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(04/22/14 9:00pm)
The Auburn Circle, Auburn University's literary magazine, is set to hold its biannual launch party this week. Editor-in-chief Shelby Rice said she wanted to have an event to promote the magazine after experiencing years in which the magazine struggled to distribute its content.
"I sat down with my PR team, and they came up with the idea of having an event to honor the people who had been published in the magazine," Rice said.
Snaps became an event for artists, poets and other talented students to showcase their work.
"Each semester, we host an artist expo where we display all the visual art and read selected poems and stories that were published in the magazine that semester," Rice said.
The event started fall 2012 after Rice wanted to change the way the magazine was promoted and distributed.
"As we worked through the details, it became what it is today: a party that celebrates the magazine and its readers," Rice said.
The event is Tuesday, April 22, at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Room 2222. Snaps gives Auburn students a taste of what types of content can be found in the literary magazine.
"[You can] hear some live music, listen to poetry and look at artwork," Rice said.
Since the first Snaps event, Rice has seen the launch party gain more popularity over the years.
"We have had an average turn out of one hundred people," Rice said.
Michelle Roberts, a junior with a double major in anthropology and political science, has the privilege of having her photo published for the front cover of the magazine as well as having other photos published throughout the magazine.
"It was exciting to know my photo was on the cover," Roberts said.
Roberts had never submitted work to the magazine before, but is said she is excited to see what Auburn students think of her pictures.
"It's a really cool way to show your work to the campus because a lot of people do see it and to showcase my pictures."
Roberts also said she likes all of her photos, but the one she likes the most is named "Chestnut Smoke."
"It's my favorite because of all the people in the photo," Roberts said. "It was taken when I was studying abroad and it was a scene in Spain. It had personality and felt real."
Robert's photos and many other works of art and literature from aspiring Auburn students are featured in the magazine each semester. Rice offered her opinion on this semester's magazine.
"The upcoming issue of The Auburn Circle is probably my favorite issue from my time as editor-in-chief," Rice said. "This issue has so much to offer: it has a lot of great poetry, some amazing photographs and artworks, and several interesting stories. There's really something for everyone to enjoy."
The Snaps launch party aims to attract students to come out, hear and see the work of fellow students and promote the upcoming issue of The Auburn Circle magazine.
"It is a great evening of artistry that we encourage everyone to attend."
(04/19/14 1:27am)
Few position groups were more rocked by graduation this spring than the Auburn secondary.
Senior defensive backs Chris Davis, Ryan White and Ryan Smith all departed from a secondary that was 100th in the nation in passing yards allowed in 2013.
That said, Ellis Johnson's secondary group will return in 2014 with a number of athletes with SEC experience.
"The (Jermaine) Whiteheads, the (Joshua) Holseys, the guys that have been back there, we know what they can do," Johnson said. "It's a matter of them just continuing to improve their craft and to get better as leaders and players."
In addition to Holsey, who is returning from an ACL injury suffered against Texas A&M, and Whitehead, defensive backs Robenson Therezie and Jonathon Mincy are each returning for their senior season.
"I don't really think we have a 'quote-unquote' leader," Whitehead said. "I think it's just the guy who wants what's best for the team, what's best for the defense, who's been here, who knows what it's supposed to look like."
While the upperclassmen have already proven their worth to coaches, spring practice has also allowed new faces to show their potential.
One name making early waves is former No. 1 JUCO safety Derrick Moncrief.
"Moncrief has been an extremely pleasant surprise," Johnson said. "When you get a junior college player who's not played in your system, you always wonder how long it is going to take him to transition."
One secondary player hoping to make a name for himself in 2014 is Jonathan Jones, who is coming off another injury.
Finally, former wide receiver Trovon Reed has had a steep learning curve after his offseason switch to cornerback, but coaches are confident the senior can carve out a role.
"Trovon has had a really good camp," Johnson said. "We think he's going to help us tremendously."
(04/19/14 1:19am)
Auburn will have the tall task of replacing Dee Ford, Nosa Eguae, Craig Sanders and Kenneth Carter along the defensive line but Auburn still has plenty of star power returning in 2014.
Of the many players returning for Auburn on the defensive line, sophomores Carl Lawson, Elijah Daniel and Montravius Adams are looking to make immediate impacts after all three had impressive debuts for Auburn as freshman in 2013.
Counter that with the senior leadership of Gabe Wright and Jeffrey Whitaker returning with plenty of experience and this defensive line could make a lot of noise in 2014.
"As a defensive unit, we are so athletic," said Lawson. "Everyone on D-end and D-tackle can go back and forth between two positions. Elijah has been working hard as always. He's trying to get his fundamentals right, same thing as me. Just working hard to get better that's all he can do. Mon is a freaky athlete."
In spring practice this year Auburn has tried rotating three different sets of only defensive tackles. The name "Rhino Package" was coined after senior Gabe Wright ran the idea across position coach Rodney Garner.
Returning senior tight-end C.J. Uzomah has liked what he's seen so far in the Rhino package and explained the problems Auburn could cause for other SEC opponents who rely heavily on big offensive lines and dual tight-end sets.
"That's something completely different than blocking against like Dee, someone who's extremely quick and fast," said Uzomah. "Blocking against someone like Gabe and Montravius, they're [huge]."
Even with their success last season, the defensive line has problems it wants to fix in 2014.
"As a defensive unit, we need to establish more communication," said Lawson. "We had a lot of problems with that last year. It's a big spring for me because last year I was a little bit disappointed about my performance, and I can't wait to get better."
(04/18/14 11:56pm)
As spring rolls onto the Plains, the Auburn football team has been left with a dilemma.
Who will replace Tre Mason?
After Mason declared for the NFL Draft, the conversation began as to who would be the Tigers No. 1 for next season. The competition will be fierce, with the Tigers returning four running backs, three with experience from last year.
Senior Cameron Artis-Payne joined the Tigers before last season as the No. 1 JUCO back in the nation. Artis-Payne saw the majority of last season's action in the first several games, before Mason was named the starter, and was able to accumulate 610 yards and 6 touchdowns on 91 carries. Artis-Payne is seen by many as the favorite for the starting job, given his experience and ability to run through the tackles.
Artis-Payne won last year's A-Day MVP award and said he hopes to do the same this year. Offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee has high praises for Artis-Payne.
"(Artis-Payne) practices like a pro," Lashlee said. "He doesn't have bad days. He's always attentive. He's always trying to get better."
While Artis-Payne has the lead in experience on his fellow Auburn backs, the competition will be fierce, and he said he believes that the battle is a good thing.
"You've got a bunch of a good running backs in a room, and everybody's trying to push each other," Artis-Payne said. "Everybody wants to be the guy to step up and be the lead back. It's a healthy competition. We all feed off of it."
Senior Corey Grant also saw a decent amount of playing time in 2013 at the speed-back role. On 66 carries, Grant accumulated 647 yards and 6 touchdowns. While Grant will most likely not take the starting role, he will almost assuredly be an integral part in Auburn's run game and is happy with his role as the speed back.
"It's kind of to my advantage," Grant said. "My speed is a little bit more of me than power, but I accept that role and like that role."
While Grant is largely known for his speed, the team knows him for his strength. Head coach Gus Malzahn is impressed with what Grant has done in his tenure on the plains.
"He's very physical," Malzahn said. "He's one of our stronger guys in the weight room, and he's a veteran guy, too."
Sophomore offensive lineman Alex Kozan is also impressed with Grant, calling him a "freak athlete."
"Pound for pound, I'd say he's probably the strongest guy on our team," Kozan said. "A lot of those speed guys, they're not really tough, but Corey's one of the toughest."
Sophomore Johnathan Ford moved to cornerback last year to help with the secondary's depth issues, but Ford is also probably in the mix for the running back race.
Last year, Ford was able to get in against Western Carolina, having a breakout game and running the ball six times for 73 yards and a touchdown.
