Recruiting Recaps

*Below is a recap of signees by years with yearly updates on their careers at Auburn and beyond. The signee information is from www.recruiting-eagle.com a great subscription recruiting site, with updates from www.aurx.net

Class of 2003

jerold watson left the team before spring practice 2005

Class of 2003

1. DL JOSH THOMPSON, 6-1, 295, 4.97, Statesboro, Ga. (7/22/02). Considered one of top defensive tackle prospects in South . . . also one of the strongest linemen in the Southeast, boasting 440-pound bench press and 650-pound squat . . . won state weightlifting title with combined 1,300 pounds (bench press, squat and power clean) . . . at Nike Camp in Athens, Ga., did 56 repetitions of 185 pounds to set what was then a record for prospects from around country . . . Atlanta Journal-Constitution Georgia Top 50 . . . rated 9.25 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . four-year starter was credited with100 tackles (including 20 for losses) and 10.5 sacks as junior . . . honor student who projects as a full academic qualifier. Picked Auburn over Cincinnati, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky and South Carolina. Update 2003 season. Redshirt.

2. RB CARL STEWART, 6-2, 205, 4.5, Maryville, Tenn. (9/10/02). Nicknamed "The Truth" . . . selected Tennessee's "Mr. Football" in his classification . . . No. 6 on The Knoxville News-Sentinel Tennessee Top 25 list . . . Tom Lemming Top 250 nationally . . . rated 9.50 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . rugged runner who runs with physical attitude . . . led his school to 14-1 record and state Class 4-A championship as junior, rushing for 1,500 yards and 21 TDs . . . ran 23 times for 190 yards in championship game to earn MVP . . . numbers as junior were even more impressive considering he shared running duties with another 1,000-yard rusher . . . could also play linebacker or safety . . . camped at Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee and Nike Camp in Athens, Ga. . . . in addition to running 4.42 in the 40-yard dash, also posted 275-pound bench press, 480-pound squat and 38-inch vertical leap . . . also plays basketball and runs track at Maryville . . . finished fifth in state decathlon as a junior . . . will easily qualify academically with 3.8 GPA and 26 ACT. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Update 2003 season. Redshirt.

3. RB * BRANDON JACOBS, 6-5, 255, 4.5, Assumption-Napoleonville, La. (10/15/02). Signed with Auburn out of high school in 2001, but failed to qualify academically and enrolled at Coffeyville (Kan.) Junior College . . . graduated in December enrolled in classes at Auburn University in January 2003 . . . rated the nation's No. 1 overall JUCO prospect, regardless of position . . . over summer had verbally committed to LSU because Auburn had recruited him out of high school to play defense . . . with 1,023 yards, currently ranked third among JUCO rushers nationally . . . during freshman year at Coffeyville, ran for 927 yards and 13 TDs . . . compared by coaches to cross between Eric Dickerson's straight-up style of running and Earl Campbell's punishing style . . . as high school senior, rushed for 3,022 yards and 38 TDs, averaging 8.6 yards per carry . . . as junior, ran for 1,883 yards and 18 TDs, caught three passes for 50 yards and touchdown and returned eight kicks for touchdowns . . . led high school team to Class 4-A state semifinals in senior year, and was named to USAToday.com All-America team, The Orlando Sentinel All-Southern team and was named Class 4-A Player of Year in state of Louisiana . . . best 2000 summer camp bench press was 315 pounds, while he had vertical jump of 33 inches. Picked Auburn over LSU, Nebraska and Washington. Update 2003 season. Finally saw playing time in the 3rd game of the season. Finished as the second leading rusher behind Carnell Williams, but only got the ball a few times. Update 2004 season. Transfered to SLU and was drafted in the 3rd round in the 2005 NFL Draft.

4. DE @ LLOYD BLEVINS, 6-4, 225, 4.5, Wenonah-Birmingham, Ala. (9/12/02). Despite playing in only five games as junior because of broken thumb, had 45 tackles and 11 sacks . . . playing both defensive end and tight end as senior this fall . . . camped at Auburn and Alabama . . . lists 325-pound bench press and 33-inch vertical leap . . . favored Alabama early, but turned off by Crimson Tide's NCAA probation . . . lack of depth at DE attracted him to Auburn . . .three-year starter in football and basketball, who may also be recruited by some schools in basketball as a small forward . . . as junior, averaged 17 points and 18 rebounds as power forward Tom Lemming Top 25 nationally-ranked outside linebacker . . . No. 10 on The Recruiting Eagle's Top 10 Alabama prospects . . . No. 12 on Mobile Register's Top 18 . . . and No. 7 on The Birmingham News "Second Dozen Super Seniors" list . . . rated 9.75 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, Middle Tennessee State and South Carolina. Update 2003 season. Failed to qualify. JUCO.

