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(09/13/14 3:52am)
The Auburn volleyball team started out their home slate this weekend with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-11, 25-21) victory over Troy Friday night at the Auburn Arena.
The Tigers (4-3) dominated the Trojans (8-2) in every category: kills (43-24), assists (42-22), digs (54-37) and blocks (8-4).
Freshman Macy Reese's career-high 12 kills to hit .478 played a big role in improving the series to 16-0 against the Trojans.
"I thought (Reese) was very aggressive," head coach Rick Nold said. "She put a lot of pressure on them moving the ball around and she worked hard to do that."
Sophomore Emily Klitzke and freshman Courtney Crable had nine kills in the win.
Freshman Alexa Filley posted 32 assists and nine digs.
"My job was easy because I could set anyone I wanted, and all my hitters were doing great so it was a lot of fun," Filley said.
Reece recorded six of her 12 kills in the first frame.
"I think our defense was just so on point," Reese said. "It got all of the hitters really excited. It was just great. Everyone played well together."
The second frame the Tigers hit .294 with 13 kills, and had only three errors.
"We had a great crowd," Nold said. "Gave us a lot of energy, and I thought we came out and really played efficiently early in the match."
Nold called an early timeout to talk to his team in the third set when Troy was leading 19-16.
"These are very good teams and they're going to take advantage of that," Nold said. "I thought we had to get back and be a lot sharper with the way we were defending. We kind of pulled it together late in the game. It's a lesson for us to learn."
Crable led the Tigers with six of her nine kills in a close third frame.
After the Tigers being away for their first tournament, they were happy to come home and get the win.
"It was so much fun being with all our fans and just having all the support because we've been away for every other game, so it's nice to have everyone here supporting us," Filley said.
(09/11/14 5:29pm)
Tears were streaming down my mother's cheeks the entire ride home.
She was mourning with the rest of America after they heard the North and South towers were struck by two planes, later confirmed to be hijacked by al-Qaida terrorists.
Precautions were taken seriously on Ft. Benning, the military base in Georgia I lived on, after the World Trade Center was attacked Sept. 11, 2001.
As a seventh grader, all I knew was Americans had been killed, and more were in danger because of the airplane crashes.
I remember telling my mom in the car it was going to be all right. I didn't have a clue what was really going on, or what al-Qaida or Taliban even meant. I was glued to the television when we got home.
Seeing the footage of the planes flying into the towers horrified me, but realizing there are people who willfully want to hurt us changed me.
Watching the Marines, soldiers, airmen and sailors fighting in the Middle East after 9/11 on television motivated me to do something about what happened to our country when I was in middle school.
I wanted to make a difference, so I joined the United States Marine Corps Infantry when I turned 18.
Casualty rates in Iraq and Afghanistan were rising and service people were coming back with the invisible wounds of PTSD, among other things from their combat experiences. I knew it wasn't a matter of if I was going to go to combat when I joined, but a matter of when.
I wasn't worried about any of that. You can't be worried about every bad thing that might happen to you because it prevents you from doing your job.
I just wanted to join the thousands of others who signed up for duty after the 9/11 attacks.
My unit was deployed to some of the worst areas of Iraq and Afghanistan. We saw first-hand the evil the Islamic terrorist groups are capable of.
While I saw plenty of bad things over there, I will never again experience the camaraderie like I had with the Marines
We deployed in some of the most hostile environments imaginable, but we still knew how to make each other laugh, and we all knew we had each other's back when something goes down.
We all shared a sense of pride I couldn't have found anywhere else.
If the attacks on 9/11 did not happen, I'm not sure I would have enlisted in the military or ever experienced any of that. That's the kind of stuff that made me who I am today.
Going to the Middle East and fighting was my way of looking evil in the eye. It gave me the opportunity to do my small part and let people know that Americans are not going to live in fear.
Being able to see many of my brothers, ordinary guys, do extraordinary things was an experience I couldn't have gotten from any civilian job.
As devastating as 9/11 was, it revived a sense of pride in this nation. It encouraged brave Americans to run toward danger and face evil head on.
It changed peoples' lives, like mine, and pushed them to do things they probably would not have. Most of all, 9/11 taught people how to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
(09/09/14 7:30pm)
"Why are Southerners so serious about tailgating?" my friend from Pennsylvania asked when he visited on his first trip to the South.
Growing up around the tailgating, and never really thinking about this question before, I couldn't give him an answer.
In other parts of the country, sports fans tailgate, but Southerners take it to a whole different level.
Southerners have a couple important reasons to take tailgating seriously: tradition and fun.
Our deep attachment to college football in Alabama is partly because of the lack of a professional team in the state, but we take the tailgating as far as we do because it is an honored sports tradition, and we really enjoy doing it.
Nothing gets you ready better for Saturday games at home than pop-up tents spread throughout the campus, food on the grill and coolers packed full with beer.
Surrounded in tradition and the college town atmosphere, tailgates give fans the energy that translates into the passionate cheering for the home team inside the stadium.
Tailgating and the game go hand-in-hand.
Every school has its own way of sprucing up the game day experience.
