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(08/06/14 2:48am)
Auburn hit the field in full pads for the first time Tuesday, but it was missing faces who caught the headlines from practice.
Expected starting offensive guard Chad Slade was joined by offensive tackle Austin Golson on the sideline not dressed out in pads.
Cornerback Trovon Reed, who moved to defense after spending much of his Auburn career as a wide receiver, was also not dressed out.
Now that the Tigers are dressed out in pads, full preparation for the 2014 season can truly begin.
"We've been in shells and I think everybody gets excited, especially on defense, because the offense feels like they're running us when we have just shorts on," defensive back Josh Holsey said. "So I think it's great for us to get in pads and get a little contact going on to get ready for tomorrow."
The presence of fresh talent has pushed a number of more firmly entrenched veterans to improve in the offseason.
"I watched the players before I got here and I watch them now," defensive lineman Montravius Adams said. "I know if I was starting and somebody came in trying to get my spot, I know I'd get better so I'm sure they're working to be better."
The shorts and t-shirts of spring are gone for now as Auburn's athletes put on the pads and inch ever closer to the beginning of the 2014 season.
"It's my favorite part," Auburn tackle Shon Coleman said. "Getting out there and being physical, that's why I love this game so much."
(08/06/14 2:04am)
Five Auburn City Council members were presented with Certificates of Election Tuesday after going unopposed in the upcoming elections.
Ron Anders, Jr. of Ward 2, Brent Beard of Ward 4, Gene Dulaney of Ward 7 and Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. were reelected to their respective positions.
Thomas L. Dawson was elected to the council seat for Ward 8 after running unopposed. He will replace councilperson Bob Norman who chose not to run for reelection.
Elections for contested seats, Wards 1,3, 5 and 6, will be held on Aug. 26.
The council also approved an amendment Tuesday standardizing parking time limits and meter of the municipal parking deck located on Gay Street.
The amendment will place all parking spots on the first floor of the deck under the same regulatory system used in the Gay Street lot.
"Everything under the deck now is being matched by what is currently at the Gay Street lot," city manager Charlie Duggan said. "We still have meters at the lot between the deck and buildings."
A resolution was passed with Bellsouth Telecommunications that passes a right-of-way use agreement with IP-enabled video services.
The resolution is expected to make AT&T's U-Verse available to Auburn residents.
During the Auburn University Communications portion, discussions were held on the scheduling of the 2014 Homecoming Parade.
The parade is scheduled for September 26th and will begin at 6 p.m. before wrapping up around 9:30 p.m.
The University is hoping to utilize the University Lawn for this year's event concerts.
Finalization of plans is expected in the coming weeks.
(08/04/14 9:22pm)
Junior Star safety Justin Garrett isn't dragging his feet in his return to the field.
One year after foot injuries cut his promising 2013 season short, Garrett is looking to make up for lost time in fall practice.
"He already knows all the checks and calls and everything," junior linebacker Kris Frost said. "He looks like he's in mid-season form already."
Prior to the 2013 season, Garrett was widely considered one of the most promising pieces in the implementation of defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson's 4-2-5 scheme.
A rash of foot problems prevented Garrett from starting the year at the Star position however, and a broken foot prior to the Ole Miss game ultimately ended his season.
Garrett turned to doctors in the offseason to help correct his foot problems. Now using corrective orthotic soles and a specialized pair of cleats, Garrett is hoping to cash in on the potential he's shown coaches.
"He made a lot of plays for us in the spring and he had a great spring the year before, but the injuries unfortunately have always kept him from having a really stellar season," defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said. "Hopefully good luck will follow us this year. If that kid can have a full season of practice and games, I think he can be one of our most dynamic playmakers. He's done a really good job out there so far."
Garrett may have been an outside linebacker coming out of high school, but his athleticism made him a good fit for Johnson's Star position, which requires the safety to step up in run support and drop into coverage.
"I think he's a better space player," Johnson said. "He's a great blitzer off the edge and he's improved his cover skills out there tremendously."
According to Frost, Garrett's on-field motor is another quality he brings to the table.
"He brings a different component to everything we do as far as how hard he works and gets after it no matter what," Frost said.
While Garrett is back up on his feet, he's now facing the harsh reality of being a backup after senior Robenson Therezie had a breakout 2013 campaign at the Star position.