Peyton Barber, who redshirted last year, has also generated a lot of buzz with his work ethic in the past year. Barber even got some pretty serious accolades from Tre Mason.
"[Barber] is probably, skill wise, the best out of all of us," Mason said. "That guy is good. He's very consistent when he's scrimmaging."
Barber originally committed to Ole Miss, but was persuaded by high school teammate and Auburn defensive star Carl Lawson to flip to Auburn.
While redshirting last year, Barber was able to gain valuable experience using the year to improve.
Tight end C.J. Uzomah has high hopes for Barber.
"I've been hearing from some of the defense that Peyton is untouchable," Uzomah said. "Going against our first team all last year helps him tremendously as a running back."
While the stable of backs returning is already strong, the Tigers will bolster their strength with the addition of Racean "Roc" Thomas and Kamryn Pettway.
Thomas, out of Oxford High School, was a five-star prospect who put up crazy numbers in his senior year of high school ball, running the ball 226 times for 2,211 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Thomas brings elusiveness and power, and will have the chance to compete immediately for this next season's running back job.
Thomas was named to the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and to the 2014 Under Armour All-American game. Thomas was also named the 2013 Alabama Player of the Year and was second-team All-USA by USA Today in 2013.
The Tigers signed long-time commitment Kamryn Pettway out of nearby Prattville High School. Pettway has clocked a 4.46 40-yard dash time, and was listed as a three-star recruit, running the ball 169 times for 1,402 yards and 17 touchdowns in his senior season with Prattville.
Artis-Payne, Grant, Barber and Thomas -- the battle to be the best back at Auburn is just getting started.
(04/17/14 6:45pm)
After The Wall Street Journal dropped its investigative opinion piece about Auburn four months ago, we began receiving messages from our readers. Both emails and written letters came to our inboxes and desks, asking if we could confirm what WSJ wrote was true.
The story that ran on our front page is not about proving who is innocent and who is guilty. The purpose of this editorial is to take a look at the University's justice system and report what we found.
Did anything illegal happen within the justice system at Auburn University? No. In fact, the University seems to be exhausting itself in an attempt to meet all of the Title IX regulations set before it.
Did anything unethical happen? We don't think Auburn has purposefully wronged students - both those going before the student discipline committee and those serving on it. We do, however, think that in an effort to keep the image of the University clean, they have negotiated the rights to those accused of crimes and alleged victims that go through this system.
Our first request from the University is to abolish the practice of holding these hearings behind closed doors. We ask that one member of the student press be allowed access to report on student discipline hearings that would be considered a felony if tried in court. This provision would provide transparency among University administration, as well as hold committee members presiding over a case accountable.
If allowed to report on these hearings, we would adhere to the journalistic industry standard of keeping the names of alleged victims private.
We know that the allowance of a reporter into a student disciplinary hearing is not unheard of, as both the University of Alabama and the University of North Carolina make provisions for so within their respective codes of conduct.
This would not be a violation of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (a Federal law that protects students' privacy and educational records) as this act does not protect the identities of students found liable for a violent crime.
Our second request is for an overhaul of how students and faculty members who serve on the Student Discipline Committee are trained. We ask that all members have thorough understanding of legal proceedings before being allowed to hear a Student Discipline Case.
Another possible solution would be have an administrative law judge, who is a legally trained hearing officer for felony like charges, serve as the committee chair for any forthcoming infractions that would be considered a felony case in a court of law.
Lastly, we ask the University to do everything in its power to allow legal advisers to represent their clients in Student Discipline Hearings that are judging felony level infractions. We were baffled at the blatant lack of efficiency and fairness that ensues when defendants and plaintiffs are left to call and cross examine their own witnesses, present their own evidence and give their own opening and closing statements.
Even if this requires Alabama senators to pass a law protecting the right to counsel in Student Discipline settings, which has recently been the case in North Carolina, we think it is of the utmost importance that these steps be taken.
Overall, our requests are simple. All we ask is the University protect two of our most basic rights: the right to a fair trial and our freedom of speech.
(04/17/14 1:00pm)
When people find out that I work for The Auburn Plainsman, they always ask me what I do. Then comes the follow-up, "What does being a reporter even mean?"
It means a myriad of things to multiple people.
To my section editor, it means being responsible and reliable. Dependable and dedicated. My section editor is the closest thing I have to a boss at this point.
When I switched over from the intrigue section in December, I really didn't know what I was getting into.
I was visiting a friend when I got a phone call from a number I didn't recognize. It was my new section editor calling me.
All I could gather from the brief phone call was that she talked fast and loud, wanted to meet as soon as possible and had already given me a story that would be due the next week.
To say I was a little intimidated would be an understatement.
Throughout the semester, the intimidation lessened, but I still get a little nervous when I see her name pop up on my phone.
To the people who read the community section, being the reporter means having the facts and getting them out there as soon as possible.
The Plainsman readers are accustomed to speedy and reliable information. They want the whole story, and with the rise of technology and the many outlets to gain information, the story needs to get to them fast.
Getting the whole story doesn't mean just calling one person and being done.
Multiple people have different facts and viewpoints you can use to fill your story out. And it has to be well written, or else you just look stupid.
I need to be ready to go after a story when it happens, that's what's expected from a reporter, even if it's late at night or early in the morning after Rodeo.
It's pretty much a 24/7 job, and that's what it means to work at The Plainsman.
The responsibility taught me to grow up. Of course I grew up in my years here at Auburn, but school and The Plainsman taught me that deadlines are real.
If you don't deliver, people who were depending on you will be let down. If I were to not do my part on The Plainsman, they would fire me, and I would be devastated.
I've become a part of a little family, and The Plainsman office is always a place I can go to get some peace and quiet on this loud campus. I've met some of the greatest people working here and working the community section.
I've gotten to be on a first name basis with city council members, and I call the mayor and city manager on a weekly basis.
I've learned how to compose an important email, speak intelligently to adults and go to meetings that last an hour.
I can now walk into a last minute interview and think of questions off the top of my head.
I talk to the most interesting people and learn more about this town that I love so much.
I've found the coolest hole-in-the-wall places around town and found amazing organizations that benefit the community here.
So, when I'm asked what being a reporter means, the answer is too long and complicated for a friend or passerby.
I just tell them it's my job to talk and listen to people and tell their story, and I love doing it.
(04/16/14 3:31am)
UPDATE: April 16, 2014 at 4:01 p.m.