I know in Auburn, Gus Malzahn and the Auburn Tigers are not the only ones showing off their skills Saturdays. Tiger tailgaters are too.
For some of the more serious tailgaters, it has become a competition to see who can have the best tailgate--the one everybody talks about.
The amount of effort you put into your tailgate can reflect how much you love your team for some passionate fans.
While some fans take extreme pride in their team-themed tailgate spot, others can consist of a couple fold-up chairs and a cooler.
Experiences vary for everyone, but they all add a unique element to the experience.
While tradition is a reason college football fans in the south are so big on participating in tailgates, having fun is why many campuses are covered in party and tailgate tents just before the game.
There is not a better pre-game party than a tailgate, if you do it right.
Drinking games, signature drinks, the outdoors and giving the opposing teams' fans a hard time are all part of the festive outdoor celebration.
There will not be a shortage of food, music, beer and fun. I know people that say they enjoy the tailgate way more than watching the actual game.
There is not a better way to celebrate the anticipation building up to the showdown, and to escape a hard week of classes, than to go to have a tailgate. It's all about food, fun and company.
College football game days are about more than just the actual game, they are about the experience.
You can't get a better experience than you will get tailgating, and Southerners know this.
(09/06/14 6:10pm)
According to head football coach Gus Malzahn, senior running backs Cameron Artis-Payne and Corey Grant are still 1A and 1B on the depth chart, but Artis-Payne's career-high 177-yard performance against Arkansas helped him secure that No. 1 spot on the depth chart.
"Cameron Artis-Payne really carried the load for us," Malzahn said. "He did a solid job of running between the tackles, and he's at his best as the game goes on."
Artis-Payne has been fighting for the starting job since he arrived on campus last spring, and said he wants to prove that he is more than just that downhill guy.
"If you look back at when I was getting recruited I did it all," Artis-Payne said. "When I got here, I kind of got put in a box from you all, but I mean, all and all, I feel like I can do it all."
While Malzahn has confidence in the two seniors to run the offense, one could rush into the spotlight.
"Cameron Artis-Payne is a very confident guy," Malzahn said. "Got a lot of quality carries last year, especially early. So we know what we are getting with him."
Artis-Payne is confident in his durability needed for carrying the ball more times this season to secure that role.
"Oh, I'm built to last," Artis-Payne said. "I ain't worried about that. I can do that. Twenty times a game, that ain't nothing. I can do that."
Artis-Payne proved that against the Razorbacks when he carried it 26 times and showed that he can last the entire game, as he rushed for 122 yards in the second half alone.
"As the game gets longer, I get stronger," Artis-Payne said. "That's what I pride myself on."
Artis-Payne thinks the second-year comfort level has helped Grant and himself tremendously.
"We're a lot further along just in the execution phase of where we were last year," Artis-Payne said. "It's just being comfortable and being aware of your surroundings, and knowing what is coming next. It helps a lot."
According to Artis-Payne and Grant, Artis-Payne came into this season with a chip on his shoulder from last year, where he only averaged 4.6 carries a game as he sat behind Tre Mason's record-breaking season.
"Yeah, y'all saw me sitting on the bench last year," Artis-Payne said. "I read everything that everybody puts out, talking about how they don't know how the running game's going to be. I'm here to prove it's going to be all right."
Now it's just about going out and performing, said Artis-Payne.
"All those guys are very confident guys," said offensive lineman Shon Coleman. "Any guy that we got back there in the backfield, we have confidence in them. We know they can go out there and perform well."
(09/02/14 8:43pm)
After Saturday's 45-21 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks, Auburn still has to continue to improve, head coach Gus Malzahn said.
"The great thing about a first game is usually you improve more from the first game to the second game than you do all year, and that is what we have to do," Malzahn said.
Malzahn mentioned the pass rush.
"We definitely need to get better at pass rush, and I think back this time last year it was a lot similar, and we got better each week, so that is what we will work really hard to do," Malzahn said.
After responding well to their SEC matchup in week one and moving up one spot in the AP Top 25, the Tigers want to improve on some things before they play San Jose State Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Senior Reese Dismukes feels good about the offensive line as a whole, but believes they can execute better in the future.
"When you got five new guys working together, it is going to take time to get completely gelled and know what everybody is going to do out on the field in certain situations," Dismukes said. "It just takes reps."
The Tigers are confident in senior Nick Marshall and sophomore Jeremy Johnson throwing the ball after they combined to complete 72.7 percent of their passes and averaged 13.3 yards per attempt Saturday.
They were pleased with the passing game. D'haquille Williams posted nine catches for 154 yards, the highest receiving total for any Tiger since the 2010 SEC Championship Game.
Malzahn feels good about his 1 and 1A in the backfield after they recorded 234 yards rushing in the second half. Seniors Corey Grant and Cameron Artis-Payne finished their runs strong, are getting more comfortable and are making it clear they want to do it all, Malzahn said.
He thought communication was good on the left side of the offensive line in the first game.
"Our players deserve a lot of credit because coaches can have all the adjustments they want, but the players have to go out there and execute the adjustments," Malzahn said. "I was very proud of our players on both sides."