5. WR Bruce Edwards, 5-11, 165, 4.4, Columbus, Miss. (10/21/02). Considered one of South's top wide receivers . . . rated 9.25 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . as senior, finished with 1,045 all-purpose yards and scored nine TDs . . . caught 24 passes for 404 yards . . . senior numbers limited after his team's quarterback went out with season-ending injury and he was moved to quarterback . . . also rushed for 410 yards on 39 carries . . . as junior, had 29 receptions for 609 yards and nine TDs . . . . . . also played some at defensive back . . . camped at Auburn, where he posted impressive 42-inch vertical jump . . . also 40-yard times of 4.48 and 4.49 . . . has run as fast as 4.3 in 40 and 10.8 100 meters . . . also an outstanding baseball player, who could be high draft pick in next June's Major League Baseball draft . . . switch-hitter who batted .411 last spring and stole 41 bases . . . expected to easily qualify academically. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Mississippi, Southern Miss and Vanderbilt. Update 2003 season. Left team to pursue baseball career.

6. TE COLE BENNETT, 6-5, 230, 4.65, Dalton, Ga. (10/21/02). Rated among top four tight ends in nation by PrepStar . . . Atlanta Journal-Constitution Georgia Top 50 . . . rated 9.25 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . four-year starter . . . as junior, had 38 receptions for 640 yards and seven TDs in helping Dalton to 13-2 record and berth in Georgia Class 4-A state championship game . . . has also lined up at wide receiver and defensive end . . . also standout in basketball and track . . . in track, has high-jumped 6-4 and is member of 4x100 relay team . . . bench press of 325 pounds; squats 375 pounds . . . runs 100 meters in just over 11 seconds . . . already qualified academically with "A" average and nearly 1300 on SAT. Picked Auburn over Georgia Tech, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Stanford, Tennessee and Middle Tennessee State. Update 2003 season. Backup tight end. 

7. PK John Vaughn, 6-1, 170, Brentwood Academy-Brentwood, Tenn. (11/7/02). Holds Tennessee high school career record for field goals made with 37 . . . through four-year career, has hit on 37 of 42 attempts including a perfect mark inside 39 yards and is 95 percent on attempts from less than 50 yards . . . has missed only one extra point in his career . . . coach says he routinely hits field goals from more than 50 yards in practice, but his longest in a game so far has been 48 yards . . . named No. 5 kicker in state of Tennessee by The Knoxville News-Sentinel. Picked Auburn over Florida, Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State, Mississippi, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Update 2003 season. Won the starting FG kicking job. Hit his first FG attempt and then it was downhill from there did finish the year as the starter after losing the job several times in the year. 

8. DE * TONY MCCLAIN, 6-3, 255, 4.6, Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College. (11/20/02). Rosenberg, Texas, native was all-state safety senior year at B.F. Terry High School . . . redshirted as JUCO freshman . . . graduated from Coffeyville in December and enrolled at Auburn University in January 2003 . . . one of nation's most sought-after JUCO linemen . . . plans to join the Auburn team on Dec. 14 for bowl practice . . . won't be eligible to play in bowl game, but can practice and go through workouts with team . . . eligibility-wise, will be sophomore when enrolls in January and have three years to play three at Auburn . . . could expect early playing time at Auburn at strongside defensive end in 2003 with Tigers' lack of depth at DE . . . this fall at Coffeyville, McClain was credited with 75 tackles, including 20 solo stops, and 12 sacks in 11 games . . . has run a personal-best of 4.57 in 40-yard dash . . . McClain said he planned to cancel scheduled official visits to South Carolina on Dec. 6 and Nebraska on Dec. 13. Picked Auburn over Nebraska, Indiana, Kansas, South Carolina and Texas. Update 2003 season. Quit the team before ever playing because he was unhappy about playing time.

9. PK KODY BLISS, 5-11, 170, Academy-Brentwood, Tenn. (11/28/02). Recruited by Auburn as a punter, kickoff specialist and to handle long field goals . . . averaged 47 yards a punt this fall, with net average of 44 yards with nine punts downed inside 20-yard line and four downed inside the five . . . averaging 52 yards a punt as junior, and has 62-yard field goal to his credit . . . named No. 1 kicker in state of Tennessee by The Knoxville News-Sentinel . . . joins fellow Brentwood Academy kicker John Vaughn as Auburn commitment . . . Bliss and Vaughn called best kicking duo in nation . . . made unofficial visits to Auburn for Tiger games against Arkansas and Georgia . . . camped at Florida, Tennessee and Texas. Picked Auburn over Arkansas, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas and Vanderbilt. Update 2003 season. Won starting job as a true freshman.

