​​Lyle's Corner

August 2019

Wednesday, August 28th, 2019

With Auburn's season opener against Oregon just three days away, one of the biggest storylines this week has been the status of injured receiver Anthony Schwartz. Head coach Gus Malzahn gave the media the latest today. 

Schwartz will travel with the 16th-ranked Tigers to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas this week, but he will be a game-time decision against the 11th-ranked Ducks. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC. "He's going to make the trip with us, but like I said, it's going to be a game-time situation as far as he's concerned," Malzahn said today at the weekly SEC coaches teleconference. 

Schwartz has been sidelined since early in fall camp after breaking a bone in his left hand during a blocking drill on the third day of practice. He underwent surgery the next day on Aug. 5th, and was deemed questionable for the season opener. While Malzahn has remained hopeful that Schwartz would be able to play against the Ducks, a decision will not be reached until just prior to Saturday's opening kick, and will depend on whether team doctors medically clear Schwartz to play. 

Even if he is cleared, only time would tell how limited or effective Schwartz would be. Still, having his excellent speed on the field would be something Oregon's defense would have to be prepared for. During his freshman season in 2018, Schwartz grabbed 22 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 211 yards on 27 carries with five scores, as he was used extensively on jet sweeps while Eli Stove was out for much of the year due to ACL surgery. 

Schwartz is listed as a co-starter on Auburn's two-deep depth chart, sharing a starting spot with sophomore Seth Williams as the Tigers' split end/X/9 receiver, a role held by Darius Slayton last season.  

That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 



Wednesday, August 21st, 2019

As I write this, it's late, so I'm going to cover a few key bits of news as briefly as possible. 

- The biggest question weighing on everyone's minds since spring practice was finally answered on Tuesday. Bo Nix has been named Auburn's starting quarterback. He will be the first true freshman to open the season for Auburn as the starting QB since 1946, when Travis Tidwell led the Tiger offense. 

Nix is a pocket passer, but can run zone-read plays to the outside much like Jarrett Stidham did. Nix's primary competitor, Joey Gatewood, is also a dual-threat, but can run to the inside more to convert short-yardage situations. Although the decision has been reached, don't expect Gatewood to fade into oblivion by any means. I would fully anticipate that both he and Nix will have ample opportunities to take snaps not only in the opener against Oregon, but also throughout the entire season. It should be very exciting to see.

- Receivers Eli Stove and Will Hastings returned to practice yesterday, the team's first full practice in preparing for the opener. The two had been dealing with soreness related to ACL surgeries they had undergone in the past 17 months. Needless to say, the presences of both of them will prove vital to Auburn's passing game...assuming they don't get banged up again, of course. 

- Head coach Gus Malzahn is hopeful that sophomore receiver Anthony Schwartz will be ready to go against Oregon on Aug. 31st. Schwartz underwent surgery on his left hand August 5th after injuring it during a blocking drill early in preseason camp. Malzahn noted that Schwartz will be re-evaluated early next week. 

- Finally, word came out today as to who will call Auburn's game against Oregon on ABC. Chris Fowler will handle the play-by-play, while Kirk Herbstreit will provide the color commentary, and Maria Taylor will be the sideline reporter. 

That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 



Friday, August 16th, 2019

Auburn football's schedule for 2022 got a bit of tweaking yesterday. 

According to reports from FBSSchedules.com and AL.com, the Tigers will now face Mercer for their season opener instead of Nov. 19th that year. The game will be played on Sept. 3rd at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn and Mercer last met in Week 3 of the 2017 campaign. The Tigers were unimpressive in a sloppy 24-10 win. 

The Auburn administration and its Mercer counterparts amended the contract a year ago. The Bears will be one of three non-conference opponents scheduled for the Tigers that season. Penn State will visit Jordan-Hare Stadium on Sept. 17th, while Western Kentucky will replace the original Mercer date, the week before the Iron Bowl against Alabama that season. Auburn and WKU haven't met since 2005. Auburn won handily 37-14 that year. As for Penn State, its last tangle with the Tigers came in the 2003 Capital One Bowl. Auburn pulled off a surprising 13-9 upset, never letting the Nittany Lions in the end zone all day, and only giving up three Robbie Gould field goals. 