Therezie's presence will likely keep Garrett as a backup at Star early on, but depth issues at linebacker could present the junior with an opportunity at his original position.
Either way, Frost said it's good to see his fellow recruiting classmate back on the field, lifting up teammates as much as he can along the way.
"Me coming in with him, I've always known him as the kind of guy you can look for if you're feeling kind of down on yourself or if you're having a hard time with plays," Frost said. "He's always going to lift you up. Having him out there is a really good thing."
(08/03/14 12:34am)
With the opening of fall practice, new faces are in the Auburn backfield looking to catch the eye of head coach Gus Malzahn and the rest of Auburn's coaching staff.
Racean "Roc" Thomas and Kamryn Pettway, two freshman backs, have gotten their first reps with the team this weekend.
"We're going to give them a chance early in fall camp to carry the football and just be reactive," Malzahn said. "We'll see where they're at with that and we'll see the ball security. We'll slowly implement those guys."
Thomas and Pettway have impressed their more experienced teammates with how quickly they've picked up the playbook.
"They're actually doing a lot better than I thought they would," senior running back Corey Grant said. "They're doing better than most freshmen that come in. They've been doing some extra studying so they know the playbook a little better."
Thomas, one of the nation's top running back recruits according to many recruiting services, has gotten his first chance to display his talent with the start of fall practice.
While Pettway wasn't as heavily recruited as his fellow incoming freshman, Grant and teammate Cameron Artis-Payne both praised the freshman's size and physicality.
"They still need to learn some of the nuances of the game, but as far as talent they're as talented as anybody else," Artis-Payne said.
Redshirt freshman running back Peyton Barber, who impressed coaches in the spring before injuring his knee on his first carry of the A-Day game, is back working at full speed according to Grant.
"He's learning each day," Grant said. "He's picked up right where he left off and it didn't change him a bit."
The younger backs may be breaking ground in their first practices, but the veterans Artis-Payne and Grant seem to be the most likely to earn the starter's share of carries.
According to Malzahn, it's simply a matter of the veterans being further along in their development.
"The older guys it's just improving on the little things," Malzahn said. "The protections and the check downs. Most of our older guys have a pretty good idea of our offense and the running lanes and the timing of things. It's just a matter of getting better at the little things."
The zone read, which Auburn so often turned to with Nick Marshall and Tre Mason in 2013, is a play that Artis-Payne feels more than comfortable running already.
"Me and Nick are pretty in tune with that," Artis-Payne said. "I'm pretty sure we're in mid-season form as far as the read option. I'm not worried about that."
The competition is an opportunity for younger players to push veterans, but Artis-Payne said he's focused on improving his all-around game.
"I'm not really worried about competition, I'm more worried about getting better myself," Artis-Payne said. "Definitely with the speed and quickness, that's all that I really worked on this offseason. I feel like I can do everything else."
(08/02/14 12:27am)
Sophomore All-SEC guard Alex Kozan will miss the 2014 season after undergoing back surgery to treat an injury sustained while working out in the offseason, according to head coach Gus Malzahn.
"He injured his back while he was home lifting during the summer," Malzahn said. "He came back and we tried to rehab it with some different things and he tweaked it. The doctors just felt like the best thing for him and his future was to have surgery."
Kozan was a freshman All-SEC performer and started every game of his first season with the Tigers.
Malzahn said he did not have a plan at the time to replace his injured starter, but stressed that the Tigers have the players to fill the hole.
"We'll probably mix and match some for the first week or so and we'll see what happens with that," Malzahn said. "Obviously, anytime you lose a starter that's played very well that's a challenge. But we do have some quality depth at the offensive line and that's a good thing."
At the Tigers' first fall practice Friday, Shon Coleman, Chad Slade, Reese Dismukes, Avery Young and Patrick Miller worked the offensive line with the first team.
Kozan was not dressed out with the rest of his teammates.
Dismukes, a senior and four-year starter, said it would take some time for the new group to jell together.
"Who knows if there is going to be a drop-off," Dismukes said. "We've only been together for one day and we're going to have to keep getting better and better, but we're not going to be what we were with him. We're going to be a different five."
After his performances as a freshman, Kozan was beginning to receive attention nationally, with the sophomore landing on the Outland Trophy watch list and Athlon naming him a third team preseason All-American.
Those expectations will have to be put on hold for now following his season-ending injury.
"Anytime you lose a guy like that who we played with last year and he's a young player, you hope for the best for him," Dismukes said. "Obviously it's a terrible situation, but we have to continue to work as a group of five with the offensive line as a whole and he'll be there to support us and wish us nothing but the best. It sucks when people get hurt though."
(07/25/14 8:07pm)
Auburn's newest "gamechanger" in student-athlete recruiting is ready for operation, according to athletic director Jay Jacobs.
The Wellness Kitchen, a campus dining facility located across the road from the South Donahue residence hall, was opened to the media Friday in advance of its opening to students at the beginning of the fall semester.
"The primary thing is to feed our students," Jacobs said. "[Auburn] Athletics built this and our student-athletes will be eating here. We've also opened it up to students and already sold out of student meal cards."
Featuring an open kitchen, smoothies, multiple salad bars and entrees, the $6.6 million dollar facility will be campus' only "all-you-care-to-eat" facility.
While all student-athletes will have access, student and general public access to the facility will be limited at first.
"Right now we've limited the number of students and student-athletes that can eat here because we want it to be a great experience," Jacobs said. "As we move through the process and if the eating times are working well, we'll be able to bring more students, faculty and your neighbors off the street into here."
Jacobs described the Kitchen as an off-field "gamechanger" in student-athlete recruiting.
"To fuel our student-athletes is expensive," Jacobs said. "This is going to be the place for a student-athlete to come for a student-athlete experience. We're going to put everything in place that we possibly can. Whether it's a place to live, a place to eat, academic support, their mentors or social skills, we're going to put in front of them the best opportunities."
The Wellness Kitchen will differ from other campus dining options in that it will strive to provide higher quality and more freshly cooked food to its customers.
Jacobs said some of the inspiration behind the Wellness Kitchen stemmed from Sewell Hall, which was used as a residence hall and cafeteria during his time as a student-athlete.
"I wanted us to be able to recreate the environment in which I grew up in, which was Sewell Hall with the dining facility," Jacobs said. "We've certainly outdone ourselves on that. As much as I enjoyed the affection of Sewell Hall, this sort of leaves it in the dust."
The Wellness Kitchen is another step toward providing student-athletes with their needs, such as dining, academic support and housing, all within the same area of campus, according to Jacobs.
"The plan is for the student-athletes to live in the residence hall and they'll then eat all of their meals here," Jacobs said. "If there are guys or girls who are seniors and live off campus, they may only eat breakfast here or buy the meal plan for breakfast, lunch or some combination."
(07/25/14 5:30pm)
Plainsman sports editor Eric Wallace and managing editor Justin Ferguson talk about everything Auburn sports in this last episode of the summer break.
(07/18/14 6:00pm)
Plainsman sports editor Eric Wallace and managing editor Justin Ferguson bring you this weeks happenings in Auburn sports.
(07/17/14 5:26am)
Auburn football may be gearing up for the start of the 2014 season, but its most memorable moments from the 2013 season are still garnering national attention and accolades.
Chris Davis Jr.'s last-second, 109-yard missed field goal return to defeat then No. 1 Alabama won the Best Moment award at the 21st annual ESPY award show held Wednesday in Los Angeles.
Davis' return beat out Damian Lillard's series-clinching three-pointer that carried the Portland Trailblazers over the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs , Paula Creamer's 75-foot putt and Auburn's game-winning Hail Mary pass to defeat the Georgia Bulldogs.
The 2013 Iron Bowl also brought home the ESPY for the Best Game award.
The Iron Bowl beat out the Indianapolis Colts' victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Wild-Card Game and the Los Angeles Kings victory over the New York Rangers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Head coach Gus Malzahn, Sammie Coates, Ricardo Louis and Davis Jr. were among the Auburn players on hand to receive the awards.
The ESPY's is an annual awards show presented by ESPN that recognizes excellence in sports performance and achievements.
The award winners are voted on by online fan balloting after candidates are selected by the ESPY Select Nominating Committee.
(07/16/14 5:15pm)
Highlights from this year's SEC Media Days event.
(07/16/14 2:53am)
The Auburn City Council unanimously passed an amendment Tuesday instituting license requirements for individuals scalping tickets to events in the city of Auburn.