(04/09/14 7:00pm)
You may not know him by name, but chances are, you've seen him on the big screen more times than you can count. From appearances in shows such as "The West Wing," "NCIS," "Grey's Anatomy," "NUMB3RS" and "Sons of Anarchy," Michael O'Neill is a 1974 Auburn graduate with a list of impressive credits to his name. He is best known for his roles in films such as "Transformers," "Seabiscuit," "Secondhand Lions" and most recently, "Dallas Buyers Club." Though O'Neill is a renowned Hollywood actor, he bleeds orange and blue as much now as he did during his time as an Auburn student. You're from Montgomery, but how did you end up attending Auburn University? Were you an Auburn fan growing up?I was. I was born into it. My dad took me to a [football] game. The first game I ever saw was against Florida in 1958. It was love at first sight.Did you have other family members or relatives that attended Auburn, too?You know what? I was the first person in my family to go to college. It was a dream of my parents to attend the University, and they sacrificed a lot to make that happen over the years. I'm so grateful for that.I know you're really busy, but do you still follow Auburn football?My wife and I try to get back for at least one or two games in the course of the year. We try to bring our daughters when we can. I follow football, I follow the swimming program and I'm very excited about what's happening with basketball and baseball. There are a lot of wonderful things happening at the University beyond athletics, too. The campus to me is like a moving painting. Whenever I'm there, it's just so beautiful. There are such bright faces and bright lives there, and I'm just in awe.You went to Auburn in the 70s - that was a pretty interesting time period for our nation. There was a lot going on. What was that like?It was an optimum time to be there. My freshman class was the first to use the Haley Center. That fall, there was a list of the former students who had been killed in action in Vietnam on the lawn. As I was leaving [my senior year], people went streaking across campus. It was a remarkable time. I'm so grateful because we had the opportunity to listen to some very interesting points of view that we wouldn't have been privy too otherwise. Gloria Steinem, Muhammad Ali and Dan Rather came and spoke. It was a tremendous experience. It was a very, very diverse influence. It sure gave me a good education to go out in the world with, I'll tell you that.If you could do it over, would you go to Auburn again?Yes, yes. I would, and I'd hope for the same kind of influences and opportunities. I've always thought that college was the time to expand your vision and your horizon, and that was my experience. It created an appetite for me to go out into the world to see something and do something and make a contribution somewhere. I was fortunate that that was put in me.You were an economics major. Economics to professional acting is quite the stretch! How did that happen?Well, the way it happened is sort of unusual. I was a Lambda Chi at Auburn, and I had written an address for my national fraternity, which I had delivered at an international convention in Indiana. The attendees there recorded the address. They were from California and were doing interviews with distinguished alumni from the entertainment industry. One of them was the actor that played the grandfather on "The Waltons," a popular show in the 70s, and he was sort of iconic. He was a member of Lambda Chi at the University of Chicago 50 years earlier, and someone played that address for him, and he called me. I was at Auburn, and he literally called me and said, "Son, I think you should try acting before the corporate structure snaps you up," and I said, "Honestly... I don't know anything about it," and he said, "Well come to California, and I'll work with you." I really expected him to tell me "Son, go get a job," but he said, "You probably won't make it. But you have to go. You have to try. You don't want to look back on your life and wonder what it might have been like." It was a great ambition. About 10 days later, I loaded my car and drove to California.Was moving from the South to California a difficult adjustment for you?Yes and no. It was difficult in that I didn't know anyone. I was a young man just going out into the world without knowing what the world was - or at least that part of the world. On the other hand, the Montgomery March during the Civil Rights Movement happened when I was a child of about 10 or 11 years old. At the end of the march, a lot of people from California came and spoke. In my childhood mind, California had the answer to the racist issue. I was very excited about going out there because I always thought they had the answer in California. I found out that they had the answer to some things, but there were others they didn't have the answer to at all.You were a member of the Lambda Chi fraternity and the SGA while here at Auburn. Did you do anything with theater?When I first started there [at Auburn], the theater was still in that little chapel off of College Street. I took every opportunity I could to go and see things, but I never auditioned for a play. I never could have imagined what it would have been like to have gone out there and done that. I've been back a couple times [to Auburn's theater] and I've done little classes or a couple question and answer things, but I'd like to do more than that. You get to a certain age where you want to give something back, but even so, I didn't have that theater experience while I was at Auburn. I love the campus of Auburn, and I do because I had to work with a lot of different people... not just one kind.What was it like to work on such an influential movie such as "Dallas Buyers Club"?I could never have seen it coming. I was on a plane trying to get back to Birmingham to see my family, and I got a call from my agents who wanted to re-route me to New Orleans to shoot this movie. I said, "Wait a minute, I haven't seen my kids in three months. I've gotta get home," and they said, "Just read the script." As soon as I read that script, I knew I had to be apart of it. It's a very, very powerful story. It's been a great ride. I've made sure to enjoy it while I can. Before I knew it, I was ready to shoot my first scene, and Matthew [McConaughey] was standing probably 12 feet from me and I didn't even recognize him. I was still waiting for him to come in. Once I knew it was him, I realized the commitment he had made [his dramatic weight loss] was pretty extraordinary, and I needed to make sure I brought the very best of what I could do to match up to this special project. It was incredibly gratifying to work on. It was alive, dangerous and compelling.So far, what has been your favorite character that you've portrayed?I'm really loving "Extant," this new television series I'm involved in. I pinch myself every day when I get to go to work. It's about a former astronaut who returns home from a year-long mission in space, and tries to reconnect with everyday life. It's wonderful, complicated, demanding and fun. What things are you working on now that we should keep an eye out for? There are two things I've been working on. The first is called "Rectify," which is a series I did at Sundance last year, and am filming 10 episodes of this year. It will premiere on SundanceTV in June. The second that I already mentioned, "Extant," is pretty special, especially getting to work with lead Halle Berry and this cast. It's a really good family, and the writing is so smart and clever. I'm excited about it. That premieres on CBS in July.At this stage in your acting career, what are your goals for your self and the roles you're playing?That's a good question. Being a character actor, you tend to just take what's moving in your direction. You try to find something in terms of film or television that stretches you - that breaks the glass a little bit and gives you the opportunity to discover something that you're either drawn to or afraid of. When I was on "Grey's Anatomy" and portrayed that shooter, I didn't want to do that role to begin with. I didn't want to touch it, and yet, it's probably one of the most compelling jobs I've ever done. It put me in touch with more humanity than I would ever have imagined a character could explore or inhabit. That's what I hope for - something to continue to teach me, to stretch me and to make me lean forward and get on the balls of my feet. Usually what that means is something that's going to frighten me. Fear is an incredible motivator. When I can't sleep after I've finished a role, I know I've done okay.What advice would you give to Auburn student body about following your dreams, your passion and becoming successful?The first thing that comes to mind is to be kind. There's something in the currency in the Auburn family that makes us different. A lot of people talk about it, and I don't know what the defining element is, but we're all connected. As I'm out in the world more, I've just learned to value simple kindness more - the kindness where you befriend a stranger. As much as anything for me, it's also been perseverance. I guess that's the thing that I'd recommend. I had more gumption than I had talent. I feel like those who are willing to persevere in whatever that pursuit is, even in the face of doubt, will succeed. Doubt isn't necessarily a bad thing - there isn't much courage without fear, and there's probably not much faith without doubt, but follow your desires as best you can. Persevere. Be kind.Do you have any parting words to us current students?Enjoy every minute of this experience at Auburn. It goes by so quickly. Once we're done at AU we're always welcomed back, but it starts with that undergraduate experience. Look after one another, and enjoy it.
(04/09/14 1:30pm)
The Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital is set to be dedicated on Friday, April 11. The $47 million facility features services such as community practice, oncology, neurology, imaging, orthopedics and community care.
According to Janet McCoy, communications and marketing director for the College of Veterinary Medicine, the change of space was much needed.
"Our old facility was over 40 years old," McCoy said. "While we gave excellent care to the patients that came into the clinic, this facility allows us to give even better care because of the new technology."
William Brawner, veterinary radiation oncologist, said he agrees.
"So much of what we do now involves high-end technological equipment, and our old buildings were not designed to do that," Brawner said. "Both from the point of view of space and technology, we had just simply outgrown our old building after 40 years."
Brawner graduated from Auburn University in 1971.
"My class was the first to have a full clinic here in the small animal hospital," Brawner said. "So, I've kind of come full circle."
Brawner said he stayed in Auburn for more than one reason.
"Auburn is a great place to live," Brawner said. "I've raised my family here. From the point of view of the school, we've had a really collegial faculty over the years. That's not always true with schools. Here, there is cooperation. I can go into anyone's office and sit down and talk to them."
In fact, the hospital is named to honor an esteemed member of the faculty and Brawner's wife.
The late Wilford Bailey, veterinary parasitologist, began his career at Auburn as a professor.
Bailey became president of the University in 1983.
After retiring the next year, Bailey served as president of the NCAA.
John and Rosemary Brown made a $10 million donation to the University in memory of the Baileys.
"They had been friends since they were on college," Brawner said. "Mr. and Mrs. Brown wanted to honor them. People talk about the Auburn family, but that speaks about as highly as you could that somebody would pay $10 million to put a friend's name on a building instead of their own."
Ben Hohenstatt, journalism intern at the hospital, said he is impressed by the facility's technology.
"The new equipment is phenomenal," Hohenstatt said. "It's all amazing stuff."
According to Brawner, the hospital was built to accommodate the ever-changing medical technology.
"We built this facility looking ahead for the next 40 years, because a building like this we are not going to replace anytime soon, "Brawner said. "We built it with some expansion room, because we know technology will continue to get more advanced. We consciously built this building with an eye to the future so we can grow into it and stay at the cutting edge of veterinary medicine. "
(04/06/14 2:15pm)
Jake Meadows, veteran and sophomore in international business, isn't your average student.
While many students graduate high school and go to college, Meadows graduated high school and went to the military.
Meadows, named after his grandfather who fought in World War II, said he received his grandfather's flag at the funeral procession and saw that as his calling to serve his country.
"My country has given plenty to me, so I feel like I need to give plenty back," Meadows said. "The world is a dangerous place with dangerous people and I feel like it's my duty to do as much as I can to stop them."
Beginning with basic training in Fort Benning, GA, Meadows embarked on a five-month journey, which consisted of many different phases.
Meadows was taught how to shoot, march, move tactically, defend himself and properly act like a soldier, things which he said eventually took a toll on everyone in training.
"Basic was no joke," Meadows said. "It's physically and mentally challenging all day. You're getting yelled at while having to perform a task, which is very difficult. By the end, everyone has been broken and has become a better person."
Following five months of basic training, Meadows boarded numerous flights, which eventually landed him and his infantry in Afghanistan.
Stationed in Leatherneck, Afghanistan, a base in southern Afghanistan, Meadows said it was like landing on a different planet.
"It was a long and uncomfortable flight," Meadows said. "We were in the middle of the desert so we were breathing dust. It was almost like going to mars. The thought of being in a combat zone sets in and you get scared and excited at the same time."
Once Meadows arrived in Leatherneck, he immediately was put to work.
Meodow's infantry started out as a light infantry unit, meaning they did things on foot, but eventually transitioned into a mounted unit which, he said allowed them to carry out their missions on convoys.
"Our job was to protect the military contractors and high ranking military officials whenever they went off base," Meadows said. "We lived on base and whenever someone wanted to go somewhere or do something off base they would come to us. We would then plane the mission and suit up and execute."
Meadows said driving the convoys, or mine resistant vehicles, which protect soldiers from IEDS, were one of his favorite memories from executing missions.
"We would usually switch out, but during these convoys, I would drive the MRAP," Meadows said. "It was fun driving a huge almost 10-foot-tall vehicle at 70 miles per hour."
On other missions, Meadows and his infantry would travel to nearby Afghani military bases to provide security to any contactors located there.
On these missions, each contactor would have two soldiers assigned to them just in case of insider attacks Meadows said.
"These are Afghanis who are in the Afghani military or police who for some reason decide to turn on the Americans who are their allies with deadly intentions," Meadows said. "They usually open up on the Americans and their fellow Afghanis with gunfire. Anything bad could happen at any second."
When Meadows was not protecting high ranking officials or carrying out other missions, he said he had little to nothing to occupy his time.
"I usually worked out twice a day to stay in good shape," Meadows said. "When I wasn't doing that or eating I would watch something on my laptop. That's really all we had to do."
After spending nearly nine months overseas in a heated combat zone, Meadows found it was time to come home, something he had been waiting to do for months, but said the feeling wasn't as great as he expected once he arrived.
"It just felt odd and I didn't know what to really think," Meadows said about returning to America. "It took a long time for it to actually hit me that I was back home in America. Sometimes I wish I could be back over there because I was so used to my routine and I was comfortable over there. It was a strange yet safe feeling."
It is quite evident to Meadows peers that the army helped form an outstanding young man. Meadows, who joined SAE this past August, has already made a large impact on the fraternity said Andrew Citrin, president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and junior in biomedical sciences.
"Meadows has been an exemplary member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon," Citrin said. "We couldn't be prouder to have an individual of his caliber in our organization. Jake has proven himself to be a true gentleman through his leadership, strong work ethic and a desire to make our fraternity a better place."
After returning home and being accepted into Auburn, Meadows found that the University is doing its best to take care of their veteran students.
"The University treats me great," Meadows said. "They send me helpful emails almost every day trying to get feedback on things they can improve on when it comes to veterans. They try to help you with anything like finding a job or just managing school."
In Meadows opinion, the school could not be doing a better job in returning service to its veterans.
(03/21/14 3:45pm)
Auburn prides itself on being a family.
A few years ago, one member of the family found a way to capture the hearts of the Auburn faithful like few have managed to do.
His name is Phil, but he is also known as "Lutzie."
Philip Lutzenkirchen was a tight end on the Auburn football team from 2009 until 2012.
In that span of time, he became the top scoring tight end in Auburn career history with 14 career touchdowns.
He broke the single-season touchdown record for touchdowns by a tight end in 2011.
Lutzenkirchen also caught three game-winning touchdowns during his Auburn career, including the famous fourth-quarter touchdown to complete the "Camback" in 2010's Iron Bowl at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
At 6-foot-5, Lutzenkirchen could catch and run as well as he could block in Gus Malzahn's Hurry Up, No Huddle offense.
"He'll fit in well in any system," Malzahn said at the 2013 Senior Bowl. "He's very flexible. That's his biggest asset. He can do a lot of different things well, and he'll be very successful."
After winning a national championship in 2010 and breaking records in 2011, Lutzenkirchen's collegiate career ended in the 2012 Ole Miss game after trying to play the entire season with a hip injury.
"I heard if I had come out last year, I would have been taken in the third or fourth round," Lutzenkirchen said before the 2013 NFL Draft. "But I've never regretted coming back to play my senior year and getting my degree. We didn't finish the way we wanted to, but I still thought I'd be a fourth- or fifth-round pick in this year's draft.
"It was a long and frustrating day for me that Saturday by not getting taken."
Regardless of his absence on the field, fans still cheered on "Lutzie."
After graduating from Auburn, Lutzenkirchen was signed as a free agent by the St. Louis Rams. The hip injury, however, lingered and affected Lutzenkirchen's play.
Lutzenkirchen was released several months later, but said he has no regrets.
"I got released, and I could tell it was the right time to step away from it," Lutzenkirchen said. "It was a tough decision, but not many people get that opportunity, and I'm just glad I got the shot."
After being cut from the Rams, Lutzenkirchen delayed making any decisions about his future for a few more months.
"I gave it about a month or two to see if any teams would call," Lutzenkirchen said. "After I had my hip surgery, it kind of went downhill from there, and I didn't get back to my career here, athletically and physically.
"So, I decided to look elsewhere and hang up the cleats."
Soon afterward, Lutzenkirchen met Brandt McDonald at Tim Hudson's annual Iron Bowl Charity Golf Tournament.
Brandt is the Owner & President at McDonald & Barranco, Capital Wealth Management in Montgomery and graduated from Auburn in 1989 with a degree in finance.
It didn't take long for the two to hit it off.
"We started having a conversation about life after football, and it just so happened that he was looking and trying to figure out what he was going to do," McDonald said. "He's got honesty and integrity, he's an honorable person and he's proven that to the Auburn people, so that was a hurdle that we didn't even have to overcome because I knew that immediately."
McDonald hired Lutzenkirchen shortly afterward as an assistant financial adviser. McDonald saw Lutzenkirchen's knowledge of sports and connection with Auburn as a business advantage.
"We manage money for a lot of [professional] athletes and a lot of them have gone to Auburn and so it was like a hand in glove for Phil to join us," McDonald said.
When asked if McDonald would do the famous "Lutzie" dance after Lutzenkirchen signs a big client, McDonald said there would be a good chance.
"If he brought on board a first-round draft pick, I'd do it," McDonald said. "I might not look as good as him, but I'd do it."
(03/21/14 7:30pm)
The NFL draft is quickly approaching, and teams everywhere are constantly scrutinizing on which player they think can either turn their franchise around or help continue their success.
Without a doubt, the most talked about player in the upcoming class is former Texas A&M quarterback, 2012 Heisman winner Johnny Manziel.
That, for the most part, is due to his style of play, but also has a lot to do with his near celebrity status.
Let me start by saying that I love mobile quarterbacks. They are an absolute blast to watch and a real treat for football fans who love offense.
Quarterbacks who can run like a wide receiver are the biggest of defensive headaches on a college football field, but that doesn't mean Nick Marshall is the next Peyton Manning.
I don't think Manziel is either.
To back this up, take a look at some of the recent running QBs who took a shot at the bigs.
When you think about running quarterbacks, you most likely immediately think of Michael Vick.
Vick was a trailblazer for mobile quarterbacks everywhere, and he certainly saw substantial success in Atlanta running around making defenses look incredibly confused before he went to jail.
Where is Vick now? He's riding the bench behind Nick Foles, who looks like he's the got the starting job in Philly locked up for a while.
Next, there's Vince Young.
In college, Young was the engineer of what was the greatest pre-2013 Iron Bowl college football game of all time, a 41-38 win over Reggie Bush and USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl for the BCS National Championship.
During his time at Texas, Young ran through defenses as if they weren't even there. NFL scouts salivated as they thought they had discovered the next Vick.
Like Vick, after he was drafted third overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2006 draft, Young saw some success, but it was limited.
Sure, he won some games and was even named to the Pro Bowl following his rookie season, but two years later, he suffered a season ending injury and watched from the sidelines as career-backup Kerry Collins led the Titans to a 13-3 record.
Young remained on the bench the following season and he was gone by 2010. He's out of the league now and probably won't be coming back anytime soon.
There's plenty of other examples, such as Tim Tebow of Florida and Matt Jones of Arkansas.
Of course there are success stories like Auburn's own Cam Newton, but Newton is a once-in-a-generation athlete.
I'm not saying for certain that Manziel won't pan out in the NFL. I'm just saying it's not likely.
One of my biggest reasons for my hesitance to be sold on Manziel is his tendency to throw a ball up for grabs.
There have been plenty of times where Manziel, in a scrambling situation, will just launch the ball into the air, hoping some Aggie will come down with it. You can't do that in the NFL; just ask Brett Favre, the league's career leader in interceptions.
As far as the character issue everyone loves to harp on so much, I don't see it as an issue.
If you really think about it, Manziel is doing the same sort of things any college student would do. He's just doing it on an exponentially larger budget.
I think Manziel can be a decent NFL player, but I don't see him as a top 10, or even first round pick.
If I'm an NFL general manager, I'd take Manziel in the third or fourth round. Put him on the Aaron Rogers system. Let him learn from your starter for a few years, and then when it's his time, he'll be ready.
(03/21/14 5:00pm)
Editor's Note: The pet owners' names and residence location have been withheld to protect their privacy and security.
(03/20/14 3:30pm)
Tangela Johnson isn't fond of handshakes.
She'll slap that outreached hand away almost as though she was offended. However, she is a hugger. She will smile widely and insist on a hug. Her embrace is short-lived, but its warmth lingers.
In her living room, dozens of framed photographs portraying her loved ones--children, grandchildren, extended family and friends--smile up at the onlooker.
Her trophies, her most treasured possessions, are the memories tied to them.
Even though she's living in subsidized housing, Johnson considers herself the richest she's ever been, and those photographs are proof she's right.
However, Johnson hasn't always been so opulent.
While growing up in Detroit, Mich., Johnson endured hardships.
At age 4, she was molested.
Fourteen years later, she was raped.
At 20, while "feeding off of the depression (she) was already in and trying to hide those secrets," she propelled herself into an emotionally, physically and verbally abusive marriage.
At a time in a young woman's life when she is flooded with opportunity and optimism, Johnson found herself spiraling into a life-threatening depression. She was a victim, and she knew it. Even worse, she believed that was all she could be.
"Is this me?," Johnson said looking down at the floor ashamedly.
"Is this all that I have? Is this what my life is about? I just kinda gave in to that. I felt like I didn't have anywhere else to go in my life."
"You can't feel sorry for yourself, and I found myself doing that. That was not me. That was not the woman God wanted me to be. I couldn't see myself being the victim all my life."
Had Johnson continued to victimize herself, her story may have ended there.
However, she took hold of her own fate the day she decided to leave Detroit, move herself and her family to Auburn and write her story down on paper.
"After everything I went through, God got me through it," Johnson said. "I'm here, and I'm here for a reason. It didn't kill me. It made me stronger, even though I gave up many times."
What started off as a self-medicating diary metamorphosed 12 years later into a self-published autobiography titled "Can a Storm be Weathered? Memoirs of a Broken Past." Going by the pen name Ta'Ressa, Johnson wrote about her life experiences, and she spared no details.
Ta'Ressa told Johnson's story and gave a needed voice to free herself of her past.
"I had to take things in my own hands and put it out there," Johnson said. "My book is basically about secrets--secrets we hold in our families--and that doesn't do anything but torment you.
"You hold that secret in so that your family doesn't get overwhelmed or embarrassed, but what about how you feel? My thing was to let my secret out. So, I let my secret out."
By releasing her secrets, this novel served as Johnson's agent to empower women in her neighborhood to come forward about their own abusive pasts and catalyze their recoveries.
Through her testimony, Johnson ministered inspiration and encouragement to those in similar situations.
"My book is [here] to let people know you don't have to stay where you are in life," Johnson said. "A lot of people like to carry their past with them, and they feed off of it, and it becomes a tool that they use to gather sympathy.
"Well, you ought to be saying, 'I'm a victor. I've got a testimony. This is where I came from.' I refuse to be broken, and you can always move forward."
(03/14/14 7:00pm)
After Jay Jacobs quickly pulled the plug on Tony Barbee's disappointing tenure as men's basketball head coach Wednesday night, the Auburn athletic director now has another coaching search to conduct, his fourth since December 2012.Jacobs said he wants a coach to compete for SEC championships in light of the department's major investment in the program with Auburn Arena, and he wants to move with this search as quickly as possible.With Jacobs' hires of Gus Malzahn, Sunny Golloway and Clint Myers this past year, one would think Auburn is going to go for a splash hire in men's basketball.We as the sports staff of The Auburn Plainsman have compiled a list of 10 coaching candidates for Auburn men's basketball. Some are big names, others are lesser-known up-and-comers in the coaching ranks, but we feel each of these candidates are improvements on paper from the program's last few hires.Bruce Pearl (231-99 in 10 seasons at Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Tennessee)Bruce Pearl seemingly is the name at the top of everyone's short list, and for good reason. Pearl has a history of reviving SEC programs mired in mediocrity.After guiding Southern Indiana to a Division II National Championship in the '90s, Pearl made a name for himself at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he led the Panthers to 86 wins in four seasons, including a run to the Sweet 16 in 2005. All in all, the Volunteers reached the NCAA tournament in six consecutive seasons under Bruce Pearl, a stretch that included three Sweet 16 visits and the program's first Elite Eight in 2010.Pearl's teams played at a frenetic pace and employed full court pressure, creating energy and passion both on and off the court for the Tennessee basketball program. Pearl doesn't come without baggage, though. Pearl was fired from Tennessee in 2011 after it was discovered he lied about recruiting violations and covered up a substance abuse violation by a player. In addition to sanctions, the NCAA gave Pearl a three-year show-cause penalty, meaning that sanctions would follow Pearl even if he was hired at another school.Pearl's show-cause violation is up in August, meaning he'll be one of the hottest names on the job market. There's certainly baggage here, but if Auburn is looking to make a splash and hire a proven SEC winner, there are few better options than this one.-Eric Wallace / Sports ReporterBen Howland (390-199 in 19 seasons at Northern Arizona, Pittsburgh and UCLA)Auburn fans are howling for Jay Jacobs to hire a winner, and few options have won quite as often as Ben Howland.The former Weber State guard had his first success at Pittsburgh, where he took the Panthers to back-to-back Big East Regular Season Championships and Sweet Sixteens in 2002 and 2003. Howland was then hired at basketball powerhouse UCLA, where winning is counted in NCAA Tournament Championships and not just appearances.Howland's Bruins won three consecutive Pac-10 titles from 2006-2008 and reached three consecutive Final Fours in that same span. In his time at UCLA, Howland was never short for talent. Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Jrue Holiday, Darren Collison and Arron Afflalo are just a few of Howland's former players still making a name for themselves in the NBA today.Howland was fired from UCLA in 2013 following a "disappointing" 25-9 season, for a little context on UCLA's impossible standards, so he's certainly one of the most proven names on the market. There are good hires and then there are home run hires, and for Auburn, Howland would certainly be the latter.-Eric Wallace / Sports ReporterTommy Amaker (314-208 in 17 seasons at Seton Hall, Michigan and Harvard)Of all the long shots on this list, Tommy Amaker might be the longest shot. But I would make Amaker tell me he does not want the Auburn job, considering the current success he had at Harvard and the past experience coaching in major conference basketball.Amaker was a fixture at Duke during the Blue Devils' NCAA Tournament success of the late 80s and early 90s as a player and later as an assistant coach. After four consecutive postseason appearances as the young head coach of the Seton Hall Pirates, Amaker left for Michigan, where he consistently posted solid seasons but never was able to break into the Big Dance. Despite his NIT success, he was fired at Michigan and later picked up by Harvard.Amaker took the Ivy League school to its first Big Dance in 2011 after snapping the program's long streak of losing seasons the year before. Harvard has dominated the Ivy League the last four seasons, and Amaker could make the Crimson the next Wichita State or VCU with the recruiting classes he has hauled in recent years.Amaker would be far from the usual mid-major hire. He has experience at the highest level as a player, assistant coach and head coach, and he has taken a program from virtually nothing into one of the most feared teams outside the power conferences. Amaker is a long shot, but I think he deserves at least a call to see if he wants to rebuild a program in a bigger conference.-Justin Ferguson / Sports EditorTubby Smith (525-244 in 23 seasons at Tulsa, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota and Texas Tech)Tubby Smith, the current head coach of Texas Tech, has led a long and successful career as a head power-conference coach.Smith has won regular season conference titles nine times, while winning his conference tournament five times.While at Kentucky, Smith led a dominant teams, winning the SEC Tournament in 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2004. Smith was also named the SEC Coach of the Year in 1998, 2003 and 2005.Although he has been in Lubbock for one year as the Texas Tech head coach, Auburn could realistically make a run at the former SEC coaching giant. With his success at Georgia and Kentucky, Smith definitely knows what it takes to win in this conference.-Taylor Jones / Sports Writer
Rick Stansbury (293-165 in 14 seasons at Mississippi State)Another potential target for Auburn could be former Mississippi State head coach Rick Stansbury.Stansbury was hired at Mississippi State in 1998 after serving as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs since 1990.He led the Bulldogs to two SEC Tournament Championships in 2002 and 2009, while winning the SEC Regular Season Championship in 2004 and winning the SEC West Division Championship five times.Stansbury was named the 2004 SEC Coach of the Year and also led the Bulldogs to their highest win total in Mississippi State history during the 2001-2002 season with 27 wins.With an impressive 11 postseason appearances in his 14 seasons in charge of Mississippi State, Stansbury reportedly has expressed interest in returning to the SEC with the Auburn job. An established name in the conference, Stansbury could be the name to lead Auburn back up the ladder.-Taylor Jones / Sports WriterJeff Capel (175-110 in nine seasons at Virginia Commonwealth and Oklahoma)Jeff Capel, a former standout player at Duke University and current assistant coach there, could be another strong candidate for the Auburn men's basketball head coaching job. He became a head coach at Virginia Commonwealth University at 27 years old and was the coach there for four years. Capel led them to a record 79 wins with a .658 winning percentage.Capel has also been an assistant on the USA Men's team when they won the gold medal in the 2005 FIBA Tournament in Turkey.Capel was named the head coach of University of Oklahoma in 2006 and lasted there until 2011. During his tenure there, he recruited multiple McDonald's All Americans, including current NBA All-Star Blake Griffin. While at Oklahoma, he made two NCAA Tournaments and even advanced to the Elite Eight once. He also averaged 21 wins per season there.-Kyle Van Fechtmann / Sports Reporter
Seth Greenberg (367-276 in 22 seasons at Long Beach State, South Florida and Virginia Tech)
Although Seth Greenberg's coaching tenure ended in April 2012 at Virginia Tech, I think he deserves a solid look as the next Auburn basketball head coach. Greenberg led the Hokies to a No. 5 seed in the 2007 NCAA Tournament and also led them to multiple victories over No. 1 teams in the regular season. Greenberg left Blacksburg with the second-most wins in program history compiling a 170-123 overall record.Despite the fact that Greenberg only made the NCAA Tournament once at Virginia Tech out of nine seasons, several of his assistants left for head coaching jobs elsewhere and he had to fill coaching jobs during each offseason.Even though Greenberg is an analyst for ESPN now, and it may take a lot of money for Auburn to hire him, I believe it's finally time for Auburn to shell out some money and hire a coach who had a good record at an impressive basketball conference like the ACC.-Kyle Van Fechtmann / Sports Reporter Michael White (70-29 in three seasons at Louisiana Tech) \0x200BMichael White is simply the hottest up-and-comer in college basketball at the moment. A former player and assistant coach at Ole Miss who excelled at recruiting the Southeast, the 37-year-old White has spent the last three seasons at Louisiana Tech, where he has posted back-to-back regular season conference championships. White has ties to the SEC and the state of Alabama, where he was a top assistant at Jacksonville State, and his up-tempo, full court-pressing style of basketball would play to Auburn's guard-heavy roster for next season. I know Auburn fans would be wary of hiring another hot mid-major candidate after the failed Tony Barbee experiment, but unlike the former Tigers head coach, the energetic White has had more than just one good year at a smaller school and would come with great coaching and recruiting experience in the SEC. \0x200B-Justin Ferguson / Sports EditorDonnie Tyndall (167-99 in eight seasons at Morehead State and Southern Miss)Donnie Tyndall might not be the most well known name for Auburn fans, but the Southern Mississippi head coach would bring a proven track record of winning to the Plains, should he get the job.The 43-year-old Tyndall inherited a 4-23 Morehead State team as his first head coaching job in 2006 and rapidly turned the Eagles into an Ohio Valley Conference power. The Eagles made the NCAA Tournament twice under Tyndall, including a Third Round appearance in 2011.Now at Southern Miss, Tyndall's Golden Eagles are 53-15 in his two seasons in Hattiesburg and are currently poised to make the NCAA Tournament at 26-5.Tiger fans are certainly tired of mid-major hires, and deservedly so after the failures of Jeff Lebo and Tony Barbee, but Tyndall would bring a more sustained track record of success to the Plains than either of those two. Considering the current state of the program, Jay Jacobs could do a whole lot worse. -Eric Wallace / Sports ReporterTod Kowalczyk (200-175 in 12 seasons at Wisconsin-Green Bay and Toledo)This mid-major, less-intriguing name is completely out of left field for most Auburn basketball fans, and for good reason. Kowalczyk has spent his entire coaching in the Midwest (including an assistant coaching stint at Marquette when NBA star Dwayne Wade was on campus), but his track record with rebuilding programs is stunning.Kowalczyk took over a dreadful Wisconsin-Green Bay team in 2002 and rattled off five winning seasons in eight tries. He never broke into the NCAA Tournament in a one-qualifier conference like the Horizon League, but he is on the verge of a remarkable transformation at Toledo.Following a dismal rebuilding season, Kowalczyk took a senior-less Toledo team from 4-28 to 19-17 and a couple of wins away from the Big Dance. His up-tempo 2013-14 Rockets are on the verge of making it to the NCAA Tournament this season with an impressive 26-5 record in a competitive MAC league.But another thing that sticks out about Kowalczyk is that he has turned around the Toledo program while being sponsored by Under Armour. After Allen Payne's tweet Wednesday night about Auburn continuing to struggle with the Maryland-based apparel company sent Auburn fans and writers in a frenzy (I for one think the UA ordeal is a minor issue that people are blowing out of proportion, but that's all for another post), Kowalczyk is proof that you can succeed in this game while being an Under Armour school.-Justin Ferguson / Sports EditorWhat do you think of our list? Have any more candidates you think we should add? Who is your pick for Auburn's next men's basketball head coach? Tweet your responses @TheAUPlainsman or email the staff at sports@theplainsman.com.
(03/05/14 5:54pm)
Auburn's Pro Day is a yearly opportunity for the Tigers' seniors and declared juniors to showcase their talents in front of an audience of professional scouts.
But for one senior, this Pro Day was an opportunity for redemption and reconciliation.
Auburn's leading tackler in 2012, Demetruce McNeal was dismissed from the Auburn football team in August 2013 after being arrested and charged with second-degree possession of marijuana.
"My biggest thing when I was coming here was that I wanted all the scouts and everyone to know who Demetruce McNeal is," McNeal said. "I'm a good kid and I've never been in any trouble with the law except for when that went down here and I got kicked off, but even though that happened, I was still innocent."
The 6-foot-2 defensive back from College Park, Ga. maintains his innocence in the situation to this day.
"I just want all the scouts and everyone to know that my name is cleared and I had nothing to do with it," McNeal said. "Things happen for a reason, I feel that God let that happen for a reason."
At the time, McNeal said head coach Gus Malzahn wouldn't listen to his pleas of innocence.
"I really told him, 'Coach, I'm innocent. I didn't do anything. Can you please look into it?"' McNeal said. "It went how it went and he didn't really look into it.
"He made his decision and I had to go with what he decided. No hard feelings though, he's still my coach."
The arrest wasn't the first time McNeal had been under criticism during his tenure at Auburn.
McNeal missed several spring practices before the 2013 season due to "personal issues" and was scrutinized by fans for pictures he took of himself with a handgun and a wad of money.
That lifestyle, McNeal said, is a thing of the past.
"All I want to do is play football, all the rapping and the glamour that's done," McNeal said. "I just want to play football."
Following his dismissal, McNeal transferred to West Alabama where he starred in the defensive backfield, leading the Tigers in tackles and interceptions.
The transition to life at a smaller school wasn't an easy one for the former Auburn starter though.
"When I got kicked off, I broke down crying and I really thought it was the end of my career," McNeal said. "I had lost my scholarship and been downgraded from Division 1, but when I got there those guys welcomed me with open arms."
Watching his former teammates storm through the SEC to the BCS National Championship Game only added to the difficulty.
"When they were in the national championship, all I could say was 'I'm supposed to be there with my guys, man,'" McNeal said. "But no hard feelings, I still love this team. I love those guys, I went through thick and thin with them for three hard years."
Seeing his teammates' success and questions on the strength of his character have driven McNeal to prove to others that he is not a troublemaker.
"I had a chip on my shoulder because when all the scouts came down I had to show these guys who I really was," McNeal said. "Everybody had a red flag about my character, but I've never had a character issue. I'm easy to get along with."
According to Malzahn, the decision to bring McNeal back for Auburn's Pro Day was based off his three years of dedication to a program he loves.
"He gave three good years to the program, and it was unfortunate what happened, but I just felt like I needed to give him a chance to represent himself in front of a lot of people," Malzahn said.
McNeal's relationship with the coach who dismissed him remains strong as McNeal prepares for the next stage of his football career.
"Me and Malzahn we cool, we good," McNeal said. "I'm an Auburn Tiger at heart, man. When I get drafted, they're going to say 'Demetruce McNeal from Auburn,' not that I'm from West Alabama."
(03/05/14 8:15pm)
Corey Marmaduke watched as a bullet shot in his direction and passed through a bathroom door.
He had been an Airborne Army Ranger more than 20 years ago, his tight crew cut a remnant of his past. In this instance, however, he wasn't fighting in the Gulf War.
Marmaduke broke through the lock, apprehended the drug addict who shot at him and then took him to jail. Marmaduke doesn't take "no" for an answer when you don't pay your bail bond.
Bad Boyz Bail Bonds, off Frederick Road, blends the hard-nosed attitude necessary with a mom-and-pop atmosphere.
Janet Marmaduke is an Auburn native and the motherly figure to the business. Her dark-rimmed glasses hold her hair back, and her pink fleece vest matches her pink Bad Girlz business cards. The license plate of her white Corvette with two red racing stripes down the middle reads "BADGRLZ." It is obvious that Bad Girlz is as much a part of the business as Bad Boyz.
Janet said the mom-and-pop atmosphere is what sets them apart from other bail bond companies. That, and the catchy name their 23-year-old daughter came up with.
"I've been here all my life," Corey said. "I know a lot of people. I know the judges. We cater to the students, and we are probably the easiest bail bond company for a student to go through because we're mom-and-pop owned. I don't have anybody to answer to."
Janet worked as a psychiatric nurse for East Alabama Mental Health before she started helping with the business. She admitted it is hard to find employees, but with future expansion it is necessary to hire more people.
Corey started his bail bonds business 19 years ago after he was raised in Hillsboro, Mo.
If a person out on bail does not appear at his or her court date, the court gives the bail bond company 30 days to return the person. If that fails, the bail bondsman must pay the full price of the bond.
Corey has been across the United States chasing people who fail to appear. He has made trips to Illinois, Ohio, Virginia and Florida.
Pursuing a college student who failed to appear at court, Corey said he drove his white customized Chevrolet Tahoe to Las Vegas. It isn't hard to spot. An oranged-out rear window displays the company information, and the side is adorned with a blown-up picture of the company logo: a thick-necked, broad shouldered man with a crew cut: a caricature of Corey Marmaduke.
One day before Bad Boyz was going to have to pay the forfeiture of the bond, Corey returned his client to court. He apprehended the student in a casino and returned him in two days. In the past 19 years, Bad Boyz has been able to find all but five people.
"My husband drove out to Las Vegas mostly for general principle," Janet said. "It cost us just about as much to get out there and get him to come back as the $3,000 bond."
The workday for a bail bondsman is not 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. While not in the office, the Marmaduke's answer their phones regardless of the time. It is hard for Janet to remember a Christmas that Corey hasn't had to get up from Christmas dinner to bail someone out of jail.
The only thing the Marmadukes don't do is leave their Sunday service at the Cowboy Church on Highway 280.
Corey carries a gun with him at all times, but has never drawn his weapon on anyone while working at Bad Boyz. Janet is licensed, but has never carried a gun on her.
"I think everybody should be able to carry a concealed weapon," Janet said. "There's no law for criminals that carry the weapons, that are illegal. I'm going to protect myself. I think if you're a registered gun owner, you're in the right. You're on the good side."
The Marmadukes are in business to help their clients. They prefer not to, but Corey said he is not afraid to chase down people when he needs to.
"That's not the way I want to do it," Corey said. "I'm a big boy and I've been doing this a long time, but I have a wife and daughter and I'm going to make sure I come home at night."
(02/28/14 3:30pm)
Several schools in NCAA football, from Southern California to Alabama, lay claim to the title of "Tailback U."
After Signing Day 2014, Racean "Roc" Thomas will be looking to add his name to the list of great Auburn Tiger running backs such as Bo Jackson, Cadillac Williams and Tre Mason, who have given Auburn a valid claim to the title.
While the competition at running back will be stiff on the Plains with Thomas battling Peyton Barber, Corey Grant, Cameron Artis-Payne and Johnathan Ford, the incoming freshman will look to utilize what can only be described as freakish talent.
"[Thomas] was the top running back on our guys' board," said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. "Our offensive staff identified him early. They recruited him extremely hard. He was very loyal to us. He could have gone anywhere, but he chose to not go anywhere and stay with us. We really feel like he has the ability to come in immediately and make a huge impact."