Another note: We're down to just 15 days before the 2019 season kicks off.

That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 



Thursday, August 15th, 2019

Auburn football clinched its third commitment for 2021 yesterday. Brandon Perry, a four-star athlete from Union Springs (Ala.) Bullock County, verbally pledged to the Tigers yesterday. "They made me feel at home every time I visit," Perry said.

Perry started every game last season at receiver and safety. He expects to play cornerback in college and also return punts. He first announced his commitment on Facebook Wednesday afternoon, then again on Twitter in the evening. 

In his Facebook post, he wrote, "First off I want to thank God for blessing me and my family for the things he done blessed us with. I want to thank the whole Auburn family for treating me like home every time I came on campus for a visit I definitely want to thank Coach (Gus) Malzahn, Coach (Kevin) Steele, Coach T-Will (Travis Williams) and Coach (Marcus) Woodson for truly believing in me. Also I want to give a huge shoutout to my mom and dad for telling me nothing wrong and for staying on me. I want to say I love you both. I can't thank y'all enough. I am 100% COMMITTING to Auburn University."

Perry ranks as the No. 16 athlete and No. 187 overall recruit nationally in the 247Sports Composite. He is 5-feet-10 and weighs 180 pounds. Perry joins four-star running back Armoni Goodwin of Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) and four-star quarterback Aaron McLaughlin of Alpharetta (Ga.) Denmark on the Tigers' list of pledges for 2021. Goodwin stands as the No. 77 recruit in the nation, while McLaughlin checks in at No. 200. 

Auburn now has the No. 6 recruiting class in America for 2021. Perry is the cousin of one of Auburn's biggest 2022 targets - defensive lineman Khurtiss Perry of Montgomery (Ala.) Park Crossing. With Brandon Perry on board, the Tigers now have 16 pledges this summer - 12 for the Class of '20, three for '21 and one for '22. The 2020 class was ranked No. 29 on June 1st but has climbed all the way to No. 7 - and Auburn still has up to eight spots left to fill. 

In other news...

- Every Auburn fan knows that Harvey Updyke raised a stink when he admitted to poisoning the old trees at Toomer's Corner in 2011. The trees died, and Updyke was arrested and eventually ordered to pay almost $800,000 in restitution. It was supposed to be paid in monthly installments. 

But, as reported by WRBL.com, Updyke has been ordered back to court after frequently missing payments. "Harvey Updyke has never left my radar. "We have been keeping an eye on his payments or more specifically, his non-payment, and he has made exactly two payments for a total of $200 in the past year. Because of that, we have been looking for him for close to a year, and we finally found him," said Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes. 

Updyke was located in Louisiana. He'll need to show up in court in Lee County on Oct. 30th (Halloween Eve) to explain the missed payments. If he doesn't, a warrant will be issued for his arrest. According to Hughes, Updyke attended an Alabama game last November. He also added that the money should have been paid to Auburn.

"He embraces his role as the villain when he goes to Alabama sporting events, which we know he has been back to an Alabama football game in Tuscaloosa in November. If you have enough money to go see your team play, you  have enough money to pay Auburn University," said Hughes. Only time will tell if Updyke pays his due.

Just for the record, I would have loved to have seen his face when the Kick Six unfolded. Wouldn't you agree? 

That's all for today. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 

Tuesday, August 13th, 2019

Auburn basketball's string of 2019 signees is now complete. Babatunde "Stretch" Akingbola, a 6-feet-8 center, joined the team today just in time for fall semester classes. Akingbola played with fellow Auburn freshman Isaac Okoro at McEachern High in Powder Springs, Ga., during the 2017-18 season as an exchange student from Nigeria. Inside the Auburn Tigers was informed of his arrival today. 