The Tigers were also impressed by the adjustments their secondary was able to make after halftime.
"We had a little jitters coming out in the first half," senior Jermaine Whitehead said. "It took a minute for us to start back clicking, but when we finally got in at halftime, we decided it was time to come out and play Auburn football. Hopefully that second half was a reflection to the rest of our season."
Taking the positives and correcting mistakes they made in Saturday are how the Tigers intend to approach each game and get better each week.
"We got to figure out a way to get better each week, each practice," Malzahn said.
(08/30/14 5:18pm)
The Auburn Tigers defeated the UC Irvine Anteaters 3-0 in their home opener Friday night at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
The Tigers were pumped and ready to take the field after waiting all summer according to sophomore Casie Ramsier said.
"It was awesome," Ramsier said. "I mean we were so pumped before the game. It was like the home opener. We've been waiting all of the summer and finally we got to it, so we were pretty pumped and ready."
Auburn's first goal came from senior Chelsea Gandy-Cromer, who scored off Ellie Leek's play from the corner kick seven minutes into the second half.
"I want to point out some things that we have kind of been stressing, especially in halftime," Gandy-Comer said. "That is just kind of be fearless in the box, own our box. We had corner after corner and Coach had just been stressing to get something on the end of it, I knew that I had it, and it bounced back, and I was just there and finished it."
Ten minutes later freshman Ellie Leek scored again off a play from freshman Kristen Dodson. It was Leek's first career goal for the Tigers.
"Kristen popped right up when I was on the edge of the box, and she played me like the perfect ball and I took the shot," Leek said. "I didn't even think that it went in, and then it hit the crossbar and went in. It was like a bit of a delayed reaction."
Sophomore Casie Ramsier would top off Auburn's victory with a third goal off a free kick played by junior Haley Gerken.
A productive Tiger defense held the Anteaters scoreless and only allowed their opponents one shot in the match.
"Defense wins championship games, so we are always going to keep that focus," Gandy-Comer said.
The loss they took to UC Irvine two years ago played a big role in Friday night's win, head coach Karen Hoppa said.
"For us, it was also about avenging our loss two years ago," Hoppa said. "We went out there and we lost 1-0, so that was a big factor as well."
Not having the season they wanted last year made starting out the home opener with a 3-0 win mean that much more , Hoppa said.
"We're excited about this group, and what you saw tonight that I think is really important is we have great depth," Hoppa said. "We're able to sub a lot deeper and that's a big difference especially this time of year when it's hot and everything. I think this team has loads of potential and I'm excited to see where we go."
The Tigers will face the Georgia Southern Eagles in the last match of the Tiger Classic on Sunday at 2:30 on SEC Network Plus.
(08/28/14 6:00pm)
Only two incoming SEC volleyball players have ever earned Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year. The most recent recipient is a 5'9 freshman setter for Auburn out of Assumption High School in Louisville, Kentucky.
Alexa Filley, the 2013-14 Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year, looks to be a factor in getting the ball to Auburn's hitters this season, regardless of her height.
"A lot of people put attention toward the height thing, and I've said for a long time it doesn't matter what the position is," said volleyball head coach Rick Nold. "You want to look at the player first, and something with her is she's a good all-around player. She's a good athlete. She jumps well and puts up a very good block for a setter."
Being tall can help in volleyball, but that doesn't mean shorter people cannot make a difference. Filley said she overcomes her height disadvantages by working harder than everyone else and playing as if she's a "big" player.
Filley and junior Alyssa Ivey are vying to be the setter in the Tigers' system this season. Ivey returns for her second season at Auburn after appearing in 24 matches during the 2013 season.
Both players will look to replace Lindsey Wintzinger, who became one of the four setters in Auburn's school history to reach the 2,500-assist mark.
Part of a top-15 recruiting class, Filley and the other freshman have acquired the highest ranking in program history and are looking to play a major role for the Tigers in 2014.
"I'm excited about competing with my teammates and getting better and trying to beat some people," Filley said.
Filley led her high school team to a 36-6 record, a Kentucky state championship and a final national ranking of No. 6 as a senior, according to prepvolleyball.com.
She recorded 1,248 assists, 334 digs, 102 kills, 58 blocks and 41 service aces during her senior season.
She was a 2013-14 Under Armour Second-Team All-American, MVP of the state tournament.
While attending Assumption High School, Filley helped her team win four straight state titles, winning state tournament MVP honors in 2012 and 2013. She was also named a second-team All-American selection by USA Today after posting 1,238 assists and 332 digs during her senior season.
Filley and freshman outside hitter Courtney Crable, high school rivals at Louisville's Assumption and Mercy Academy, are now teammates at Auburn.
Crable was Kentucky's Miss Volleyball and a first-team Under Armour All-American in 2013.
Crable said it was fun playing against Filley in high school.
"(Filley) was always a great leader on the court for her team," Crable said. "She is definitely bringing a lot to the table. She's a great defensive player and she is also a threat at the net. I think she will be really good for us."