"What we want to do is protect the public, make sure that people running businesses are licensed and cut down on things like counterfeiting," city manager Charlie Duggan said. "Licensing doesn't guarantee the things people buy are legitimate, but we're hoping the photo ID will make people more likely to do the right thing."
The amendment is aimed toward scalpers who purchase tickets with the intent of reselling them for a profit.
Individuals who bought tickets for personal use and are looking to sell extra tickets will not be required to have a license, according to Duggan.
"There's actually an exemption in the ordinance for people who bought the tickets for their own personal use and if they're selling them, then they're not required to have a scalping license," Duggan said. "If you are buying tickets with the intent to sell, you'll be expected to have a license because you're essentially running a business."
Photo and valid identification will be required to acquire a license, and the ID's must be visible at all times.
Violations of the amendment will fall under municipal fines, with a $500 fine and six-month jail sentence being the maximum penalty.
The council also unanimously approved an outdoor cafe permit for Moe's Original Bar B Que, which is located at 125 East Magnolia Avenue.
The permit will allow the business to serve to tables and chairs that are set up in an outdoor patio space.
A lease agreement was also renewed by the council for the Auburn University Student Government Association's "Tiger Ten" evening transit shuttle service.
The lease will allow the service to utilize 15 parking spaces on the north side of West Magnolia Avenue between College Street and Wright Street.
An alcohol license was approved by the council for the Wake Up Trading Company located at 131 South College Street. The license covers retail table wine and beer.
(07/14/14 9:01pm)
A lot has changed in the two years since Reese Dismukes was arrested for public intoxication on April 25, 2012.
His arrest was compounded by a 3-9 2012 season that was the worst in over 60 years for the Auburn program.
But Dismukes rebounded in 2013, anchoring the nation's top rushing attack and earning All-SEC first team honors while avoiding off-the-field issues.
Projected to start at center for the fourth consecutive season, Dismukes is now an entrenched leader for the Tigers, both on and off the field.
"A lot of times your center is an offensive leader," head coach Gus Malzahn said. "But I truly believe Reese is a team leader. He's a tough guy, comes to practice every day. He demands that his teammates practice at the level that the coaches expect. He's an extension of the coaches. We're very fortunate to have him."
Dismukes has developed into a quarterback of sorts for the Auburn's offensive line, due to the multitude of responsibilities he fulfills on each snap.
"In our offense, our center is just as important a lot of times as our quarterback with what we ask him to do, with the communication," Malzahn said. "You know, when you play fast, they have to ID things extremely quick and make decisions on the run."
Dismukes said he takes a more vocal approach to leadership than fellow team leader Nick Marshall.
"I'm more of the vocal guy out there trying to keep all the guys going, especially I'm the leader up front," Dismukes said. "Me and Chad Slade, he's a senior as well, but however I can be used, I'll do what I have to do."
It hasn't been hard, either, for Dismukes to remain open-minded and learn from Malzahn and offensive line coach J.B. Grimes.
"I think Coach Malzahn is a great, great offensive mind and just a genius," Dismukes said. "I think that has a lot to do with a lot of our success. He, Coach Lashlee and Coach Horton all work so well together so they're a huge part of success."
As a personal goal, Dismukes hopes to return to his hometown of Mobile upon the end of his Auburn career to participate in the annual Senior Bowl.
"That's always been a personal goal of mine, growing up in Mobile and always seeing those guys from Mobile going from something like the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game to the NCAA Senior Bowl" Dismukes said. "I think that would be a great experience if I'm lucky enough to be selected, but that is way down the road."
For now though, Dismukes said he is focused on the season-opener against Arkansas and erasing the memory of falling 13 seconds short of a BCS National Championship.
"In everything we do, we're trying to get 13 seconds better," Dismukes said. "13 seconds better getting to class, 13 seconds better brushing our teeth; just 13 seconds better."
(07/14/14 6:46pm)
Following a marijuana citation that cost him an appearance at the 2014 SEC Media Days, Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall will face additional "consequences," according to head coach Gus Malzahn.
"It is a privilege and a reward to represent Auburn here at SEC Media Days," Malzahn said. "Last Friday, Nick lost that privilege. We have high expectations for our players, but specifically with our quarterback being the face of the program."
Malzahn said the nature and timing of the consequences have yet to be determined.
Marshall was cited, but not arrested, on Friday, July 11 for marijuana possession in Reynolds, Georgia, according to Reynolds chief of police Lonnie Holder.
According to Holder, Marshall was in possession of "eight to nine grams" of marijuana at the time of a traffic stop over window tinting.
The citation came as a surprise to Malzahn, who said Marshall is remorseful over the incident.
"Up until last Friday, Nick had been a model student, teammate and citizen," Malzahn said. "Nick made a mistake and he will have to deal with the consequences. I'm not ready to say what those consequences are at this time, but I know he is regretful and he feels very bad about it."
Senior defensive lineman Gabe Wright said the team acknowledges Marshall's mistake, but is rallying to help the senior quarterback improve.
"As a senior, I'm not at the stage where you get loud and get in people's face," Wright said. "I saw him going into the dorm, just driving by, and I just told him I loved him. That's all I said. I [hugged] him in the team meeting. I know him personally. I know he made a bad decision, and he is truly remorseful. I can tell from the look in his eye and the words coming out of his mouth."
Despite the incident, Marshall's teammates said they still have faith in him as a leader.
"Our trust in him hasn't faltered in him at all and our faith in him is as strong as it's been," senior tight end C.J. Uzomah said. "Coach Malzahn will address it and he'll get back on track."
Marshall's citation is the second marijuana-related incident of the summer for Auburn; senior defensive back Jonathon Mincy was arrested for second-degree marijuana possession on June 27 in Henry County, Georgia.
In addition to action taken by the coaching staff, Wright said the team's seniors plan to come together to address the ongoing issues.
"I hate to use the word 'consequences,' but there will be senior leadership," Wright said. "We will talk, even if we have to have a senior meeting on our own. Things have been going well before those two incidents, and that's something you can't deny about this football team. We accept these two things that occurred, but I know my coach will handle it accordingly."
(07/14/14 5:58pm)
Sophomore defensive end Carl Lawson had successful ACL surgery this summer and is "determined" to be ready to play at some point this fall, according to Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn.
"(The surgery) was successful," Malzahn said. "Carl is working extremely hard and he is determined to come back towards the end of this year."
According to Malzahn, his surgery with Dr. James Andrews went well.
"He injured his knee in the last week of spring practice," Malzahn said. "Dr. (James) Andrews looked at it, and decided to wait until the swelling went down to be sure and confirm that he needed surgery."
Senior defensive lineman Gabe Wright said that despite his injury, Lawson is in good shape physically.
"Carl's body was in excellent shape," Wright said. "He bragged about his leg muscles, his quad muscles, being so strong. He's not losing anything. Carl is a hard worker, and I expect him to bounce back pretty quickly."
The Alpharetta, Georgia native was a Sporting News freshman All-American and recorded 20 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in his first season on the Plains.
(07/10/14 8:40pm)
This week plainsman sports editor Eric Wallace and managing editor Justin Ferguson give you their picks from the college football watch list and talk about the World Cup.
(02/25/15 6:11pm)
It's been over a decade since Carnell "Cadillac" Williams set Auburn single-season rushing records and tore through SEC defenses on a weekly basis.
With his playing career now behind him, Williams is now back on his old stomping grounds, ready to tackle some unfinished business.
"I had the thought a couple times during my playing career, but I always felt like once I was done with football, I'd come and finish my degree," Williams said. "I only had seven hours left, so it would've been a shame not to finish that."
Two classes, world literature and Spanish II, stand between the former All-SEC running back and a sociology degree that is thirteen years in the making.
Williams said while the reading and writing of literature have been easy, jumping back into Spanish after a decade break has been difficult for him.
"I took Spanish I 11 or 12 years ago, and I need Spanish II to finish so that's more difficult," Williams said. "Once you don't use it, you tend to lose it. There's definitely a transition period in coming back."
The compacted schedule of summer minimesters hasn't helped Williams in his journey back to school either.
"It's just so much information in that time, and then with me being out of school for 10 years, it's been challenging," Williams said. "I've been out of class for so long, so I find myself having to put in a lot of time to study and get stuff down pat."
Williams' return to class hasn't gone unnoticed by classmates and those around campus.
"You'll kind of see people look up during role call and I've had people ask if I was 'The Carnell Williams' and things like that," Williams said. "It's actually been a lot of the parents who are here for Camp War Eagle that will stop me. It's been pretty cool."
Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs said it speaks to Williams' character and the University as a whole that the former athlete decided to return to school.
"We've had a number of our former student-athletes return to complete their degrees, and I think it's a trend [that] will continue," Jacobs said. "They know from being here that Auburn is a special place and that completing a college degree opens doors for the rest of your life."
Williams' on-the-field exploits made him the No. 5 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former All-American accumulated 4,038 rushing yards in his six-year NFL career, which ended 2011.
His playing days may be behind him, but that doesn't mean Williams is ready to step away from the game.
"I'm torn between getting back into coaching," Williams said. "I definitely want to stay connected with the game of football because that's what I'm passionate about. It's what I love to do and I feel like I could help younger people, whether it's high school or people in college trying to get to their destination."
In the meantime, 'Cadillac' is just happy to be back in a place where he can achieve his goals and set an example for his five-month old son, Cole.
"It's almost like I never left because of the family atmosphere around here," Williams said. "They've continued to accept me in and it's just a blessing."
"I'm looking forward to playing the 'Daddy' role since it's my first time. I may push him in the direction of football, but he can make that decision. He's got my genes though, so he's going to play ball."
(07/04/14 12:00am)
This week plainsman sports editor Eric Wallace and managing editor Justin Ferguson discuss USA's run in the World Cup and Auburn football.
R.I.P Philip Lutzenkirchen
(06/29/14 4:57pm)
Former Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen passed away in a car wreck Sunday morning, as confirmed by Auburn Athletics spokesperson Kirk Sampson.
A member of the 2010 National Championship team, Lutzenkirchen was just 23 at the time of his passing.
According to Gordy Wright, director of the public information office at the Georgia State Patrol, a one-vehicle crash was reported in Troup County around 3:05 a.m. that resulted in two fatalities and two injuries.
Lutzenkirchen, who was a passenger in the back seat of a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe, was ejected from the vehicle after it failed to stop at a stop sign and traveled approximately 451 feet out of control through a church yard and overturned several times.
Lutzenkirchen was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
Joseph Davis, a 22-year old from Atlanta, was the driver of the vehicle and passed away from his injuries after being partially ejected.
Two other passengers, Elizabeth Craig and Christian Case, are being treated for their injuries at the West Georgia Medical Center.
Blood was taken from the driver to determine if alcohol played a role in the accident.
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement that Lutzenkirchen was "a great young man who touched the lives of everyone he knew in a positive way."
"On the field, Philip was a great player and competitor, but more importantly, he was a great teammate and friend off the field. My thoughts and prayers are with Philip's parents, Mike and Mary, and all of his family and friends who are grieving his passing. This is a sad day for the entire Auburn family. I find peace knowing that even though Philip was taken from us too soon, that he lived his life to the fullest, leaving a lifetime of great memories for his family and friends to cherish forever."
Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs also praised the character of Lutzenkirchen in a released statement.
"Philip's death is a devastating tragedy for his family, the Auburn family and his countless friends. Today is also a profoundly sad day for the Auburn Athletics family, who loved and respected Philip not only as a great player but more importantly as a friend and the epitome of an Auburn man. I came to know Philip well and I admired everything about who he was and the way he lived his life. He had a strong faith, a big heart and a burning desire to help others. Philip was a bright light this world desperately needed, and his death leaves a void that can't possibly be filled. My prayers, my thoughts and my heart go out to his wonderful parents, Mike and Mary, their entire family and his many grieving friends."
Former head coach Gene Chizik, who coached Lutzenkirchen from 2009 to 2012, released this statement on the passing.
"Philip Lutzenkirchen was what every parent aspires their son to be. He was compassionate, determined, honorable and full of love, integrity and respect. In 27 years of coaching, I have come across what I would consider to be a few 'rare' young men. Phillip was certainly one of those 'rare' ones. He truly lived his life for other people and always found time to give to others. His family values taught him to be a great friend and teammate of everyone he came in contact with. My deepest sympathy is extended to his parents Mike and Mary, his sisters, and all of his extended family. We should all begin by honoring his life because he lived a life worthy of that. In his 23 short years, he has certainly left an impactful legacy to everyone he touched. I will miss him deeply."
A standout tight end who caught the go-ahead touchdown against Alabama in 2010, Lutzenkirchen caught 59 passes for 628 yards and 14 touchdowns during his collegiate career.
A hip injury in 2012 ended his Auburn career and led to his release from the St. Louis Rams at the professional level.
Since his retirement from football, Lutzenkirchen had been working as a position coach at the St. James School in Montgomery, Alabama.
Auburn fans, coaches and players gave their condolences on social media after Lutzenkirchen's passing.
"The Auburn Family is broken today with the loss of a great Auburn man and friend Phillip Lutzenkirchen. Crushed and without words." -- Auburn offensive coordinator @RhettLashlee
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn remembered his former tight end on Twitter Sunday afternoon.
"We lost a great Auburn man today in Philip Lutzenkirchen. His character and positive influence will be remembered forever." -- @CoachGusMalzahn
Recent Auburn tight end commitment Jalen Harris was coached by Lutzenkirchen at St. James and shared his reaction on Twitter.
"I swear nobody can feel my pain right now. I loved this man so much, he was one of the best things that ever happened to me. RIP Coach Lutz" -- @jalenharris9
New men's basketball head coach Bruce Pearl also extended his condolences via Twitter Sunday afternoon.
"Hearts are Heavy with the loss of Philip Lutzenkirchen ! Please keep his family in your thoughts & Prayer ! #AuburnMan" -- @coachbrucepearl
Check back at ThePlainsman.com for further details on the situation.
(06/28/14 3:35am)
Auburn senior defensive back Jonathon Mincy was arrested Friday night on second-degree marijuana possession charges as confirmed by the Henry County Sheriff's Office.
Mincy was allegedly a passenger in a car that was pulled over for speeding on Highway 431 in Henry County. According to media reports, the car was traveling 92 mph in a 65 mph zone.
According to WTVY, Mincy has been released on $3,000 bond.
As a starter last season, Mincy recorded 56 tackles and one interception.
(06/28/14 2:20am)
Auburn basketball may have a new leader in charge of its struggling program, but that doesn't mean its forgotten about the greats of its past.
Charles Barkley, Chris Porter and Marquis Daniels were among the former Auburn basketball players in attendance at Friday's Auburn Basketball Lettermen Reunion held in the Auburn Arena and the Moore's Mill Club.
"I need their help," head coach Bruce Pearl said. "I need them to be involved with the program. I need them to be witness to what we're trying to do and what is appropriate to support. It's like any family, we're going to be close."
In addition to former players, former coach Sonny Smith and Cliff Ellis were in attendance Friday night.
"I thought it was really cool for him to invite all the old coaches here," Barkley said. "Everyone always invites the old players back, but to invite the old coaches, I just thought that was spectacular."
The energy surrounding the men's basketball program since Pearl's hiring was particularly impressive to Smith.
"I've coached at a lot of places, but I've never been a place where I've seen the excitement created in as short a period of time the way Bruce Pearl has created excitement in Auburn," Smith said. "I've never seen anything like it."
Inviting former players was an early step in the right direction, according to Smith.
"Anytime you've got a program that is down, you've got to start inside-out," Smith said. "You've got to get everybody rooting for you on the inside and you have to start with former players. They made that move right off."
For some of the former players, just having the chance to reunite with former teammates and friends made the experience even more memorable.
"It's actually great to come back and have my teammates here and the players who played before us," Porter said. "It's good for everybody to come back and build the camaraderie and support the program."
While this is not the first Lettermen Reunion in Auburn basketball history, this year's edition seemed to carry more excitement than usual according to former player Rob Chubb, who was attending his first reunion since graduating in 2012.
"Usually I've been one of the players and this was one of the things we'd have to drone to when we're tired after practice and wanting to sleep, but now this is kind of my main event," Chubb said. "I'm just excited to be hear and see some of my buddies."
Auburn's current roster of players were in attendance after a brief practice in the Auburn Arena in front of former players and coaches.
Leading returning scorer K.T. Harrell said having former players and coaches around was exciting and provided a good learning experience for the players.
"It's a blessing to be here and see a lot of the great players that have played here before us," Harrell said. "It's a great opportunity to learn from them and talk about their experiences here at Auburn."
Athletic Director Jay Jacobs said the energy and attendance of the event speaks volumes on the job Pearl has done in his short time as Auburn head coach.
"He's a great ambassador for Auburn and he's created so much excitement around the men's basketball program that he's created excitement in other areas," Jacobs said. "People are excited about the women's basketball program. Everything he does he's a great ambassador for Auburn."