10. OL KING DUNLAP JR., 6-7, 275, 5.1, Academy-Brentwood, Tenn. (12/2/02). Named Tennessee's 2002 "Mr. Football" in his division . . . rated No. 19 on The Knoxville News-Sentinel Top 25 prospects in state of Tennessee . . . with excellent foot-speed, played left offensive tackle and right tackle on defense his senior year . . . three-year starter on offensive line . . . had 10 sacks his senior year and averaged or six tackles per game . . . on offense, averaged five pancake blocks per game . . . father, King Dunlap, starred at Tennessee State and later played in the NFL for the Baltimore Colts and the Los Angeles Rams . . . also stars in basketball, averaging 15 points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game as a junior . . . already qualified with 21 ACT and 3.0 GPA. Picked Auburn over Georgia Tech, Indiana, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State and Tennessee State. Update 2003 season.

11. OL JARROD BRITT, 6-5, 280, 4.9 McEachern-Powder Springs, Ga. (12/10/02). Atlanta Journal-Constitution "Super Southern 100" . . . Tom Lemming Top 250 nationally . . . rated 9.50 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . one of most athletic big men in nation . . . son of power lifter Don Britt . . . considered one of the top offensive line prospects in South . . . orginally committed to Clemson, but decommitted few weeks ago because of uncertainties surrounding Tommy Bowden's future at that program . . . exceptionally strong with an impressive 325-pound clean . . . moves well for a big man, and has a 32-inch vertical leap . . . Don Britt: "He's 6-5, 280-pounds. He's a legitimate 600-pound squatter and 425 on the bench. He runs 4.87 and he has a 32-inch vertical. All of those numbers are legitimate." . . . could play either tackle or pulling guard for the Tigers, but the elder Britt says his son could probably play center also, adding, "He's a pulling guard in a Wing T offense in high school and he's very mobile, so he wouldn't have any problem playing center in college. He'd just need to learn how to snap the ball and he could do that." . . . had taken an official visits earlier to Florida and Maryland and was scheduled to visit South Carolina on Dec. 14 . . . also had trip planned to Alabama on Jan. 24, but canceled all his visits, and says his decision for Auburn is final and he will sign with the Tigers on Feb. 5 . . . will take his official visit to Auburn on Jan. 10 . . . will easily qualify with a 3.0 GPA and an 840 on the SAT. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Arkansas, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee and South Carolina. Update 2003 season. Backup lineman.

12. QB KELCY LUKE, 6-1, 198, 4.55, Central-Phenix City, Ala. (12/18/02). Member of Alabama Sports Writers Association "Super 12 Team" . . . Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 6-A All-State first-team . . . state's top dual-threat quarterback . . . finalist for Class 6-A player of the year . . . four-year starter as Central's QB with record of 29-7 . . . two older brothers, WR Triandos Luke and RB Nic Luke, on scholarship at Alabama . . . as senior, completed 85-of-150 passes for 1,636 yards and 15 TDs, and rushed for 376 yards and four TDs in leading Central High School to the Class 6-A playoffs for the second straight year . . . team finished 11-2 and lost in third round of playoffs . . . as junior, had some 2,000 yards of offense . . . named Phenix City-Columbus, Ga., Bi-Cities Player of the Year as junior and senior . . . finished career with 4,355 all-purpose yards and 42 TDs . . . No. 11 on The Birmingham News top 12 "Super Seniors" list for 2002 . . . No. 13 on Mobile Register's top 18 prospects in Alabama . . . member of Opelika-Auburn News's "East Alabama Super 8" for 2002 . . . rated 9.50 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . although an outstanding athlete, was recruited by Auburn exclusively to play quarterback . . . at Nike Camp last summer in Tuscaloosa, Luke ran 4.56 in the 40-yard dash and posted 30-inch vertical leap . . . said Central coach Ron Nelson: "Not only is Auburn getting a great quarterback, but they're getting a great athlete. I think that's what college programs and even the pros are looking for these days." . . . Because of his versatility, fans in Luke's hometown nicknamed him "Little Vick" -- in reference to Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick . . . "I'm a dropback passer, but I'm an option quarterback too," says Luke. "I can do both." . . . should easily quality with 3.52 GPA. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, LSU, Southern Miss and West Virginia. Update 2003 season. Redshirt.

13. TE @ KEN WILLIAMS, 6-7, 235, 4.6, American-Hialeah, Fla. (1/19/03). Rated among top 20 tight ends in nation by recruiting analyst Tom Lemming . . . second-team all-Dade County pick . . . three-year starter . . . playing on run-oriented team as senior, had 20 receptions for 283 yards and three TDs . . . an excellent basketball player with soft hands and good jumping ability, who may also play hoops on Plains . . . in basketball, averaging 15.1 points, 12.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game as senior in basketball . . . could become an excellent receiving tight . . . will need to bulk up before playing SEC football . . . boasts 280-pound bench press, 390-pound squat and a 35-inch vertical leap. Picked Auburn over Mississippi, Missouri, Central Florida and Rutgers. Update 2003 season. Failed to qualify. JUCO.

14. DB @ PATRICK LEE, 6-0, 180, 4.45, Christopher Columbus-Miami (1/20/03). Two-year starter in Class 6-A high school district that many experts consider strongest in nation . . . as senior, had 70 tackles, three INTs, seven pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, four blocked kicks (seven as junior) . . . also had 12 kickoff returns for more than 200 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown . . . has skills to be big-time CB in college . . . member of The Florida Times-Union's "Florida Super 75" . . . rated 9.25 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . also excels in track and basketball . . . won state championship in long jump with leap of 23-10 and ran 10.9 in the 100-meter dash . . . also competes in 200-meter dash, 4x100 relay and high jump . . . playing power forward in basketball ball, averaged 12 points and seven rebounds a game . . . with Auburn losing three cornerbacks, should be in the mix for playing time as true freshman. Picked Auburn over Florida, Georgia, North Carolina State and Rutgers. Update 2003 season. Redshirt.

15. DE Doug Langenfeld, 6-3, 245, 4.5, Reedley (Calif.) Junior College (1/20/03). Expects to graduate from Reedley in May and enroll at Auburn University in June . . . did not qualify academically after graduating from Berkeley High School in Monck's Corner, S.C., and did not play football for two years . . . high school coach got him back in football at the California school . . . as sophomore, made 72 tackles and was credited with 14 sacks . . . had 38 tackles and five sacks . . . member of JCFootball.com Top 100 junior college prospects for 2002-03 . . . Reedley coaches say he consistently runs a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash and has been timed as fast as 4.43 seconds on the track . . . has 315 bench press, 550-pound squat, 285-pound power clean and 37-inch vertical jump. Picked Auburn over Tennessee, Nebraska and Oregon, Clemson and South Carolina. Update 2003 season. Bright surprise on D-Line.

16. QB COURTNEY DENSON, 6-1, 185, 4.4, Central-Miami (1/30/03). Very early commitment to Virginia Tech . . . rated No. 1 quarterback prospect in Sunshine State by The Florida Times-Union . . . member of The Orlando Sentinel's Florida Top 100 . . . rated 9.50 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . The Miami Herald named Denson first-team All-Dade County in Class 6-A after he passed for 1,984 yards and 21 TDs and ran for 625 yards and 12 TDs his senior season . . . as junior, passed for more than 2,000 yards and 23 TDs . . . added more than 400 yards rushing and two TDs . . . conference that Denson played in is considered one of toughest and most competitive in nation . . . brother played at Florida State . . . has 290-pound bench press and a 34-inch vertical leap. . . . took official visit to Auburn weekend of Jan. 10 . . . will be full academic qualifier with 3.3 GPA and 1160 SAT. Picked Auburn over Virginia Tech, Florida State, Nebraska and Rutgers. Update 2003 season. Took a snap at quarterback, but will likely play in the defensive backfield.

17. DE QUENTON GROVES, 6-4, 240, 4.5, Weston-Greenville, Miss. (2/2/03). Rated nation's third-best defensive end by Chicago-based recruiting expert Tom Lemming . . . Atlanta Journal-Consitution "Super Southern 100" . . . rated 9.50 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . complete physical specimen with very little body fat . . . finished his senior season with 101 tackles, 19 tackles-for-loss and 22 sacks . . . also caught three passes for 175 yards and two TDs while playing tight end . . . four-year starter, he had outstanding junior season finishing with 86 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, 15 sacks and seven fumble recoveries . . . bench presses 285 pounds, squats 535 pounds and has 36-inch vertical leap . . . all-round great athlete in basketball and track . . . on track to qualify academically . . . should have the opportunity to have an immediate impact for Auburn this fall. Picked Auburn over Georgia, Mississippi State and Mississippi. Update 2003 season. 

18. DE @ Marquies Gunn, 6-4, 215, 4.6, Benjamin Russell-Alexander City, Ala. (2/2/03). Outstanding pass-rusher who had123 tackles and 22 sacks his senior year in helping lead team to nine wins; and state title junior season . . . The Birmingham News Top 24 . . . not yet qualified, however, and may have to make prep school or JUCO start. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Arkansas, Louisville and UAB. Update 2003 season. Looked good as a backup, should be a bright future.

19. CB ERIC BROCK, 6-0, 180, 4.45, Benjamin-Russell-Alexander City, Ala. (2/3/03). Father, Jimmy, was a defensive back at Auburn in 1970s . . . totaled 75 tackles (30 solo) and five INTs . . . on offense, had 24 receptions for 423 yards and TDs . . . as junior, had 72 tackles and eight INTs, - returning two for scores . . . also excellent basketball player . . . has 240-pound bench press, 335-pound squat, 34-inch vertical leap . . . The Birmingham News top 12 "Super Seniors" list for 2002 . . . Mobile Register's "Alabama Top 18" list . . . rated 9.50 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . on track to qualify with B-average and 18 on ACT. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Arkansas, South Carolina, Louisville and UAB. Update 2003 season. Special teams player.