Nold believes Filley's greatest quality is her competitiveness.
"You put her in a situation, she's going to give everything she has," Nold said. "She's a hard worker, but she's very, very driven and, again, I think that competitiveness is what sparks that."
The competition for the setter position is ongoing, but Nold said Filley and Ivey are both improving and battling for playing time.
Filley is enjoying her first year on The Plains and is ready for the season to start.
"I'm hoping we do really well," Filley said. "I'm hoping we compete in all our games and all our tournaments."
(08/26/14 6:00pm)
Auburn's 2014 depth chart was released leading up to the SEC season-opener against the Arkansas Razorbacks Saturday.
Sophomore Jeremy Johnson was officially announced starting quarterback for the game by head coach Gus Malzahn, while Senior Nick Marshall was still listed as starter on the depth chart.
"Jeremy Johnson will start," Malzahn said. "Nick Marshall will play. I'm not exactly ready to say when and all that, but he definitely will play."
Malzahn would not give any insight into what would effect the rotation or playing time at the quarterback position Saturday.
"We have a plan," Malzahn said. "I'm not going to sit here and tell everybody exactly what our plan is, but we have a plan and we feel very good about it,"
Malzahn did say that he and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee have communicated with the two quarterbacks and have had a plan for a while. They also feel good about starting Johnson against the Razorbacks.
"We have a very good idea of what we're going to get with Jeremy," Malzahn said. "He's been in game situations. He's a year older. He's went through spring. He's worked with the 1's and we have a plan."
Junior Josh Holsey will start at corner in the place of senior Jonathan Mincy, and Mincy will play in Saturday's game, Malzahn said.
Star safety Robenson Therezie was not listed in the depth chart and his status moving forward is not clear.
Junior Justin Garrett will start at the Star position, and freshman Nick Ruffin is listed as the backup.
As expected, seniors Cameron Artis-Payne and Corey Grant are 1 and 1A at the runningback position going into game one.
"All those guys are very confident guys," senior left tackle Shon Coleman said. "Any guy that we got back there in the backfield, we have confidence in them...and we know they can go out there and perform well."
Malzahn doesn't have a set No. 3 or No. 4 runningback behind the two seniors, but said freshman Roc Thomas has a chance to be in the game, as well as redshirt freshman Peyton Barber.
"(Thomas is) really good," Artis-Payne said. "Explosive. Quick. He has good speed. He's everything he is advertised to be. He'll be a real good player."
Freshman Daniel Carlson will handle punts and kicks this season.
"What we really tried to stress is let's be better around (Carlson), and so we have a lot more experience around him on our punt team and our kickoff team," Malzahn said.
The punt return job was won by senior Quan Bray, who averaged 5.1 yards per return last season. Sophomore Marcus Davis is listed as the backup. Junior Ricardo Louis and Grant will handle kick returns, but Thomas could see time this season as well.
"We got four guys that can run," Malzahn said. "All four can take it to the house. I think that's critical. You'll see all four back there at times."
Senior Gabe Wright moved from tackle to end in the spring, and will start ahead of senior LaDarius Owens on the right side.
There are three newcomers on offense that were listed on the depth chart, and four on defense.
(08/23/14 5:05pm)
UPDATE:
Tweets were posted Thursday, Aug. 21, by the student in question.
The tweets said A.J. McCarron and his mother are organizing a "fundraiser" that angers the student. The student uses the f-word as well as other curse words in two of their tweets regarding the fundraiser involving Harvey Updike.
One of the tweets said they hope A.J. McCarron and Katherine Webb die.
The Twitter handle was deleted Friday, Aug. 22, without notifying the account beforehand.
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(08/16/14 4:00pm)
The cheerleader, the jock, the gothic kid.
I'd like to believe we've left these stereotypes back in high school.
However, a stereotype most of us can't avoid fulfilling at Auburn University is the broke college student.
That's because most of us are broke, but that is all right. However, not knowing how to budget the little money you have, or spending it unwisely, is not all right.
If you haven't learned money management yet, now is the time. Effectively managing your money will help you for the rest of your life, not just in college.
Take some time and plan out your budget. If you have never made a budget before, you need to start by knowing how much money you'll have coming in every month and how much you think you'll be spending.
The biggest expenses will be the money you spend on tuition, if someone is not paying it for you already.
The rest of your money has to go toward the basics: food, housing, transportation, books, etc.
Start your budget by looking at the most expensive. It is usually tuition and books.
Take advantage of discounts and incentive programs provided by the University. Make sure you know the terms and conditions of any loans you take out, and research scholarships and grants before you accept them.
The college bookstore isn't your only option for purchasing textbooks.
Make sure you compare prices online to find the best deal. If you do decide to buy your books from the bookstore, it may be cheaper if you buy them used, rent, get the digital copies or sell them back at the end of the semester.
Many college students pack on some weight during their first year at school.
Our appetites can be expensive.
To save on food costs, eat at home as much as possible. Do not shop for groceries when you're hungry. Shop for food with a list and stick to it. It also helps save money in the long run to buy in bulk.
Resist your daily caffeine fix at Starbucks.
