Members of print, radio and television media, as well as members of the Auburn faithful, flocked to see football head coach Gene Chizik at SEC Media Days Friday.
Senior linebacker Josh Bynes, senior defensive back Aairon Savage and senior offensive lineman Lee Ziemba also attended the event, held at the Winfrey Hotel in Hoover, Ala.
Coach Chizik answered many questions Friday and he had a positive outlook for this season, but said there was still room for improvement.
"If you look at our offense last year, there were a lot of things we did well and I think we set some school records," Chizik said. "What was glaring to us, we went back and watched, and we were very inconsistent. There were times when we couldn't run the football, which in our opinion, in this league, is something that we have to be able to do a better job of this year to win more games."
Savage is returning to the team after missing two years with significant injuries. Chizik said Savage had a great story and he brings leadership to the team.
"It's unique and neat because I recruited Aairon before I left Auburn as an assistant, then have an opportunity to come back now and coach him is really neat for me personally," Chizik said. "He has been the epitome of a guy that's been persistent and fought through so many things in his career that could potentially bring you down."
Savage said he felt honored to be at media days, but said anybody could sit around and talk.
"I've had plenty of time to think about what it'll feel like (to return to the field), and I think `How selfish to think of yourself as you take the field against Arkansas State?'"
Savage said. "To think about everything I've been through, and the injuries, I just want to get out, there, make plays, and we're ready to roll."
Since so few players were selected to go to the event, the three Auburn players were given Flip video cameras to document the experience.
Ziemba said making the decision to return for his senior season wasn't tough for him.
"I had some goals I wanted to accomplish, along with the fact that I hadn't had a season where there wasn't a coaching change since I'd been at Auburn," Ziemba said. "I was excited to have another year with this coaching staff and with my friends that I've spent the last four years with so this gives me another year to become a better player and a better man."
Chizik received many questions about transfer quarterback Cam Newton. He said he was excited to get Newton out in the first game and see how he responds.
"He can do whatever he wants in practice," Chizik said. "He's got to take that to the game field and deliver."
Chizik concluded about the season by saying he was proud of his team and couldn't be happier he was able to keep his coaching staff intact.
"I've went and talked to a lot of different clubs as we've made the trek over the last few months," Chizik said. "There's a great excitement from the Auburn family. That's a good thing."
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