​​Lyle's Corner

August 2020​

Monday, August 31st, 2020

Yes, I'm still out there, although I did have a little time to relax because things were relatively quiet around Auburn over the past eight days. Unfortunately, my last post for this month covers some concerning news. 

​Last week was quite bumpy for the football team as at least nine positive COVID-19 tests resulted in practice being canceled for four straight days. Yesterday evening, head coach Gus Malzahn touched on the testing, as well as the fact that two position groups in particular took a hard hit. 

"We had a pretty challenging week last week," Malzahn stated. "Some of our guys were off campus with a roommate, a roommate's girlfriend - it's really just learning to operate and using COVID etiquette. I really feel strongly that our guys will adapt and adjust." In all, according to Nathan King, 16 players will have to sit out of practice this week. The Tigers are planning to return to the practice field on Tuesday.  

COVID wasn't the only issue. Some players were distraught about the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and didn't feel comfortable attending meetings. "(I) fully supported that," Malzahn said. A few SEC teams, including Mississippi State and Kentucky, opted not to practice last Thursday in a form of protest. Additionally, during the week, Ole Miss players marched to the middle of downtown Oxford in a silent protest. 

To say the least, it's a good thing that Auburn's (as well as the entire SEC's) season hasn't started yet. But there's still plenty of time for everyone affected to fully recover and be ready to go. That said, the days are counting down.

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

Saturday, August 22nd, 2020

Word came out last night that a third Auburn football player has opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. Linebacker Josh Marsh announced his decision via social media yesterday. On his Twitter account, Marsh posted a screenshot with a statement reading as follows:

"As a result of contracting Covid-19 and its continued, current complications, I have made the decision to opt out of the 2020 football season. This is a tough decision, but one that was made with prayer and consideration. I appreciate the support, understanding and guidance my coaches have shown me while working through this decision. I wish my teammates the very best this year and am believing for a great season. I am extremely thankful to be a part of the Auburn family and look forward to coming back next year stronger and better than ever. War Eagle" 

Marsh joins fellow linebacker Chandler Wooten and defensive back Traivon Leonard as Tigers that have chosen to skip the 2020 campaign due to COVID-19. Like Marsh, Leonard also contracted COVID-19. Wooten opted out due to safety concerns for his soon-to-be-born son. 

Marsh, a Decatur product, joined the program as a class of 2018 signee. Over the past two seasons, he has played in three games, recording three total tackles and a forced fumble. Those figures obviously may not be eye-popping, but you never know what could happen if he gets a chance to return to action. For now, all we can do is wish him well in his decision. 

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

Friday, August 21st, 2020

Auburn football's latest commitment hails from the Sunshine State - and the Tigers surpassed his local Power 5 program to land him. 

​Florida State University School standout Ahmari Harvey announced his pledge to Auburn today during a live broadcast on CBS Sports HQ. Harvey picked the Tigers over Florida State and Texas A&M. The Tallahassee, Fla. native is rated as a four-star prospect, the No. 8 safety recruit and a top 200 overall player in the 2021 recruiting cycle by the 247Sports Composite Rankings. When he concludes his high school career, Harvey is already committed to playing in the 2021 Under Armour All-American Game. 

​The Tigers now have 14 total commitments in the 2021 recruiting cycle. With Harvey on board, Auburn now climbs to No. 18 in the 2021 recruiting class rankings. Reports indicate that the 5-feet-10.5, 171-pound Harvey is also versatile enough to play nickel or corner. Auburn now has about seven or eight spots left to fill for this class. Secondary is an area of major need for the Tigers right now. 

While Harvey has yet to visit the Plains in person, he has made a virtual visit and has also had multiple Zoom calls with the Tigers. 