Issues with his student visa caused Akingbola to miss the entire 2018-19 campaign at McEachern as he tried to get his paperwork cleared so he could return to America and cash in on his scolarship offer at Auburn. Notorious for his defensive play and rebounding skills, Akingbola was a superb performer at an Auburn basketball camp before signing with the Tigers. 

He is part of a class that includes 6-5 guard Allen Flanigan from Parkview High in Little Rock, Ark., 6-1 guard Tyrell "Turbo" Jones from West Oaks Academy in Orlando, Fla., 6-8 forward Jaylin Williams from Brantley County High in Nahunta, Ga., and summer signee Devan Cambridge, a 6-7, 195-pound forward who played for Hillcrest Prep in Phoenix, Ariz., as a senior. The class also includes 6-7 forward Javon Franklin, a redshirt sophomore from Holmes (Miss.) Community College and Parkview High in Little Rock, Ark.

Flanigan, Franklin, Jones, Okoro and Williams all enrolled with Auburn this summer and took part in team practices although Jones and Franklin, who have been rehabbing from injuries, were limited in their abilities in workouts. However, both are expected to be ready to compete for the 2019-20 season for the Tigers, who reached the Final Four last year, although they lost in controversial fashion to eventual national champion Virginia. 

The newcomers will get a chance to step up early as Auburn has to replace its all-time three-point shooter, 2018-19 senior guard Bryce Brown, as well as junior point guard Jared Harper, sophomore forward Chuma Okeke and senior guard/forward Malik Dunbar.

The upcoming season's roster also includes Jamal Johnson, a 6-4 sophomore guard from Birmingham, who sat out last year as a transfer from Memphis.

That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE!  

Monday, August 12th, 2019

The long wait is finally over. The Auburn Network has chosen its new voice. And he's by no means an unknown. 

Andy Burcham, who has been involved in Auburn radio broadcasts for the past 31 years in different capacities, has been chosen as the play-by-play broadcaster for Auburn football, men's basketball and baseball, Auburn Athletics and Auburn Sports Properties announced today. Burcham assumes the responsibilities previously held by Rod Bramblett, who was killed in a fatal car accident on May 25th along with his wife, Paula. 

Burcham had worked alongside Bramblett on Auburn baseball for the past 25 years, and was the play-by-play voice for Auburn women's basketball since 1988. But he's also been active on the football front, having served as the pre- and post-game locker room host for that sport since 1990 and the play-by-play voice for football pay-per-view and tape-delay broadcasts from 1992-2013.

"I'm thrilled to be selected as the Voice of the Auburn Tigers," he stated. "While it's a bittersweet time and I wish the circumstances creating this opportunity were different, I am honored to be following in the footsteps of such legends as Rod Bramblett, Jim Fyffe and others. With this job, you're not just the voice of Auburn football, men's basketball and baseball. You're also the voice of Auburn. You represent Auburn every day, and I will never forget that. I have been in this community and broadcasting Auburn games for 31 years. I understand and love Auburn and its tradition. I can't wait to be a part of it moving forward."  

Burcham is no stranger to this profession. He's also done radio and SEC Network+ broadcasts for Auburn soccer since 2001, SEC+ Network broadcasts for Auburn baseball the past five years and locally hosted "Auburn-Opelika This Morning" for 12 years while serving as station manager for WANI. A recipient of 15 Alabama Broadcaster Association awards, Burcham began his career in the Opelika-Auburn area as news and sports director for Fuller Broadcasting and Tiger Communications. 

"During the very difficult process of replacing Rod, it was very clear that Andy Burcham was the right man to be the new Voice of the Auburn Tigers," Auburn Sports Properties vice president and general manager Chris Davis said. "He is well respected not only in his profession, but by his coworkers, Auburn Athletics coaches and administration, and in the community. He understands the importance of this role. Andy is a consummate professional who puts great preparation, execution and passion into his work. Most importantly, Andy is a man of great character who loves and cares deeply for Auburn and what it represents. We're very excited for Andy and can't wait for the Auburn Family to embrace him in his new role." 