20. FB/DE TEZ DOOLITTLE, 6-3, 260, 4.7, Opelika, Ala. (2/3/03). Most schools wanted him as defensive end, but wants shot at fullback, position he played mostly as senior . . . rushed 173 times for 860 yards and 13 TDs . . . in limited time on defense, had 25 tackles, five tackles-for-losses and 11 QB pressures . . . as junior playing defensive end, racked up 86 tackles, 50 QB pressures, 24 tackles for losses, 5 1/2 sacks and one fumble recovery . . . bench presses 375 pounds, squats 535 pounds and has 36 1/2-inch vertical leap . . . also stars in track and field . . . finished fourth in state in Class 6-A in shot put with throw of 51-10 . . . has personal best of 163-10 in discus . . . Atlanta Journal-Consitution "Super Southern 100" . . . The Birmingham News top 12 "Super Seniors" list for 2002 . . . Mobile Register's "Alabama Top 18" list . . . The Huntsville Times "Elite 11" . . . The Tuscaloosa News' "Sweet 16" . . . rated 9.75 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . on track to qualify with 3.1 GPA and 17 on ACT. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU and Tennessee. Update 2003 season. Redshirt due to injury.

21. LB @ Montavian Collier, 6-2, 220, 4.5, Opelika, Ala. (2/3/02). Did not play football until senior season after concentrating on basketball as sophomore and junior . . . The Huntsville Times "Elite 11" . . . rated 9.50 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . had breakout season in football as senior at strong safety, making 74 tackles and four INTs, including one returned 40 yards for a touchdown . . . recovered two fumbles and broke up seven passes . . . Tommy Tuberville called him the most physical player he saw on film all year . . . has 300-pound bench press, 450-pound squat and 37-inch vertical jump . . . has 2.8 GPA, but short on test score. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Florida State and Georgia. Update 2003 season. Failed to qualify. 

22. TE @ Kevin Williams, 6-7, 270, 4.9, Sebastian River, Fla. (2/5/03). Originally committed to Miami . . . rated 9.50 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . all-state performer who could wind up on offensive line, but is athletic enough to line up at tight end . . . only played football just two seasons, but is a four-year starter in hoops, averaging 15 points per game . . . also throws shot and discus in track . . . named most valuable defensive lineman at Miami's football camp last summer . . . raw but has unlimited upside because of his combination of size, speed and athleticism . . . said Auburn appealed to him because of early playing time and because "I'm a country boy" and "Miami's too wild" . . . has not yet qualified academically. Picked Auburn over Miami and Tennessee. Update 2003 season. Failed to qualify.

23. DL STANLEY MCCLOVER, 6-4, 245, 4.55, Dillard-Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (2/5/03). Originally committed to Ohio State during early January after visiting Auburn in December . . . rated No. 1 defensive end in Florida by The Florida Times-Union . . . as senior, had 100 tackles, 20 tackles-for-loss, six forced fumbles and 32 sacks . . . . had 100 tackles, 13 sacks, three fumble recoveries and three blocked extra points as a junior . . . had 58 sacks in his career . . . so athletic he can do a standing back flip . . . perfect makeup for ideal pass-rusher -- size, speed and attitude to terrorize quarterbacks and running backs . . . never gives up on a play . . . member of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Super Southern 100," The Orlando Sentinel's "Florida 100" . . . Nike Second-Team All-America . . . rated 9.75 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide on 10.00 scale . . . bench presses 370 pounds, squats 450 pounds and has 37-inch vertical leap . . . on track to qualify with a 2.9 GPA, 19 on ACT and 900 on SAT. Picked Auburn over Ohio State, Michigan State, North Carolina State, LSU and Tennessee. Update 2003 season. Ruled partial qualifier.

24. DB David Irons, 6-1, 180, 4.4, Butler County (Kan.) Community College (2/5/03). Second-team All-Jayhawk Conference pick last fall . . . redshirted first year at Butler County because of an injury, so he'll have three years of eligibility at Auburn . . . signed with Auburn ou of Dacula, Ga., as part of Tigers' 2000 class, but failed to qualify academically . . . also played tailback in high school, compiling more than 2,000 yards in last two season, despite missing several games his senior year with a high ankle sprain . . . his versatility, speed and hips make him an ideal candidate for cornerback . . . out of high school, was rated 9.75 out of 10 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide. Picked Auburn over Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, LSU, Miami and South Carolina. Update 2003 season. Failed to qualify again and return to JUCO school to finish career, but later transfered back to Auburn.

25. LB Rudy Taylor, 6-1 1/2, 240, 4.7, Chaminade-Madonna-Hollywood, Fla. (2/5/03). Four-year starter and leader of his team's defense . . . finished senior season with 125 tackles, including 12 for losses . . . also had three sacks and one INT . . . has bench press of 315 pounds, squats 365 and power cleans 250 pounds. Picked Auburn over Arkansas, Michigan State, West Virginia, Ball State, Western Michigan, North Carolina, Wake Forest and South Carolina. Update 2003 season. Failed to qualify.

26. TIMMY DUCKWORTH, 6-4, 292, 5.0, Taylorsville, Miss. (2/5/03). Re-sign from class of 2003 . . . failed to qualify and is reportedly one point shy of fully qualifying . . . now a partial . . . coming out of high school year ago, one of top line prospects in South . . . former teammate and cousin of Auburn QB Jason Campbell . . . starred on both sides of ball . . . No. 2 on Mississippi "Dandy Dozen" as selected by The Clarion-Ledger . . . The Sporting News' Top 130 . . . SuperPrep All-America . . . PrepStar All-America . . . The Atlanta Journal-Constitution "Super Southern 100" . . . powerful blocker who explodes off ball . . . already boasts bench-press of 405 pounds . . . though he was two-way star for Taylorsville Tartars, he was recruited by Auburn to play defense . . . completed senior year by making 52 tackles, seven sackes, two fumble recoveries and one caused fumble . . . on offense, had more than 30 pancake blocks . . . three-sport star. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Mississippi, Mississippi State, West Virginia and Southern Miss.

27. LB/DE KEVIN SEARS, 6-4, 220, 4.5, Russellville, Ala. (2/5/03). Sat out 2002 while getting fully qualified and will have four years eligibility at Auburn . . . now enrolled as fulltime student . . . cousin of 2000 Auburn offensive line starter Colin Sears . . . three-year starter who played free safety in high school but will play linebacker or defensive end for Tigers . . . No. 11 on The Huntsville Times "Elite 11"; The Birmingham News "Best of the Rest." Picked Auburn over Alabama, Georgia, Memphis, Mississippi and Mississippi State.

Class of 2002

1. LB KEVIS BURNAM, 6-3, 235, 4.55, Macon County-Montezuma, Ga. (6/19/01). Committed after attending Auburn camp; four-year starter; played variety of positions in high school, including fullback, tailback, tight end and wide receiver; also plays basketball for Macon County, and averaged 12 points per game as junior; reports BP of 325 pounds; rated among nation's top strongside linebackers by recruiting analyst Max Emfinger; member of The Macon Telegraph's Middle Georgia's top 20 prospects. Picked Auburn over Georgia, Georgia Southern and Georgia Tech. Update 2002 season. Partial Qualifier.

2. OL William Ward, 6-2, 250, 5.3, Prattville, Ala. (8/20/01). Three-year starter in one of state's top Class 6-A programs; No. 23 on The Huntsville Times Top 25; The Birmingham News "Best of the Rest"; known for his ability as a long snapper; camped at Auburn, Alabama, Furman, Middle Tennessee State and UAB; grew up an Alabama fan. Picked Auburn over Middle Tennessee State, UAB and Vanderbilt. Update 2002 season. Redshirt.

3. LB @ KEVIN SEARS, 6-4, 220, 4.5, Russellville, Ala. (8/23/01). Cousin of 2000 Auburn offensive line starter Colin Sears, three-year starter who has been playing free safety in high school but is likely to be moved to linebacker at Auburn; has also played tight end, wide receiver and quarterback; as junior, had 77 tackles and five INTs; has bench press of 260 pounds and squats 350; will play early if he can qualify; has a younger brother who is expected to be one of state's top prospects for the 2003 class -- Aaron Sears, a 6-foot-4, 295-pound offensive tackle and defensive lineman at Russellville; No. 11 on The Huntsville Times "Elite 11"; The Birmingham News "Best of the Rest." Picked Auburn over Alabama, Georgia, Memphis, Mississippi and Mississippi State. Update 2002 season. Did not qualify.

4. TE/DE JUSTIN BRUCE, 6-8, 250, 4.6, Pepperell-Lindale, Ga. (9/10/01). Considered top tight end in South; attended summer passing camp at Auburn; made his decision after watching Tigers defeat Ole Miss, 27-2; also attended Alabama's season opener against UCLA; three-year starter at tight end and two-year starter at defensive end; also competes in basketball, baseball and track; fully qualified academically. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky and Tennessee. Update 2002 season. Never reported to Auburn and gave up football for medical reasons.

5. DB @ Brandon Williams, 6-2, 200, 4.4, Shaw-Columbus, Ga. (10/8/01). Member of "Dandy Dozen" for East Alabama/West Georgia as selected by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer; first-team All-Bi-City Defense as selected by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer; camped at Auburn and Georgia over the summer; posted impressive numbers during camp on Plains, including bench-press of 310 pounds, squat of 425 pounds, 4.4 in 40-yard dash and 32-inch vertical jump; very quick feet and excellent man-to-man coverage skills; played at Central-Phenix City, Ala., as sophomore and junior, but transferred to Shaw -- one of top programs in the state of Georgia -- for senior season; as junior at Central, had 110 tackles and one INT;playing safety for Shaw, but was recruited by Auburn to play cornerback; not yet qualified academically. Picked Auburn over Georgia, Louisville, North Carolina State and Arkansas State. Update 2002 season. Redshirt year before deciding to leave the team to transfer to a small school.