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

Wednesday, August 19th, 2020

Auburn football may be intact, but Jordan-Hare Stadium - and the area around it - won't be quite as abuzz with activity this season as fans are used to. A day after the SEC set its COVID-19 safety guidelines for game days this fall, Auburn set its plans in place for Jordan-Hare Stadium this season. The school announced this morning that the stadium is expected to have 20 percent capacity for home games this season. Jordan-Hare Stadium has a total capacity of 87,451, meaning no more than 17,490 will be in attendance for the Tigers' five scheduled home games this season. 

​In accordance with the SEC's guidelines released yesterday, Auburn will require all fans in attendance and game day workers to wear face coverings. Auburn also announced that, in keeping with CDC, state and local guidelines, no tailgating will be allowed on campus this fall. 

For the Tigers' season opener on Sept. 26th vs. Kentucky at Jordan-Hare Stadium, the university plans to allocate all general seating tickets - those outside of premium seating and tickets designated for home and visiting team coach and player guests - to Auburn students. The general seating distribution for Auburn's other four home contests vs. LSU, Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas A&M will be announced at a later date. 

While Auburn's plan for 20 percent capacity is in place for home games, that number may be subject to change "as additional information related to COVID-19 becomes available." With reduced capacity this season and limited tickets available, Auburn's season-ticket holders have the ability to opt out of their tickets for this fall, with three choices presented to them: a full refund, credit purchased toward the following season or the ability to make a donation through Tigers Unlimited to support Auburn's athletes. 

Auburn athletic director Allen Greene, in an open letter to fans today, asked season-ticket holders to consider the donation option if they choose to opt out because he expects the athletic department to endure a budgetary shortfall of "tens of millions of dollars" due to the reduced stadium capacity this season. Ticket holders who receive their season tickets through Tigers Unlimited will be emailed additional information from Auburn's athletics department, though TUF members will have the chance to express their interest in attending future home games this season should tickets become available. According to Auburn, any tickets that become available after the Sept. 26th opener against Kentucky will be allotted on a single-game basis, with distribution based on Tigers Unlimited priority and demand. 

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

Tuesday, August 18th, 2020

The long wait is finally over. The questions have been answered. Auburn's complete 2020 football schedule was released yesterday, and here it is as follows:

- Saturday, Sept. 26th: Kentucky (Home)

- Oct. 3rd: at Georgia (Away)

​- Oct. 10th: Arkansas (Home)

​- Oct. 17th: at South Carolina (Away)

- Oct. 24th: at Ole Miss (Away)

​- Oct. 31st: LSU (Home)

- Nov. 7th: OPEN

- Nov. 14th: at Mississippi State (Away)

​- Nov. 21st: Tennessee (Home)

- Nov. 28th: at Alabama (Away)

- Dec. 5th: Texas A&M (Home) 

- Dec. 12th: OPEN 

- Dec. 19th: SEC Championship 

Do a couple of dates on the list strike you as strange? I thought so. The last time Auburn and Georgia squared off prior to November was 1936. Plus, for the first time in God knows how long, the Iron Bowl will not be the Tigers' regular-season finale. Unsurprisingly, mixed views on the schedule are running rampant all over social media. Indeed, this may take a little getting used to, but we'll get there somehow. 

The only mysteries remaining are the kickoff times and TV networks for each game. I'm sure we'll learn those details as the dates draw closer. Bottom line: It may be quite different than we're used to, but we WILL have something to look forward to on autumn Saturdays this year. Let's all hope that, Good Lord willing, we can complete the season without any COVID-19-related disruptions.

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

Monday, August 17th, 2020

Auburn's latest commitment for 2021 is a JUCO cornerback. 

Kamal Hadden, a 6-feet-2, 185-pound cornerback from River Rouge, Michigan, pledged to the Tigers today. He currently attends Independence Community College. Hadden is the fifth-ranked cornerback from the JUCO ranks in this cycle. A three-star recruit, Hadden has at least 16 offers. 

Hadden is the 14th recruit to join Auburn's Class of '21, which currently ranks No. 7 in the SEC and No. 18 in the country. He's the second defensive back to commit to Gus Malzahn's troops in this class. 

In other news.....