 Auburn athletic director Allen Greene was equally enthused about this news. "Simply put, Andy is unquestionably the right man for the job," he said. "His experience as a broadcaster is extensive and his affinity for Auburn is unrivaled. Having been part of the Auburn Family for over three decades, Andy understands what sets Auburn apart and understands the passion of our loyal fan base. He deeply respects those who have come before him and will assume this role with a great deal of humility. Andy is a true Auburn man." 

Burcham will co-host "Tiger Talk" with veteran Auburn broadcaster Brad Law and work alongside Law on Auburn baseball broadcasts. Law will take the duties of pre- and post-game locker room host for Auburn football. Brit Bowen will take over play-by-play duties for Auburn women's basketball and softball (which just makes sense given Burcham's now-full plate). 

Burcham's four-decade journey in the business started at Indiana State as an undergraduate student calling Sycamore football, men's and women's basketball and baseball for student radio station WISU. He also called games at Southern Illinois and Illinois State before leaving for Auburn in 1988. 

Burcham, a native of Nashville, Ill., graduated from Indiana State University in 1983 with a degree in radio, television and film. He is married to the former Dr. Jan Gunnels, a 1984 and 1992 Auburn University graduate, who is the Moselle Fletcher Endowed Chair and Associate Dean for the College of Education and Health Profession at Columbus State University. 

Welcome aboard, Andy. You've obviously been thrust into a very difficult task, but I'm confident that you'll make us, not to mention Jim Fyffe and Rod Bramblett, very proud. I also hope that you'll be fortunate enough to be a part of many thrilling moments in Auburn athletics for many years to come, and that we can feel your excitement through your words and emotions.

That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE!  



Saturday, August 10th, 2019

The injuries keep piling up for Auburn football. Freshman running back Mark-Antony Richards underwent a surgical procedure on his right leg earlier this week, and is questionable for the season opener against Oregon. The extent of the procedure was not disclosed, but the surgery was confirmed by a source close to the program. AL.com first reported the surgery. It's also unclear how Richards sustained his injury in the first place. 

Richards was rated as a four-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite for the Class of 2019. He was ranked as the country's No. 4 athlete. While Richards had not gotten much recognition from coaches in the preseason, running backs coach Carnell Williams said that Richards was an exciting prospect for the upcoming season. 

"Just from the little bit I watched him run, work out, he's very explosive," Williams said July 25th outside the Birmingham Auburn Club. "I'm excited to watch and get going with Mark-Antony because he was a guy that we feel like is in that Kerryon Johnson, one of the greats that played here, that running style. There's a lot of light. He's a fast-twitch, explosive home run type of runner. Man, he can do a lot of things. Very versatile. He can catch the ball, block, run, so looking forward to seeing what he does in camp and brings." 

Richards was outstanding at Wellington High in Florida, amassing more than 3,000 all-purpose yards and 1,300 rushing yards as a senior in 2018. Thus far in preseason camp, Auburn has had two injuries in the offensive backfield. Running back D.J. Williams has worn an orange, non-contact jersey in preseason camp after undergoing a shoulder procedure in the offseason. Even so, he's expected to be available and full speed for the opener against Oregon on Aug. 31st in Arlington, Texas. 