In his three years playing for the 6A Oxford Yellow Jackets, Thomas accumulated 5,515 total yards and 76 touchdowns.
In his senior year, Thomas led the Yellow Jackets to a 9-3 season, totaling 2,211 yards and 32 touchdowns on the year.
Even though Auburn changed coaching staffs after a 3-9 season, Thomas committed to play on the Plains and never wavered in his decision.
"Everybody doubted me," Thomas told The Anniston Star last month. "Everybody was, 'Why are you choosing Auburn right now? They had a terrible season, a terrible staff.'
"But you know, it's good, because I can just rub it in everybody's face now. They went all the way to the championship."
Coach Ryan Herring took over for the Yellow Jackets in 2013 during Thomas' senior year, but an instant impression was set when he began the season.
"When (Thomas) had the football, he was the ultimate game-breaker," Herring said. "At any time he can break a run and either win the game or keep the game close and give you a chance to win it."
After such a dominating high school career, Thomas was ranked a 5-star recruit and was ranked as the No. 2 running back in the nation by Rivals.com, while Scout.com listed him as the No. 3 back.
Among some of his accolades, Thomas was named as a first-team all-state selection as a junior.
In 2013, Thomas was named the Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year, the Class 6A Back of the Year by the state's sportswriters and the state's Mr. Football.
"This is really just the beginning of it all," Thomas said. "This is a great award, but I want to win more.
"I want to win Heismans [Trophies]. Jameis Winston won it, so I'm hoping I'm next."
Thomas was also selected for both the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and the 2014 Under Armour All-American Game.
One of Thomas's most valuable qualities is his breakaway speed. Clocking a 4.48 40-yard dash time, once Thomas sees open field ahead, defenders have a hard time catching him.
"He's almost like Bo Jackson how he could finish a run," Herring said. "You thought for sure he'd be caught, but he'd end up in front of someone who had a great angle on him."
While Thomas will battle a stable full of talented backs for the starting job on the Plains, his high school coach is already certain he can make it big.
"Athletically and potential-wise, he's a freak," Herring said. "If he dedicates himself, he can definitely play in the NFL."
(03/01/14 4:49am)
Several schools in NCAA football, from Southern California to Alabama, lay claim to the title of "Tailback U."
After Signing Day 2014, Racean "Roc" Thomas will be looking to add his name to the list of great Auburn Tiger running backs that has given Auburn a valid claim to the title like his predecessors Bo Jackson, Cadillac Williams and Tre Mason.
While the competition at running back will be stiff on the Plains with Thomas battling Peyton Barber, Corey Grant, Cameron Artis-Payne and Johnathan Ford, the incoming freshman will look to utilize what can only be described as freakish talent.
"[Thomas] was the top running back on our guys' board," said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. "Our offense staff identified him early, [and] they recruited him extremely hard. He was very loyal to us. He could have gone anywhere, but he chose to not go anywhere and stay with us. We really feel like he has the ability to come in immediately and make a huge impact."
In his three years playing for the 6A Oxford Yellow Jackets, Thomas accumulated 5,515 total yards and 76 touchdowns.
In his senior year, Thomas led the Yellow Jackets to a 93 season, totaling 2,211 yards and 32 touchdowns on the year.
Even though Auburn changed coaching staffs after a 3-9 season, Thomas committed to play on the Plains and never wavered in his decision.
"Everybody doubted me," Thomas told The Anniston Star last month. "Everybody was, 'Why are you choosing Auburn right now? They had a terrible season, a terrible staff.'
"But you know, it's good, because I can just rub it in everybody's face now. They went all the way to the championship."
Coach Ryan Herring took over for the Yellow Jackets in 2013 during Thomas' senior year, but an instant impression was set when he began the season.
"When (Thomas) had the football, he was the ultimate game-breaker," Herring said. "At any time he can break a run and either win the game or keep the game close and give you a chance to win it."
After such a dominating high school career, Thomas was ranked a five-star recruit and was ranked as the No. 2 running back in the nation by Rivals.com, while Scout.com listed him as the No. 3 back.
Among some of his accolades, Thomas was named as a first-team all-state selection as a junior. In 2013, Thomas was named the Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year, the Class 6A Back of the Year by the ASWA and the state's Mr. Football.
"This is really just the beginning of it all," Thomas said. "This is a great award, but I want to win more. I want to win Heismans. Jameis Winston won it, so I'm hoping I'm next."
Thomas was also selected for both the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and the 2014 Under Armour All-American game.
Analysts who have watched Thomas' lateral movement and breakaway speed call back to the days of Bo Jackson. He also has a mixture of ability to remain on his feet and break a tackle like recent Heisman finalist Tre Mason.
One of Thomas's most valuable qualities is his breakaway speed. Clocking a 4.48 40-yard dash time, once Thomas sees open field ahead, defenders have a hard time catching him.
"He's almost like Bo Jackson how he could finish a run," said Herring. "You thought for sure he'd be caught, but he'd end up in front of someone who had a great angle on him.
Along with Thomas's obvious physical skills, he brings a special brand of silent leadership according to Coach Herring.
"He had a lot of silent leadership during the games on Friday night, which is what I like." said Herring. "I thought he did a great job being a leader by his actions and not just by his words."
While Thomas will battle a stable full of talented backs for the starting job on the plains, his high school coach is already certain that he can make it big.
"Athletically and potential-wise, he's a freak," said Herring. "If he dedicates himself he can definitely play in the NFL."
(02/25/14 1:20am)
A couple of weeks into the season, Auburn baseball's roster has been downsized three positions.
"We're going to have to continue to push the elements, and ultimately we'll win the battle," head coach Sunny Golloway said after a rough 5-0 loss to California Feb. 22. "I don't want it to take all year, but if we've got to minimize our roster then we'll do that."
Golloway announced Monday, Feb. 24, that seniors Hunter Kelley and Patrick Savage and junior Chase Williamson are no longer members of the Auburn baseball team. Philip Marshall from AuburnTigers.com reported that Kelley was dismissed from the team hours after the ETSU game and then Savage and Williamson left the team.
"If we're going to end up having some cancer in our clubhouse we're going to end up having to cut that out and move forward," Golloway said after the 3-2 extra innings loss to East Tennessee State Feb. 23.
The baseball team is now moving forward without three veteran players.
Kelley played a few innings in left field and Savage started at designated hitter in Sunday's 3-2 extra innings loss against ETSU, which featured many mistakes that cost the Tigers runs throughout the game.
Golloway was upset in the postgame interview Feb. 23 and pointed out Kelley's mistake in left field that turned a single into a triple to set up the winning run in the 10th inning.
"You can't dive for a single and turn it into a triple in a tie ballgame. That's just a cardinal rule and again it's a returning veteran player that does that," Golloway said. "That's disheartening because they wouldn't have scored with two more pop ups after it with our closer in the game."
Golloway also noted after the game how he has been impressed with the freshmen class' attitude and effort but has seen a "lack of work ethic and a lack of team-first" attitude from some of the returning veteran players.
Looking back at Kelley's career playing outfield for Auburn, he played his junior year here last season after transferring from junior college and batted .246 with 28 hits and nine runs batted in. Kelley was also drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 34th round in 2011.
Another senior, Savage, had a longer career at Auburn having been here since his 2010 freshman season, when he hit .333 in nine games with two doubles and one home run. After receiving a medical redshirt in 2011, he hit .260 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 2012. Last year Savage started at designated hitter in 34 games and hit .290 on the season with 40 hits and 19 RBIs.
In Williamson's freshman year in 2012 he went 0-0 with a 2.70 ERA in four relief appearances. He saw more action on the mound last season and went 3-0 with a 3.46 ERA in 15 relief appearances.
Now that Golloway's team is moving forward without these three players, he said he is confident that things will change.
"Players have to understand that we are a part of something that is much greater than we are individually. We are going to play for what is on the front of our jerseys and not on the back," Golloway said. "Be proud of your name, but play for Auburn."