- Auburn's Week 1 opponent for the 2020 season has been revealed. The Tigers will host Kentucky when the season kicks off on Sept. 26th at Jordan-Hare Stadium, it was announced this afternoon on SEC Network. Before the conference announced its restructured, 10-game, conference-only schedule a couple of weeks ago, the Tigers were originally scheduled to host the Wildcats on Oct. 3rd in the same location. 

The two cross-division teams last met in 2015, when the Tigers traveled to Lexington for a Thursday night match. Auburn brought home a hard-fought 30-27 win. This year's meeting will mark the 34th all-time tangle between the two, with the Tigers holding a commanding 26-6-1 advantage. 

This game may be even more noteworthy because a former Tiger could be taking the snaps for the UK offense. Former Auburn signee Joey Gatewood is now at Kentucky, where he is still waiting to see if he will be granted a waiver for immediate eligibility with the Wildcats. Gatewood signed with Auburn in 2018 and redshirted his first season on campus before competing with Bo Nix and, at the time, Malik Willis, for the starting job during the 2019 offseason. As it turned out, Willis was eliminated from contention after spring, leaving a two-man race between Nix and Gatewood during the summer and fall. Nix ultimately got the nod to start, and while Gatewood saw action in seven games, he chose to leave the team midseason and transfer to find a starting opportunity elsewhere. Gatewood transferred to Kentucky in December and has awaited word on his status the past eight months. 

The remainder of Auburn's schedule will come to light tonight at 6 p.m. CT (7 p.m. ET) on the SEC Network. 

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

Saturday, August 15th, 2020

​The burning question is about to be answered. At long last, we'll all find out what Auburn's (and every other SEC team's) schedule will look like for the 2020 college football season on Monday. The SEC announced that it will announce the complete slate of games tomorrow evening. A press release from the conference reads as follows: 

"​The Southeastern Conference will announce its 2020 football schedule on Monday at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT on a special show on the SEC Network. 

"SEC Now: Football Schedule Release Show Presented by Regions will air live on SEC Network at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT on Monday. Hosted by Dari Nowkhah with analysis by Greg McElroy, Roman Harper, Laura Rutledge, Kirk Herbstreit, Rece Davis and more, the show will break down the 2020 SEC football schedule in its entirety. Week 1 of the 2020 SEC football schedule will be revealed at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT on The Paul Finebaum Show. 

"Last week, the SEC established September 26 as the new kickoff for its 2020 football season to allow its universities to focus on the healthy return of their campus communities and the gradual re-introduction of athletics, as the 14 members of the SEC continue to monitor developments related to COVID-19. The 2020 SEC football season will be comprised of a 10-game, Conference-only schedule and the SEC Football Championship Game is scheduled to be played December 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, rescheduled from the original date of December 5. The schedule will include one mid-season open date for each school and an open date on December 12 for all schools. 

"The decision to limit competition to Conference-only opponents and rescheduling the SEC Championship Game is based on the need for maximum flexibility in making any necessary scheduling adjustments while reacting to developments around the pandemic and continued advice from medical professionals. 

​Auburn was given Tennessee and South Carolina as its two extra opponents after the conference decided to go on a 10-game, conference-only slate for the season. Now, after weeks of uncertainty as to when each game will be played, all SEC fans will finally have the luxury of getting each respective team's schedule straightened out and in order. Here's hoping that, Good Lord willing, we'll actually be able to complete the season without any disruptions. Someone recently said that colleges may be more at risk if players don't play. Perhaps that's true. 

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

​Saturday, August 15th, 2020

Well, it's now written in stone: Preseason camp for Auburn football will begin next Monday, August 17th, as the Tigers prepare for a 10-game, conference-only schedule starting Sept. 26th. Although the opponents for the season have been announced, when the games will be played have not (that will be discussed shortly). 

​With the COVID-19 pandemic still lingering across America, however, this camp will clearly not be like any other for the players, coaches and staffers involved. Testing will be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that there is no breakout of the virus, while interviews with Gus Malzahn and others will only be conducted via Zoom. The team will practice Monday-Thursday before enjoying a day off next Friday, August 21st. 