The Tigers have been dealt a string of injuries before and during preseason camp. At least 16 players were held out of action Tuesday and/or Thursday of last week due to injury or as a precaution. The team held its first major scrimmage of preseason camp Thursday. Those withheld from action include: starting linebacker K.J. Britt (concussion), backup defensive back Jordyn Peters (Achilles), defensive tackle Coynis Miller (shoulder), defensive tackle Daquan Newkirk (Achilles), backup linebacker Michael Harris (undisclosed), walk-on receiver James Owens Moss (undisclosed), backup offensive tackle Prince Micheal Sammons (undisclosed), backup running back D.J. Williams (shoulder), backup Luke Deal (undisclosed), starting receiver Anthony Schwartz (hand surgery), potential starting receivers Eli Stove and Will Hastings (soreness), backup left tackle Bailey Sharp (ankle), freshaman offensive guard Keiondre Jones (concussion), starting receiver Seth Williams (coach's decision), and starting running back JaTarvious Whitlow (coach's decision). 

Obviously, several of these players are crucial to the Auburn offense, so it just makes sense that coaches would keep them out if they're less than 100 percent healthy so as not to worsen a current injury or tempt fate with a new injury. Let's all hope they can get on the mend as quickly as possible. Especially since the opener is just 21 days away. 

In other news...

- A member of Auburn's 2010 national championship squad has passed away. The W.S. Neal (East Brewton, Alabama) football program has reported that former Tiger Jamar Travis has died. No cause of death was disclosed, nor were funeral arrangements mentioned. 

Travis signed with Auburn in 2009. While he didn't start for the Tigers, he was a backup defensive lineman and contributed on special teams. He registered nine total tackles in three seasons (2010-12) with the team. God Bless you, Jamar. May you rest in peace. 

That's all for today. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 



Friday, August 9th, 2019

The football program got its 18th commitment for the Class of 2020 today - a running back. Tank Bigsby, a four-star prospect from Callaway High (Hogansville, Ga.), verbally pledged to Auburn today. According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Bigsby ranks as the country's No. 31 overall prospect, the No. 7 overall running back in the nation and the No. 4 player in the state of Georgia. 

The 6-feet, 210-pound Bigsby picked the Tigers over Georgia, LSU and South Carolina, among others. South Carolina seemed to be the early favorite, but then Georgia gained momentum. His teammate, three-star offensive guard Tate Johnson, also pledged to Auburn. 

Bigsby had visited the Plains four times since June 7th. He is the Tigers' first running back commit for the Class of '20. With him on board, Auburn now has pledges from six different Georgia prospects in this recruiting cycle. If I may use a pun, let's all hope that Tank can give plenty of fuel to Auburn's ground game. 

That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 



Wednesday, August 7th, 2019

News that was first reported by Auburn Undercover in February was confirmed by the SEC today: The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry between Auburn and Georgia will move to October starting in 2020. However, the trade-off won't bode well for Tiger fans or coaches: Auburn will have to play LSU and Alabama in consecutive weeks to close out the regular season. 

The Tigers will travel to Georgia on Oct. 10th, 2020, marking the first time the game has been played outside of November since 1937. The SEC released the full 2020 schedule today. Auburn normally played an FCS team between the Georgia and Alabama games near the end of the regular season, but this move did not permit such a schedule for next fall as LSU was placed on the slate for Nov. 21st. Auburn will host LSU on that date before traveling to Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl on Nov. 28th. 

Alabama has been dealt the same hand, as the Tide will host Texas A&M on Nov. 21st before hosting the Tigers the following week. Ever since the SEC expanded from 12 to 14 teams in 2012, Auburn has played both Georgia and Alabama on the road in even years and at home in odd years. The league forced Georgia to travel to Auburn in back-to-back years in 2012 and 2013 to accommodate the conference's expansion. Auburn will not return the favor. 

Auburn athletic director Allen Greene said last November there is not "an avenue" for the Tigers to fix the schedule with Georgia and Alabama alternating home and away games until the current SEC rotation ends with the 2024 football season. The Tigers open the 2020 campaign at home on Sept. 5th against Alcorn State before traveling to Atlanta to take on North Carolina in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic the next week. 