If you absolutely have to have coffee, buy a coffee maker and make your own at home, or substitute the expensive latte with a regular coffee.
Gas prices and parking passes are expensive.
Carpool with friends when possible and walk or ride your bike to class to save your gas money to do other things.
The Tiger Transit provides students with transportation to get to campus. Your tuition payments include fees associated with it.
For all who like to shop until you drop, try purchasing your clothes at Plato's Closet or another second-hand store instead of the mall and save tons.
Many college students like to go out drinking and have a good time. Do it for less by looking for the happy hour specials at the bars and restaurants before going out. When you decide where you are going out, only take the amount you're happy to spend that night, and no plastic cards.
Spending time with your significant other does not always have to tear into your wallet.
Dates with your crush don't always have to be an expensive dinner at Hamilton's.
Do something fun like a hike or picnic at Chewacla State Park, or watch a scary movie at your house every once in a while.
These tips may not seem like you are saving much short term, but if you start looking at your budget often, you will be able to tell the difference in your spending and have more money to do the things you enjoy.
Derek Thompson is a sports writer at The Auburn Plainsman. He can be contacted via email at sports @theplainsman.com.
(08/06/14 6:17pm)
Toxicology reports confirmed Wednesday, Aug. 6 that the driver and former Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen were legally drunk at the time of their fatal accident on June 30, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Joseph Ian Davis, the driver, had a blood alcohol content level of 0.17. Lutzenkirchen had a blood alcohol level of 0.377.
Lutzenkirchen and Davis died at the scene of the accident, which was in Troup County outside of LaGrange, Georgia, at around 3 a.m.
Four people were in the vehicle at the time of the crash and alcohol was initially suspected by police to have played a role, although blood toxicology tests were conducted only on Davis and Lutzenkirchen as part of the investigation.
Neither Lutzenkirchen nor Davis were wearing seatbelts when Davis failed to stop at a stop sign.
Elizabeth Ann Seton Craig, 22, of Eatonton, Georgia and Christian Tanner Case, 20, of Dadeville, Alabama were the passenger survivors.
Lutzenkirchen and Craig were both ejected from the vehicle while Davis was partially ejected.
The Tigers are planning to commemorate his life during the 2014 football season, but have not announced what that will be.
Lutzenkirchen caught 14 touchdowns between 2009 and 2012, setting the school record by a tight end at Auburn and played an important role in the team's 2010 national championship season.
(08/05/14 3:13am)
Auburn hit the field for day four of fall practice in shells during the media viewing portion of practice. Of note, a number of Tigers fielded punts early in the practice.
Experienced players like Star safety Robenson Therezie and wide receiver Quan Bray, who has returned punts in recent seasons, fielded punts alongside new faces like true freshmen Markell Boston and Stephen Roberts.
Jonathon Mincy, Marcus Davis and Rudy Ford also appear to be in the mix to replace Chris Davis Jr. in return duties.
On the offensive side, quarterback Nick Marshall is sharing practice time with backup Jeremy Johnson, just like in the spring, according offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee.
"(Marshall)'s been really good going about his business and he's been throwing the ball pretty well," Lashlee said. "I've been proud of the way he's been competing and practicing."
Johnson has to take a big step of really maturing and leading like a quarterback, according to Lashlee.
"It's really that time to take that step in the maturation process, with just everything from leadership, to knowing the offense, to execution, to the way you are professional in meetings," Lashlee said. "And I think he's getting there, but that's the next step for him."
Lashlee said with his guys, it has been business as usual, but Johnson has been working really hard.
"The thing with Jeremy is he played a lot last year," Lashlee said. "We feel like he is very talented. We feel like if Nick wasn't the starter that he would play and play well. We feel good with nick and we feel good when Jeremy has to play."
The offseason has helped the quarterback duo put on some weight. Nick has probably put on 10 or 12 pounds and Jeremy's probably put on 10 pounds as well, according to Lashlee.
When it comes to Johnson starting game one, Lashlee would not go into much detail about the situation.
"I'm just saying coach said Nick's not starting the first game and that's where we're at and we are going to practice," Lashlee said.
The rest of the team seems ready to stand behind the young quarterback if he does start against Arkansas.
"Jeremy Johnson has come a long way from his freshman year," senior Brandon Fulse said. "Now he has stepped up. He's a leader. He's taking the game more seriously."
Lashlee said Marshall was 15-of-17 passing in a drill on Day 2.
Auburn coaches have now had four days to get their first look at freshmen from the 2014 recruiting class, a class that was ranked No. 6 nationally by 247sports.
Lashlee was impressed with freshman quarterback Sean White stepping up.
"Man he's throwing the ball well," Lashlee said. "He's got the calm and poise you want a quarterback to have."
The offensive coordinator believes they have some good depth in the backfield with the new freshmen.
Freshman Roc Thomas' athletic ability and quickness and freshman Kamryn Pettway's size and great hands are going to be helpful for the Tigers in 2014, according to Lashlee.
Lashlee likes their depth at the wide receiver position too. The young freshman wideouts Myron Burton and Stanton Truitt have done really well in practice, according to Lashlee.