6. ATH/QB * Wesley Hill, 6-3, 220, 4.8, Crisp County-Cordelle, Ga. (10/21/01). Georgia Class 4-A first-team quarterback by Georgia Sportswriters Association; will graduate in December and enroll in January, counting against 2001 scholarships totals; completed 60 percent of his passes as senior; became starting QB midway through junior season when starting QB went down with an injury; finished year with 1,808 yards and 15 TDs; camped at Auburn Georgia, South Carolina and UAB; also standout in baseball and basketball; also standout on baseball diamond as pitcher/first baseman. Picked Auburn over Florida State, UAB, Troy State, Memphis and Louisville. Update 2002 season. Redshirt year. 

7. LB TYRONE MARTIN, 6-2, 222, 4.6, Benjamin Russell-Alexander City, Ala. (10/16/01). No. 6 on The Birmingham News "Super Seniors" list; No. 15 on The Huntsville Times Top 25; described by some as smaller version of 2001 linebacker signee Lamarcus Rowell of Opelika; camped at Auburn and Georgia; plays fullback and running back at Benjamin Russell, but recruited by Auburn strictly as inebacker; probably play inside at Auburn at either the middle or jack linebacker position; because of solid academics, already had offer from Duke and still plans to take trips to Duke and Notre Dame; as junior, had 122 tackles, seven sacks and four INTs; playing running back in just two games, rushed for 101 yards and three TDs on just nine attempts; has 310-pound bench, 550-pound squat and a 37-inch vertical leap; also been four-year starter at small forward on basketball team. Picked Auburn over Florida, Notre Dame, Georgia, Middle Tennessee State and Duke. Update 2002 season. Medical reasons force redshirt year. He may be forced to give up football due to a neck injury. Team doctors would not clear Martin to play after neck injury so he transfered to Miles College. Martin played in just one game in his Auburn career.

8. DE * BRIAN KUHN, 6-4, 240, 4.65, Lake Como-Crescent City, Fla. (12/3/01). Will graduate from high school in December, enroll at Auburn University in January and go through winter conditioning program and 2002 spring training; will count toward last year's scholarship totals; despite contending with constant double and triple teaming all year, finished senior year with nine sacks; as junior, had 69 tackles -- 29 for a loss -- and 17 sacks; playing tight end, also caught 10 passes for 175 yards; reports 315-pound bench press, 450-pound squat and 30-inch vertical leap. Picked Auburn over Florida, Florida State, LSU, Maryland Miami and North Carolina.. He cancelled scheduled visits to Maryland and Miami. Update 2002 season. Quit the team.

9. DE/LB @ ANTHONY MIX, 6-4, 225, 4.5, Baldwin County-Bay Minette, Ala. (12/3/01). Signed with Auburn in 2001, but failed to qualify academically; enrolled at Hargrave (Va.) Military Prep School; state's top-rated wide receiver and top 10-rated prospect; No. 4 on The Huntsville Times "Elite 11 and No. 7 on the Birmingham Post-Herald's "10 Most Wanted" lists; one recruiting publication said Mix is "probably the best athlete in Alabama (in 2000) . . . The type of receiver that gives small DBs nightmares. Great hands, fantastic body. One of the South's top athletes." Many compare Mix to one of Auburn's all-time great wide receivers -- Lawyer Tillman, who played for Coach Pat Dye in the late 1980s. Says Pigskin Preps: "The state's top receiver prospect and a player that hasn't really realized his full potential. He has the prototype size and speed. His height is a major asset and he knows how to use his body to position the defender." Starred as wide receiver in high school and prep school, but will move to defense at Auburn due to size and speed off the edge. Picked Auburn over Tennessee. Update 2002 season. After much speculation that he would not play WR, Mix played WR as a true freshman. He finished 5th on the team with 183 yards and 1 TD. Bright future for the tall and strong WR.

10. DT @ ANTWARN FRANKLIN, 6-5, 305, 5.0, Woodlawn-Birmingham, Ala. (12/3/01). Signed with Auburn in 2001, but failed to qualify academically; No. 7 on The Huntsville Times "Elite 11" list; as senior, was credited with 80 tackles, seven sacks, three caused fumbles and a safety; could also play on offensive line; says he's willing to play either side of the ball; already reports bench press of 350 pounds and squat of 550 pounds. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and South Carolina. Update 2002 season. Was dismissed from the team for rules violations. 