In other news.....

​- An industry source told 247Sports today that the SEC will announce dates for its 10-game, conference-only schedule early next week. A person familiar with the process said that SEC head coaches are expected to learn their Week 1 opponents on Monday, but it's unclear if the league will make a public announcement laying out the full slate of games by date on the same day. While we do know that the full, 10-game schedule will be released at some point early next week, the exact day for that announcement has yet to be determined. 

​All SEC teams open preseason camp next Monday on their respective campuses. 

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

Friday, August 14th, 2020

An Auburn football commitment will be setting foot onto the Plains sooner than he originally scheduled. 

Four-star wide receiver Malcolm Johnson Jr., who pledged to the Tigers this morning over Alabama, Florida, Georgia and LSU, announced on Twitter that he plans to enroll in classes with Auburn next week. As such, Johnson, who is arguably the fastest player in the Class of 2021, will be reclassifying into the Class of 2020. Fall camp and the fall semester begin on Monday. 

Auburn's wide receiver supply is hardly sparse. Even with Johnson on board, the Tigers already signed three four-star wideouts for the Class of '20 in Kobe Hudson, Ze'Vian Capers and J.J. Evans, as well as three-star speedster Elijah Canion. The Tigers currently have a string of superb receivers in juniors Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz, redshirt senior Eli Stove, junior Shedrick Jackson, redshirt freshman Ja'Varrius Johnson and transfer Caylin Newton. 

Johnson's opting to reclassify into the 2020 class should also put the Tigers at 84 scholarship players for the upcoming season - one short of the NCAA limit of 85. 

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

Wednesday, August 12th, 2020

The future for the SEC's 2020 football season may not yet be clear, but Auburn's basketball program had a game scratched yesterday. The Pac-12's decision to postpone all athletics competition through the end of the calendar year means that the Tigers' scheduled trip to Washington won't happen (at least not in November). Bruce Pearl's squad was set to face the Huskies in a return trip to Washington for a home-and-home series between the two schools. The Huskies traveled to the Plains during the 2018-19 campaign, with the Tigers coming away with an 88-66 win in Auburn Arena. 

Auburn's scheduled trip to Washington was to be the marquee non-conference match on the Tigers' schedule for the upcoming season. In addition to the now-postponed journey, Auburn's non-SEC docket is set to include home games against North Alabama on Nov. 10th and South Alabama on Dec. 4th, a neutral-site meeting with Memphis in Atlanta on Dec. 12th, and also an appearance in the Orlando Invitational in November with a field that includes Gonzaga, Michigan State, Boise State, Belmont, Xavier, Siena and St. Louis. 

In other news....

- Chris Davis, the legendary hero of the 2013 Iron Bowl, has now joined the coaching ranks. Pinson Valley High School announced yesterday evening that Davis will be joining the football coaching staff as the cornerbacks coach. 

Davis, a Birmingham native, amassed almost 200 tackles at Auburn, including 25 pass breakups. However, if anybody mentions Davis's name, you can be sure that his 109-yard "Kick Six" return of a missed Alabama field goal return as time expired to win the 2013 Iron Bowl will become a topic of discussion. After closing out his career on the Plains, Davis played three seasons in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers. He then played for the Birmingham Iron in 2019. 

​"There goes Davis!" 

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

Sunday, August 9th, 2020

Today, I'm going to cover two pieces of important news that I meant to yesterday, but never got the chance. 

​First off, the SEC announced Friday evening that Auburn will play Tennessee and South Carolina in addition to the other eight conference teams on its schedule. The Tigers will travel to Columbia to play South Carolina, but host the Volunteers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn last faced the Gamecocks in 2014, with the Tigers winning 42-35. The Tigers weren't so fortunate in their last confrontation with Tennessee in 2018, losing 30-24. 

Auburn was originally scheduled to open its 2020 campaign against Alcorn State, but on July 20th, the SWAC's decision to postpone fall sports wiped that game off the schedule. Nine days later, the chances that Auburn would play North Carolina, its other non-conference opponent, came into dire straits when the ACC announced its plans for the season. The league would permit its members to play one non-conference match, but that game would have to be played either as a home game or in that team's home state. The contest between the Tigers and Tar Heels was originally located in Atlanta, Georgia. 

​The following day, the SEC officially moved to a conference-only slate, eliminating any mystery as to whether Auburn should travel to UNC or not. The move also eliminated in-state rivalry games like Florida-Florida State and Louisville-Kentucky as well as other big non-conference showdowns like LSU-Texas and Oklahoma-Tennessee. The new conference-only schedule still included 10 games, so each team had to add two in-conference oppositions to the schedule. The two new opponents are cross-divisional teams, adding to the two Auburn already had on its schedule with Kentucky and Georgia. 

If the Tigers were to reach the SEC Championship (although I personally wouldn't bet on it, mainly because we have an almost-entirely new offensive line, among other question marks), it will now be played on December 19th instead of December 5th. As it stands right now, the game is set to be played in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. 

In other news.....

​- The Tigers now have a second player opting out of the 2020 season. Reserve defensive back Traivon Leonard announced on Friday that he will skip the season after recently being diagnosed with COVID-19. Leonard announced his decision via Instagram, explaining that he was diagnosed with the virus two weeks ago. He also has underlying health issues. Leonard joins senior linebacker Chandler Wooten, who decided to bypass this season primarily because he will become a first-time father in November. 

Leonard is the first Auburn player to publicly acknowledge a positive diagnosis for COVID-19. When players initially returned to campus in June, the program announced that three players tested positive at the time, though they were all asymptomatic. Auburn has not provided any updated testing figures in the two months since. Leonard, who was originally a three-star defensive back out of West Palm Beach, Fla., signed with Auburn in 2017 but has been a seldom-used backup since coming to the Plains. The 6-feet, 214-pounder has appeared in nine games over the past three seasons, including seven appearances as a true freshman reserve in 2017,  when he closed out the year with five total tackles. In 2018, he saw action in two games but did not record a stat, and he did not appear in a game last season. 

​Leonard, who will remain on scholarship this year according to SEC and NCAA rules, should still have one year of eligibility left after this season, but did not state whether he intends to return in 2021. (We can only hope that he does.)

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

Friday, August 7th, 2020

In a very eventful week for the football program, the Tigers got some bad news yesterday. The team's linebacking corps is taking a hit, as senior Chandler Wooten has become the first player to opt out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. 

Wooten, who is set to become a first-time father in November, announced his decision via Twitter Thursday afternoon. He will redshirt this season and plans to return in 2021 as a fifth-year senior. "I'd like to take this time to express what's been weighing on my heart," Wooten wrote. "With recent events regarding social injustice, and COVID-19, times have been extremely difficult. We are living in a time of uncertainty and a time of the unknown, and with this uncertainty comes difficult decisions for my family and I.

"With that being said, right around the time this pandemic began, I found out that I'd be welcoming a beautiful baby boy into the world this November. As exciting as it is, it comes with a great deal of responsibility. As a soon-to-be father, my number one priority is the safety and well-being of my family. Unfortunately, playing this season was ultimately not a risk that I was willing to take. I have ultimately decided to opt out of this season and redshirt.  

"Upon reaching this decision, I had great conversation with athletic director Allen Greene, Coach (Gus) Malzahn, and my position coach, Coach T-Will (Travis Williams). I couldn't have asked for a better support system during the duration of this process. It is in times like this, where I am reminded how truly blessed I am to be at such an amazing university like Auburn. I am confident in my decision because I am confident in who holds my future in the palms of his hands! With God I know I can't lose, and after much thought, prayer, and considerations I am sure this is the best move for me at this moment. 

"To my teammates, the hardest part of all of this will easily be not being around you guys. From the bottom of my heart I love each and every one of you. In January we set a goal, and I expect nothing less than for it to be achieved. Stay locked in, and know that 31 will be your biggest fan this season. I thank y'all guys for understanding and supporting my decision. I look forward to finishing what I started here at Auburn in 2021." 

​In accordance with SEC and NCAA rules, Wooten will remain on scholarship. The 6-feet-2, 229-pounder is the first Tiger to opt out this season, though a handful of other crucial players at major programs have decided likewise. While Wooten was not a starter in the linebacker corps last season, he appeared in all 13 games and recorded 27 tackles. He has appeared in 30 games over the past three seasons, amassing 45 tackles, an interception, a fumble return and a pass breakup. 

​"I had a good talk with Chandler and because of health concerns for he and his family, he's decided to opt out of the 2020 season," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn tweeted yesterday afternoon. "We fully support and respect his decision and look forward to having him back next year." Don't we all feel that way? 

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

​Thursday, August 6th, 2020

If you'll recall, yesterday I touched on two noteworthy changes to the football roster. Today, I'm going to start off covering something incredibly similar. 

​This offseason, the NCAA amended its rules to allow players to wear the No. 0 jersey going forward. Suddenly, that became a hot topic all over America and it seemed a sure bet that some of the nation's best players would become the first to wear that number for their respective teams. Well, Auburn now has its first-ever player in program history with that distinction, as it was recently revealed that sophomore linebacker Owen Pappoe will wear No. 0 this season. He was previously No. 10. 

​Pappoe started every game in his true freshman season and racked up 49 tackles for the Tigers. Now the nucleus of Kevin Steele's defense, don't be surprised to see Pappoe in the middle of the field and making plays all year long (assuming, of course, that he stays healthy and out of trouble).  

In other news.....

- A familiar face is returning to Auburn's football team. Former punter Aidan Marshall, who held the starting job throughout the 2017 campaign and was named the starter for the Tigers' 2018 opener against Washington, has rejoined the team, according to his father, Tim Marshall. Marshall also posted about his return on Instagram on Tuesday afternoon. 

​Marshall originally left the team early in the 2018 season after losing the starting job to Arryn Siposs after Auburn's Week 1 victory over the Huskies. Although he planned to transfer and received offers from Louisville, Tennessee and Iowa State, Marshall remained enrolled at Auburn to complete his degree. Marshall was reportedly approached by a member of Gus Malzahn's staff last week and was told that Malzahn wanted him to consider returning to the team. 

That was the third time in the past year that a staff member had contacted Marshall about returning. After meeting with coaches this week, Marshall indeed decided to rejoin the program, giving the Tigers another option at punter heading into this season. Auburn entered this offseason without a scholarship punter on the roster after the early departure by Siposs to the NFL, but the team got a commitment last month from another Australian punter, Oscar Chapman. While Chapman expected to arrive on campus Aug. 1st, delays with his visa process have pushed his arrival back a couple of weeks. With fall camp set to kick off Aug. 17th, Marshall's return gives the Tigers an experienced option in the punting department. 

​In 11 games over two seasons as Auburn's starting punter, Marshall averaged 39.2 yards per boot on 44 attempts. He attempted just one kick during the 2018 opener against Washington before being surpassed by Siposs on the depth chart and subsequently leaving the team. 

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

Wednesday. August 5th, 2020

The SEC will now have to wait a bit longer for preseason camp to begin. Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated ​reported yesterday that the league has decided to push the start of training back to August 17th. The lead-up to training camps across the SEC allowed coaches around the conference to hold walkthroughs and organized team activities without helmets and shoulder pads after most programs lost out on most, if not all, of spring practice. 

​Those practices will be allowed to continue through Friday. By the end of this week through August 16th, teams will only be allowed to organize 11 hours a week. Beginning August 17th, teams will be permitted to practice for 20 hours a week and have the option to practice 25 times in a span of 40 days. Last week, the SEC confirmed that it was shifting to a 10-game, conference-only schedule this season. Plus, the start of the SEC season was delayed until Saturday, September 26th. 