Aside from Auburn, Kentucky enters the rotation from the SEC East with a match at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Oct. 3rd. the week before the Tigers go to Georgia. Auburn's bye week falls between a home game with Texas A&M and a trip to Mississippi State on Halloween. The Tigers will play three straight home games (Arkansas, UMass and LSU) before traveling to Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl to wrap up the regular season. 

Confused yet? I'll bet. Here is Auburn's full schedule for 2020 to help you get all of this straight:


Sept. 5th: ALCORN STATE

Sept. 12th: vs North Carolina (Atlanta) 

Sept. 19th: at Ole Miss

Sept. 26th: SOUTHERN MISS

Oct. 3rd: KENTUCKY

Oct. 10th: at Georgia 

Oct. 17th: TEXAS A&M

Oct. 24th: Open

Oct. 31st: at Mississippi State

Nov. 7th: ARKANSAS

Nov. 14th: UMASS

Nov. 21st: LSU

Nov. 28th: at Alabama 

That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 

Sunday, August 4th, 2019

Auburn football has picked up two commitments at cornerback this weekend, one yesterday and the other today. Let's start with the former. 

- On Saturday, Marco Domio of Blinn College (Texas), a four-star recruit and the No. 2 junior-college corner in the 247Sports Composite, pledged to the Tigers via Twitter. He attended Auburn's recruit picnic last weekend, and gave Auburn a silent pledge at that point. Domio, who was recently thought to be siding with LSU, picked Auburn over LSU, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and Texas A&M.

"It's just a family-friendly environment," Domio stated. "It felt like home here." The 6-feet-2, 190-pound Domio became the Tigers' 16th commit for 2020. He ranks as the No. 5 overall junior-college recruit in the nation. "My recruitment is 100 percent over," Domio declared in an interview with Auburn Undercover. 

In this cycle, Auburn hopes to sign three corners. Domio, who plans to enroll on the Plains in January, has visited the campus twice. His first trip there was June 13th for his official visit. That, he says, is when the Tigers jumped to the top of his list. "It was the first visit I took," he said. "This last weekend just put them over the top." 

He also noted that head coach Gus Malzahn and cornerbacks coach Marcus Woodson were "ecstatic" when he informed them of his decision. "They just said I was the top one on the board and they struck gold," Domio said. At defensive back, where one projected starter (Javaris Davis) is a senior and another (Noah Igbinoghene) is a junior, Domio sees a perfect chance to contribute - and possibly start - in his first year at Auburn. He said that that was a major factor in his decision. 

"I feel like I could beat anyone out, but you know, being a JUCO player, you've got to come in and play right away," Domio explained. His parents, Mark and Tina Domio, accompanied him to Auburn last weekend. "They're 100 percent on board (with Auburn)," Marco Domio assured. Domio's father played at Arkansas. His having been a college athlete has played a big part in his son's recruiting process. 

"Just picking his brain from his days, you know, he was a very intelligent player," Domio said. "He also coached." Domio said he plans to return to Auburn for a game or two this fall, schedule permitting. His games are played on Saturdays. 

- Now, let's move on to today's pledge. This afternoon, four-star safety Chris Thompson Jr. of Duncanville, Texas, chose Auburn over Texas on Twitter, much to the surprise of the recruiting world. The 6-feet-2, 199-pound Thompson ranks as the No. 18 safety and the No. 210 overall prospect nationally in the 247Sports Composite. There had been 10 predictions for Thompson in the 247Sports Crystal Ball - all for the Longhorns. 

For Auburn, he is commitment No. 17 for 2020 - and the 11th since June 1st. The Tigers now stand at No. 12 in the 247Sports recruiting team rankings for 2020. Unsurprisingly, safeties coach Wesley McGriff, in his second stint at Auburn after a two-year tenure as defensive coordinator at Ole Miss, was Thompson's lead recruiter. The two developed a close bond in recent months and that paid huge dividends for the Tigers. Another big factor in Thompson's choice: His desire to play in the Southeastern Conference. 