"I think we have the best receiving core in the nation," Fulse said. "They block on the perimeter...and Sammie Coates, he's probably the best receiver in the SEC I think."
Brandon Fulse plans to be more involved with Auburn's passing game in 2014.
"This is a big role for everybody," Fulse said. "We open up holes. We get out perimeter blocks for running backs and receivers, we catch passes, protect for the quarterback. We do it all."
Lashlee feels like they have guys on the offensive line that are in good positions, but need more reps.
"Avery (Young) is that guy, to be honest with you, of our whole line that could play all five spots, from an ability standpoint," Lashlee said.
Freshman Braden Smith has a eally good chance to help the Tiger's offensive line in his first season according to both Lashlee and head coach Gus Malzahn.
Junior Devonte Danzey is working at left guard behind Chad Slade, which is where he was all spring.
"We're hoping (Danzey) will continue to take that next step and be that guy we can count on if someone goes down," Lashlee said.
(08/03/14 3:45am)
With the loss of projected starter Alex Kozan, Auburn's first-team offensive line after two days of fall practice has been Shon Coleman at left tackle, Chad Slade at left guard, Reese Dismukes at center, Avery Young at right guard and Patrick Miller at right tackle.
Auburn still has options to replace former left tackle and first-round NFL draft pick Greg Robinson.
While Coleman currently is taking first-team reps at the position, true freshman Braden Smith is catching the attention of the coaching staff and veteran players.
"He's super strong," head coach Gus Malzahn said. "There's no doubt about that, but he is athletic you know. He moves well. He's got light feet for such a big guy. I know (offensive line coach J.B. Grimes) was real excited about him really the last two days. Kind of one of those deals that when we get shoulder pads on him, we'll see what he can do."
Auburn returning center Reese Dismukes said the freshman looks like Drago, Rocky Balboa's rival in the 1985 film Rocky IV.
"He looks like that guy and he's only a freshman," Dismukes said. "I got to watch him a little bit...he looks like he is going to be a really good player."
Smith was a late addition, along with four-star defensive end Andrew Williams, which helped Auburn finish No. 6 in the national recruiting rankings, according to 247sports.com's composite ratings.
The four-star prospect was recruited from Olathe South (Olathe, KS) class of 2014 and committed to Auburn on Feb. 5, 2014.
Auburn's 2013 starting left tackle Greg Robinson declared for the NFL Draft in January was a factor that drew Smith to the Tigers.
Although right now it is about trying to get the fundamentals down, Grimes has had him at left tackle the last two days of practice and Malzahn thinks he is a player that they are going to give a shot in the next two weeks.
"See if he can get in the mix," Malzahn said. "You know as a freshman that is hard to do in our league, as a true freshman just showing up, but he does have the physical ability to do it. He is big enough to play inside. He's athletic enough to play inside too, so he provides a little versatility."
Malzahn believes the 6-foot-6 and 285 pound lineman has the ability to help the team early and his teammates are impressed.
"If I saw Braden in public and I didn't know him at all and you told me that he was a freshman in college, I would not believe you at all," senior offensive lineman Chad Slade said. "He's one athlete, just human being, just big and strong. He's going to be something great. He's an athlete, so I can't wait to see what he has in store whenever he gets his chance."
(08/02/14 2:31am)
Senior quarterback Nick Marshall and senior cornerback Jonathan Mincy will not start in game one of the 2014 season against Arkansas, according to head coach Gus Malzahn.
Malzahn's punishment for Marshall and Mincy had been highly speculated after the quarterback's citation for possession of marijuana on July 11 and Mincy's arrest for second-degree marijuana possession on June 27.
Malzahn did not have an answer at SEC Media Days, but he ended the suspense after the Tiger's first fall practice.
"I've decided they will not start game one as part of their punishment," Malzahn said.
According to center Reese Dismukes, the team is behind the two seniors and whatever decision Malzahn makes for them.
"Whatever 11 are on the field, we are going to play with, and we are going to go out there and try and win a football game," Dismukes said.
Marshall's teammates respect how he has handled the situation since the incident, according to receiver Ricardo Louis.
"He's been working hard," Louis said. "He's still leading and trying to get better every day."
Marshall's replacement for the starting spot against Arkansas will be sophomore quarterback Jeremy Johnson.
Johnson's teammates have confidence in him and believe he is ready to step up this season, Louis said.
"He started a couple games last year," Louis said. "He showed that he can start and make plays for the team so I believe he will do good. He's more confident going into his second year."
Johnson is not as fast as Marshall, but has a big arm, according to Dismukes.
"I think they complement each other pretty well," Dismukes said.
Malzahn believes Marshall's and Mincy's absence in the start against Arkansas will help them in the future and still considers them starters.
"Nick Marshall is still our quarterback," Marshall said. "Jonathan Mincy is still our cornerback, but that's part of their punishment as far as that goes."
(07/30/14 5:48pm)
Charter Communications says it is finalizing a deal with ESPN to carry the SEC Network, according to Charter spokesperson.