​The league has yet to announce the finalized schedule after opting to add two conference matches to each team's 2020 slate. (Obviously, at this point, there's still plenty of time to figure that out.) 

In other news......

​- Moving on from scheduling, the football team has made a couple of noteworthy changes to its roster. First off, Matthew Hill is moving from receiver to defensive back. Secondly, Howard transfer QB Caylin Newton, the younger brother of former Auburn star Cam Newton, is now listed as a wide receiver. He will wear No. 23. While the younger Newton was taking snaps, he was the 2018 MEAC offensive MVP, passing for 2,629 yards and rushing for 504 yards. He accounted for a combined 26 touchdowns that season. 

Hill had eight receptions for 46 yards last year, including two catches in the Iron Bowl against Alabama. 

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

Tuesday, August 4th, 2020

With preseason camp just three days away, the Tigers may be losing some depth along their offensive line as redshirt freshman Justin Osborne has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Osborne redshirted during his first season with Auburn, and has yet to see any game action with the team. 

​As always, it should be emphasized that a player's entering the portal does not ​guarantee that he will leave the program. Entering the portal merely allows other programs and coaches the ability to reach out to the player regarding a possible transfer. Osborne, a native of Flower Mound, Tex., was a three-star prospect in the 2019 recruiting cycle. His prep career began at Marcus High School until he transferred to IMG Academy to close out his high school playing days. 

​Auburn already had some major rebuilding to do on the offensive front with only one returning starter this season - Nick Brahms. 

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

Sunday, August 2nd, 2020

The Tigers have gotten off to a sizzling-hot start on the recruiting trail this month. Late Saturday evening, Marquis Robinson, a four-star defensive tackle from Milton, Fla., gave his pledge to Auburn. He is the Tigers' second commitment this weekend, giving them 12 total verbals for the Class of 2021. 

"It's just a family place, man," Robinson told Auburn Undercover. "Coach (Rodney Garner) and Coach (Kevin) Steele, they recruited me hard - and just hit home with my family."  Robinson noted that he had firmly decided on Auburn for a few months now. "I got tired of waiting," he said. "I'm very excited. It's a big weight off my shoulders." Robinson's pledge was the icing on the cake of a big day for the Tigers. Three-star defensive end Tobechi Okoli of Kansas City (Mo.) committed to Auburn on Saturday morning. 

​The 6-feet-3, 300-pound Robinson ranks as the No. 18 tackle nationally in the 247Sports Composite. "I mean, they just give off the family vibe," he explained. "The people there, and the fans are great. The students there, they look friendly. It's just a home feeling vibe." Robinson further noted that he talks to Auburn at least twice a week. "Every last one of them (coaches at Auburn)," he said. "I'll get on the phone and talk with Coach Steele and we'll be on the phone for like 30 minutes. Right after that, I'll get on the phone with Coach Garner for like another 30 minutes. Then right after that, I'll be on the phone with Coach (Gus) Malzahn." 

In closing, I'd like to give a couple of notes about Tobechi Okoli, our first commitment from yesterday. First off, he's 6-feet-5, 250 pounds. Secondly, he was Auburn's first verbal pledge since June 15th. (I only found these tidbits in another article about him after I had published yesterday's post. Thanks for understanding.) 

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

Saturday, August 1st, 2020

Auburn football got its 11th pledge for the Class of 2021 today, and it's someone they've been eyeing for a while. Tobechi Okoli, a 3-star defensive end from Lincoln College Prep in Kansas City, Missouri, announced via Twitter this morning that he had committed to the Tigers for '21 and beyond. 

According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Okoli stands as the No. 41 strong-side defensive end for the Class of 2021 and the No. 8 overall recruit from the state of Missouri. With his pledge, Auburn's 2021 recruiting class now ranks at No. 28 in the country and No. 8 in the SEC. 

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