough to be able to compete with the elite in this league? We won’t know that until the fall. But there’s no question in my mind that they improved us, and I’m pleased with how they’re going about their business.” Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde.

OT Blake Franks previews college choice on Decision Day Brian Dohn 2–3 minutes Greenville (S.C.) High offensive tackle Blake Franks trimmed his list to eight schools in the fall, made his share of visits in the ensuing months and is now ready to make his decision public. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Franks will announce his choice Friday at 6:30 p.m. He said he will have six hats -- Clemson, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida State, Ole Miss and Auburn -- on the table for the announcement. "I had great relationships with the all the coaches," Franks said. "They were all pretty good at messaging me and they wanted to build a relationship with me, so I thought that was a great thing to go off of." Franks visited Auburn, South Carolina and Clemson in January, took in games at Florida state and Alabama in October, and he was at Ole Miss in late September. So when it came time for a pros and cons list, Franks had plenty of in-person experiences to draw upon. "It was who I thought was going to develop me more, and where I fit in the best as far as team wise," Franks said. "That was really important to me." Franks picked up his first offer in early May 2022, and it came come Ole Miss. He has been on a bunch of visits and spent the last year dealing with recruiting, and all the ups and downs associated with it. 10COMMENTS "It was fun for the most part, but part of it was very tiring," he said. "When it came to making a decision, I just wanted to make a decision that was comfortable to me. I wasn't going to hurry up and make a decision, but I did not want to to make a decision that was not comfortable for me." Of the six schools, Franks made the most visits to Clemson and South Carolina. His teammate, Top247 receiver Mazeo Bennett, committed to the Gamecocks in early February. ">247Sports

Auburn LB target Chris Cole calls Tigers a 'powerhouse,' expects to visit soon Matthew Jacobs 5–6 minutes Photo courtesy of and provided by : Chris Cole One day, you are just a high school kid playing ball. Going about your business, attending school and practice... life is normal. Then one day your phone won’t stop ringing. That's been the case for Chris Cole. The three-star linebacker has quickly become a busy man. After Cole won the MVP at the Gameday Camp Series, Texas A&M noticed his stellar performance and made him his first scholarship offer. That garnered national attention and the floodgates opened. Or, as Cole himself put it: “things changed”. A few short weeks later he has over twenty offers on the table. One of which is from Auburn. What Chris Cole brings to the table The Auburn staff immediately saw the physical traits and ability Cole brings to the table. Out of Salem High in Salem, Virginia, the rising 3-star recruit, (expected to make a leap with a solid senior season) stands at 6 feet 4 inches and is framing 210 pounds before ever stepping into a college training program. Cole brings a size that has offensive and defensive coaches around the country foaming at the mouth. His speed with that size, currently the fourth fastest 60m guy in the nation, is just what the SEC ordered. He has shown flashes of brilliance at multiple spots on the field. He could legitimately play wide receiver, multiple linebacker positions, and safety at the collegiate level. When I posed the question of what position he thought he would want to play in college, he quickly responded: “I will play wherever they put me.” Smart answer from a smart young man. Auburn’s role in Cole’s future Auburn has offered Cole a scholarship opportunity to come get his degree and play for championships in the SEC. Due to restraints in Cole’s schedule, contact with the coaching staff has been minimal to this point. When I asked Chris about that he made it clear that since Auburn has recognized his ability as a recruit, that he looked forward to continuing to build that rapport and relationship with the staff. When I pressed further about what he liked about Auburn as his possible choice the young man just reiterated that he liked how Auburn was a “powerhouse SEC program” and knew that Head Coach Hugh Freeze was in the rebuilding phase of getting this team back to greatness. That was the perfect segue for me to sneak in “the” question: When are you going to visit Auburn and where do they stand in your list? Cole noted that Auburn had invested an offer in him, and it was “only right for he and his family” to come and have a visit and they were all just trying to find a date that works. As far as the second part of my question, he slyly would only say he is searching for a place with the perfect program fit for him. I brought his attention to how many recruits seem to be finding Auburn’s program and facilities to be the perfect fit and falling in love with it, he responded with a smile and a heart gesture. I did want to follow up on a rumor that has been circulating that Cole really wanted to stay within his home state and Auburn could turn his head from that. He said his home state had nothing to do with his traveling then repeated that it was all about a program fit for him. What will the future hold for Chris Cole? We closed it out with what his goals were for his senior season. The young man’s passion for the game could not be hidden: “Ball out!! Finish strong!! Get bigger, faster and stronger. I’m prepping for college” I couldn’t help but think that was an interesting take considering how many colleges were suddenly prepping for him. He has another year to add more muscle to his frame and perhaps get even faster. Maybe he will even narrow down to a position. The talent is definitely there, and this man should definitely be considering one of the SEC schools to find out if he can get to the next level. When Auburn gets him on campus, that could be a major turn in this young man’s life. Whatever he chooses, I will remember him as one of the most professional recruits I have had the pleasure of interacting with. His presence far exceeds his age. In the end, his maturity is why every school will end up wanting him. Hopefully, we get to see this young man “ball out” on Saturdays at Jordan-Hare.