Fans will be able to watch their Auburn Tigers compete on the SEC Network via Charter Communications, a major telecommunications provider in Auburn, when the network is scheduled to launch Aug. 14.
The SEC Network will televise 45 football games, more than 100 men's basketball games, 60 women's basketball games and 75 baseball games in its first year.
Programming on the SEC Network will air around the clock.
Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks signed on to carry the SEC Network last week and deals are also in place with Comcast, Dish Network, Cox Media and AT&T U-Verse.
Auburn will open the 2014 season on the SEC Network against Arkansas on Aug. 30, at 3 p.m. CT.
No official announcement has been made at this time. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
(07/26/14 12:00pm)
The moment she told the team she had cancer, Auburn women's golf head coach Kim Evans said she assured her players she would return.
Evans was diagnosed in May 2013 and underwent surgery to remove a cyst on her left ovary. The cyst was later determined to be cancerous, and Evans was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Evans has been cancer free since October.
Evans led the Tigers to eight SEC Championships and 14 NCAA Championship appearances while compiling a 2,434-850-42 record as Auburn's head golf coach.
Evans said she believes it is helpful to have someone other than yourself when trying to recover from cancer.
Making Auburn her healing place and having people in her life who cared about her helped, Evans said.
"I had an amazing group of friends and family to help me through it," Evans said. "The Auburn Family just kind of circled around me and supported me through it. Just knowing that there was always someone there for me helped."
Evans has a great relationship with her players, according to associate head coach Andrew Pratt.
"She treats them like they are her daughters, but they are still her players and she expects a lot out of them," Pratt said.
Auburn sophomore Alex Harrell said she is excited to start the 2014-15 season under the guidance of Evans, whose strength and willpower has taught Harrell to never give up.
"She wasn't going to let it beat her," Harrell said. "She was going to beat it."
Evans tells her players not to take life too seriously, but enjoy the short time they have here.
When her golfers start thinking about something too hard on the golf course, Evans will sing to them, Harrell said.
"Anything that pops in her head," Harrell said. "She may not even get the lyrics right, but she'll sing it."
One of Auburn's best performances last year was in February when the team placed fourth overall at the Annual Lady Puerto Rico Classic.
Much of the team's performance was attributed to Evans returning and the girls motivation to play well for her again, Pratt said.
Evans is feeling good these days. She rests, eats and exercises as much as she can tries to enjoy herself every second of every day.
"I value everyday stuff more than I ever dreamed now," Evans said.
Taking it a day at a time and looking forward to the season, she is seeing how much stronger she can continue to get.
The day Evans discovered she had cancer, she said wasn't sure which way it was going to go, but she knew every day was worth living.
"She's a head coach, but at the same time, she's just an incredible lady," Pratt said.
Evans, a legendary coach who has spent over 20 years as Auburn's women's golf coach, returned last spring and is ready to start the 2014-15 season with her players and staff.
(07/24/14 5:44pm)
Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall's fine for possession of marijuana has been paid and the case is closed.
Marshall was initially pulled over for a window tint violation when the police officers found less than an ounce of marijuana in his car on July 11.
The fines were $1,000 for the marijuana and $100 for the window tint violation.
Marshall's mother, Shalina Cliett, reportedly paid the $1,100 in fines for her son's citations
Marshall's punishment has been handled from a legal standpoint, but Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn has not yet announced the consequences the potential Heisman candidate will face from him.
Malzahn did not allow Marshall to attend SEC Media days because of the citation. Monday on ESPN's "Numbers Never Lie" he said he would decide Marshall's punishment "in a short period of time."
Marshall would not face any loss of playing time as a first-time offender, according to Auburn's athletic drug policy.
Since Marshall's fine was paid, he will not have to attend the September court date.
The Tigers open Aug. 30 against Arkansas.
(07/19/14 4:00pm)
Tiger Woods' appetite for extramarital sex and all the craziness surrounding Mike Tyson's boxing career are just a couple falls from grace after success got to their head.
How someone responds to their success can say a lot.
Not too many are better at handling their success than the most likable guy in golf today, 2013 PGA Champion and former Auburn golf All-American Jason Dufner.
The constant mindfulness in everyday life that comes with being a professional athlete can be dealt with properly by being grounded and humble like "The Duf."
Being a humble human being keeps famous athletes from spiraling out of control when they have everything going their way.
There isn't anything to dislike about Dufner.
A pinch of chewing tobacco packed tight in his lower lip is all he really needs to keep his laid back style.
Cool, calm and comfortable is how Dufner lives his life.
"I don't like stress because stress stresses me out," Dufner told the national press at the 2012 Master's Tournament.
He is also a man who stays true to the people and things that matter most to him.
He made Auburn one of his first stops to show off his Wanamaker trophy after his big win at the 2013 PGA Championship.
He recently honored the passing of his friend, and former Auburn football star, Philip Lutzenkirchen, who died in a single-vehicle accident, with the utmost fashion by stitching Lutzenkirchen's football number on the golf bag he will use in the British Open on July 17-20.
Everything he does, even on the golf course, looks effortless.