Auburn Undercover had previously reported that McGriff and the Tigers communicated extensively with Thompson all the way up to his decision day. The aforementioned source expects the Tigers to take up to three more defensive backs. The breakdown will likely consist of two more corners and one more safety. 

A scouting report on Thompson from 247Sports reads as follows:

"Physical defender with elite frame potential for projected position. Great height and length with ample space to continue to add bulk. Huge hitter who can seperate the ball from the runner. Receivers must be cognizant of his presence over the middle. Provides highlight-reel pops in the open field. Flashes impressive straight-line closing speed. Enforcer in the run game when crashing downhill into the box. Provides personnel flexibility and might thrive in a big nickel role as a spacebacker hybrid. However, that also means a possible safety/outside linebacker 'tweener. Could be a man without a true position at the next level. Must improve lateral fluidity and man coverage ability to stay at safety. Predominantly plays downhill in high school. Can clean up tackling technique. If a move to outside linebacker occurs, owns the requisite frame potential and physical nature to succeed - in addition to plus athleticism for the position. Should develop into a reliable P5 starter." 

Let's all hope that Thompson and Domio will both become reliable starters for the Tigers. 

That's all for today. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 



Saturday, August 3rd, 2019

With preseason camp having kicked off yesterday, seven Auburn football players were dealing with injuries of various extents. The biggest absences from yesterday's practice were defensive tackle Daquan Newkirk (shoulder) and offensive lineman Prince Michael Sammons (undisclosed). They were the only two players held entirely out of practice, aside from those already ruled out for the season, including backup right tackle Austin Troxell (ACL). 

Newkirk is dealing with a second Achilles injury in as many years, and a timetable for his return is lengthier than that of his teammates. "Hope to have him back before the end of the season," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said. Also, defensive tackle Coynis Miller (shoulder) was limited yesterday with an orange, non-contact jersey but is expected to return before the season opener on Aug. 31st against Oregon. Miller was expected to compete with Tyrone Truesdell for the starting job at defensive tackle, but his recovery process will obviously put those plans on hold. 

Sammons, who has yet to play significant snaps and is a third-string tackle, will be back "after fall camp," according to Malzahn. Malzahn also noted that "younger" players are seeing more time at defensive tackle, and emphasized Nick Coe's flexibility to play both tackle and Buck. Gary Walker, a former walk-on, worked behind Truesdell at the tackle spot next to returning starter Derrick Brown. Strangely, Coe lined up at defensive end in the open, 40-minute viewing session yesterday. 

Elsewhere, freshman running back D.J. Williams underwent a shoulder procedure at the end of spring practice and wore an orange, non-contact jersey yesterday, but when asked about his injury, Malzahn replied, "I don't think that will be much longer."

Safety Jordyn Peters (Achilles) was limited in an orange jersey as well, as was tight end Luke Deal (undisclosed). 

The Tigers returned to practice today. It was closed to the media and public.

That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 



Friday, August 2nd, 2019

A former Auburn football player has made his transfer decision. He won't be too far away from the Plains, however. 

For those who missed the news last month, redshirt freshman Richard Jibunor entered the NCAA transfer portal after only one season with the Tigers. While doing so doesn't guarantee a transfer, it looks like Jibunor has officially decided to leave Auburn for good. 

Jibunor has chosen to follow former Auburn offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey to Troy, according to John Garcia Jr. of 247Sports. Lindsey left Auburn after the conclusion of the 2018 regular season, opening the door for Gus Malzahn to to take over the team's offensive play-calling duties. 

Jibunor signed with the Tigers out of Athens (Ga.) Christian in the 2018 recruiting cycle. He was rated as a four-star prospect and appeared in only four games last season, allowing him to keep his redshirt status for this season. I wish Richard well, and hope he finds great success at Troy. 

Two other notes to make: Today marks the start of Auburn's preseason camp. Plus, we're down to just 29 days before the season opener. Aren't you getting pumped? I sure as heck am! 

That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE!