AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville adopted a new spread offense at the end of last year. And now, he’s putting together what he calls his best recruiting class at Auburn.
He doesn’t believe that’s a coincidence.
“I look at what they’re doing at the high school level,” Tuberville said. “The wave of the future is what we’re doing (offensively).”
Recruiting figured in Tuberville’s decision to hire spread-offense guru Tony Franklin as his offensive coordinator after the 2007 regular season.
Although the Tigers rank 73rd nationally in total offense through four games, Tuberville doesn’t have any second thoughts about the offensive switch.
“If we had stayed in the offense we were in last year, would we be any better?” Tuberville said. “Nobody knows.”
But he’s convinced the change has had a positive impact on recruiting.
“I like the direction of recruiting,” he said. “It’s the best we’ve had.”
Auburn already has 24 commitments for its 2009 signing class.
In A Rush: Antonio Coleman is the latest pass-rushing threat for Auburn. Coleman, a 6-foot-2, 254-pound junior, is tied for first in the SEC in sacks per game and second in tackles for loss.
His success made him a high priority for LSU last week.
“They were coming at me from everywhere,” Coleman said. “A tackle would block me, a center. It was crazy.”
Playing With Pain: Auburn offensive lineman Jason Bosley moved from center to tackle after the season opener because of shoulder problems. But he’s determined not to lose playing time.
“I don’t want to miss any of my senior season,” he said.
Better Practice: Tuberville said Wednesday’s practice was an improvement over Tuesday’s.
After spending more time on fundamentals Tuesday, Auburn focused on its game plan for Tennessee.
Injury Update: Linebacker Craig Stevens (ankle) returned to practice. Running back Brad Lester (knee) was at practice but didn’t participate in drills. Tuberville said Lester was at full speed.
Extra Points: Auburn is one of five Division I-A teams that hasn’t allowed a rushing touchdown. … The Tigers have played 12 true freshmen through four games.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 16
VOLINCALI writes:
Free Nick Stephens!
Colliervol writes:
Yep, that 3 to 2 game against Miss. State was really exciting.
newtonrail writes:
VOLINCALI, Did you know Nick threw 3 INT's in practice today? And you want to throw him to the Auburn wolves?
kbart4033#247331 writes:
Here's a sure-fire way to put a chill on Auburn's recruiting:
Let's dress in Auburn gear and boo like the non-qualifiers
in Knoxville.
orangesox writes:
Auburn recruiting top caliber offensive players? Keep it down home, cuz!
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
Auburn game plan, rush Crompton, tackle Foster, end of story.
Vol_N_Texas writes:
In Response to WeLoveTenneseeVols:
Auburn game plan, rush Crompton, tackle Foster, end of story.
DITTO
lomas98 writes:
I'm sure the gameplanning meeting was watching the FL game and memorizing the same plays TN ran. They will probably run the exact same plays. They will have to concentrate on Luke Stocker because that is who we seem to throw the ball to the most. I thought this offense was about getting the ball in the hands of the playmakers.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
We may see another QB during this game if Auburn lays the wood as hard as they did during the LSU game.
We need 14-17 points in the first half.
I would not be surprised to see Foster heading East and West again. This game is made for Hardesty.
TommyJack writes:
Watched LSU/AU on TV. Physicality was Pferocious. Button up your chinstraps lads.
pabashia#208095 writes:
We may not score.
givehim6 writes:
UT might had a good recuting class if the coaches would coach like thay talked, if the players played like there talant suggested. And the fans didn' boo. But as long as UT keeps on doing what were doing we will never be more then 4th or 5th in the SEC east.
dontcallitacomeback writes:
Spread and Sputter, baby...spread and sputter.
sampears writes:
This is a MUST win for Fulmer, if he looses this game he will either "retire" or be replaced. Just a strong feeling, if he beats Auburn, gets a little reprive for next game, then fans behind next SEC game with hope, then we'll see. I repeat this game is MUST win, in my opion.
SmokeDog72 writes:
sampears,
Fulmer gets at LEAST this year and next before he is shown the door. Looks like we are stuck with "The Charts"!!!!
rockytop47 writes:
Well for this season it is must win. But Meyer must be in the same boat as Fulmer. I mean 9-4 last season. Lost the bowl game to an inferior Michigan. I am surprised Florida fans aren't booing him. Same with Saban, 7-6 and lost to Louisiana-Monroe and Miss St. Richt should also be gone, we beat them 35-14. I mean he lost to Fulmer! Spurrier too should be fired after that meltdown. Man that only leaves Miles of the great SEC coaches. I don't think we could hire another great coach with the moronic fan base here.
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