The media sensation called "Dufnering" says it all.
There is a viral photo of him in a slumped-over sitting position with his emotionless face was taken in a classroom where he was supposedly giving a lesson about focusing and relaxation.
The fun-loving golfer handles the spotlight by acting like himself and not letting the extra attention of being famous faze him.
Dufner is the first former Auburn golfer to ever win a major title and a big-time Auburn fan.
A small fist pump like the one he gave after his PGA Championship victory is about as excited as you're going to see this humble Auburn man get.
While not always the most charismatic golfer on the course, he is respected and loved by many because he knows how to handle his success.
(07/12/14 1:00pm)
Former Auburn men's tennis All-American Tim Puetz was more excited than head coach Eric Shore had ever seen him after the Tigers won a match against Alabama 4-3 in Tuscaloosa.
Puetz lost his doubles and singles matches that night, but that didn't matter to him as much as the team winning.
According to Shore, it was not about winning or losing for a "humble" person like Puetz, but learning about life through the game of tennis.
"It's not so much about tennis," Puetz said. "It's about getting more mature and learning the things that matter more. I learned that in Auburn."
The former Tiger has come a long way since his tennis days on the Plains.
Puetz's first adventure at Wimbledon came to an end Wednesday, June 25 after his second-round loss to No. 16 seed Fabio Fognini in London.
After playing in the U.S. Open and the French Open already, he was excited to compete against more big names at Wimbledon.
"That's what you play tennis for," Puetz said. "You play tennis to play the guys you see on television."
Puetz was a four-year letter-winner and All-American at Auburn. He posted at least 18 singles wins each year.
During his senior season in 2010, Puetz made a run to the NCAA semifinals in singles with a .857 winning percentage and an 18-3 record. He also earned All-SEC honors during each of his four seasons at Auburn.
Puetz's relaxed mentality on the court is what helps him deal with pressure, according to Shore.
"He's never been a kid that gets too stressed out," Shore said. "He just enjoys the competition and doesn't let it affect him personally."
Puetz said he believes in finding a balance that works for you.
"Every player is different," Puetz said. "Some players are really, really intense when they play. I'm not like that. I try to be focused, and at the same time relaxed. There are some things you can't control and that you can't get too upset about when you play."
At just 26 years old, Puetz appears to have his best days ahead of him.
Shore believes he also has the potential to make a name for himself in doubles.
Puetz and his former Auburn doubles partner Alexey Tsyrenov advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Doubles Championships in 2009, finishing the year ranked sixth in the nation by the International Tennis Association.
"He is very diverse," Tsyrenov said. "He can play on the baseline, but he can also shut down people with the serve and volley and he can be really good at the net."
To this day, Puetz claims his time spent at Auburn was the best of his life and said the atmosphere is different on the Tour.
"You're playing for yourself," Puetz said. "You're not playing for the team anymore. Auburn was the best for me. You had the team atmosphere."
He still keeps in touch with most of his friends from college, including Shore and Tsyrenov.
"I come to Auburn as much as I can every time I'm in the states," Puetz said. "I miss everything about it."
(07/06/14 12:00pm)
Passionate Auburn football fans need something to fill the void of the offseason, and the East Alabama Predators could be the summer filler that gets Tiger fans warmed up for the college football season.
The first-year, semi-pro team improved to 6-0 Saturday, June 28, after a 29-0 victory at Moore Stadium in Opelika.
They are a top-10 ranked team in the 54-team Gridiron Developmental Football League and claim to have the potential to go all the way to the top in the league.
What makes the team special is the dedicated players and their devotion to the game.
These players pay for their own equipment and transportation while simultaneously juggling a job, school, family or all three.
This highly motivated group of individuals often goes unnoticed.
"Everybody's working or going to school," said Joel Alvarado, Predators' defensive lineman and senior in communication. "During the spring semester, when I had classes five days a week, it was tough. I had to make myself want to go to practice at the end of the day after being in class all day. It was tough, but definitely worth it."
The Predators started their eight-game, regular season schedule in May; it consists of four home games at Moore Stadium and four away games.
They are in the Heart of the South Football League, led by quarterback Charles Drinkard, of Mobile, and coached by Loachapoka High School track coach Derrick Levett.
The team does workouts and conditioning on their own and come out one or two days a week for practice, with games on Saturdays, according to Alvarado.
Some players play to gain exposure from higher levels of the game, but Alvarado plays because he enjoys football.
Alvarado said he found it difficult to stay in shape between work and school.
"I love working out, and it got hard for me to want to go to the gym every day," Alvarado said. "I figured playing some football would keep me in the gym, keep me in good shape."
While competing in semi-pro football can help a player's exposure, many of these players are back on the field because they missed playing the game they love.
"It's not really about a second shot for me," said John Atkins, Predators' center and sophomore in special education. "I just miss playing and wanted to get back into it a little bit."
Even with the player's busy lives off the football field, the team has left their mark in the Auburn/Opelika communities as an exciting complement to the college football offseason.
"I'm pretty sure we are going to finish the season undefeated," Alvarado said. "If we do, we will go to national playoffs."