11. * DB Karibi DeDe, 6-1, 195, 4.35, Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy (1/02/02). Mid-year graduate from the Chatham, Va., prep school, who'll count on the 2000 scholarship totals; eligible to participate in winter conditioning and 2002 spring training; played prep ball at Hylton-Woodbridge, Va., where he was running back/defensive end; played strong safety at Hargrave, but Auburn recruited him as cornerback; at recent Hargrave combine, DeDe ran 4.33 in 40-yard dash, had 33-inch vertical jump and ran best shuttle time with 4.15; also bench-pressed 215-pounds 17 times; will be true freshman in eligiblity at Auburn. Picked Auburn over Georgia, Kentucky and Virginia Tech. Update 2002 season. Late qualifier. Enrolled in January.

12. QB BRANDON COX, 6-3, 192, 4.7, Hewitt-Trussville-Trussville, Ala. (1/9/01). Voted Alabama's "Mr. Football" for 2001; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution "Super Southern 100"; No. 2 on The Huntsville Times "Elite 11"; No. 3 on The Birmingham News "Super Seniors" list; No. 5 on Mobile Register's "Elite 18" list; No. 6 on The Tuscaloosa News "Sweet 16"; No. 7 on Montgomery Advertiser "Elite 11" list; completed senior year with 2,887 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and only five INTs; led team to 10-2 record; for career, passed for 5,417 yards, 50 TDs and only 13 INTs; grew up an Alabama fan, but not recruited by the Crimson Tide; also baseball prospect at pitcher -- much like former Hewitt-Trussville QB Jason Standridge, who also signed with Auburn but spurned the Tigers' scholarship for a baseball contract the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Picked Auburn over Florida, LSU and North Carolina State. Update 2002 season. Left the team shortly after reporting for fall practice and later returned during bowl practice. Redshirt year due to health problems which forced him to leave the team early on. Update 2003 season.

13. WR Lee Guess, 6-1, 170, 4.5, Hewitt-Trussville-Trussville, Ala. (1/9/01). Not among the state's high profile recruits -- No. 20 on The Huntsville Times Top 25; No. 40 by Pigskin Preps and The Birmingham News "Best of the Rest" -- but put up some incredible numbers his senior year; had 93 receptions (just four dropped passes) for 1,349 yards and 12 TDs on the season; also returned 27 kicks for 810 yards and one TD. Picked Auburn over North Carolina State, LSU, Vanderbilt, Louisville and UAB. Update 2002 season. Redshirt.

14. WR/DB @ MONTAE PITTS, 6-1, 180, 4.3, Loachapoka, Ala. (1/13/02). One of nation's premier athletes who could play cornerback or wide receiver; originally committed to Virginia Tech, then Tennessee before settling on Auburn because of proximity to his home; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Super Southern 100"; No. 4 on Mobile Register's "Elite 18" list; No. 5 on The Huntsville Times "Elite 11" and Montgomery Advertiser "Elite 11" lists; No. 12 on The Birmingham News "Super Seniors" list; No. 13 on The Tuscaloosa News "Sweet 16"; member of "East Alabama Super 10: selected by Opelika-Auburn News; burst on national recruiting scene in May 2001 when he ran a 4.29 at Capitol City Combines in Montgomery, Ala.; drew more than 30 scholarship offers; playing quarterback his senior year, passed for 600 yards and nine TDS and rushed for 550 yards and eight TDs; on defense, played safety, where he racked up 110 tackles and four INTs; four-sport star, who plays shortstop and centerfield for baseball team, shooting guard for the basketball team, and runs and jumps for the track team; as junior on track team, broke three Class 1-A records at state track; broke 100-meter record in time of 10.97 seconds, 200-meter in 21.84 seconds, and long jump in 22-feet and 10-inches; runs 4.29 40-yard dash, bench presses 275, squats 435, and has 36-inch vertical leap; must still qualify academically. Picked Auburn over Tennessee, Florida, LSU, Virginia Tech and Ole Miss. Update 2002 season. Decided to redshirt after asking coaches to swap to defensive back from wide receiver. Left the team breifly in the season to pursue a career in music, but later returned.

15. DB CAVARI DAILEY, 6-2, 205, 4.5, Plantation, Fla. (1/13/02). One of top safety prospects in Sunshine State; rated among top 12 defensive backs state by The Orlando Sentinel; four-year starter, who had 110 tackles and three INTs as a senior, returning two for touchdowns; earned all-Broward County honors after his junior year in which he had more than 100 tackles, six forced fumbles, three recovered fumbles and four INTs. Picked Auburn over Miami and North Carolina State. Update 2002 season. Redshirt.

16. DE Kyle Derozan, 6-5, 225, 4.5, Point Coupee Central-LaBarre, La. (1/13/02). As senior, had 65 tackles, 22 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, six fumble recoveries, one blocked punt and seven forced fumbles; returned one of the fumbles and the blocked punt for touchdowns; four-year starter who also played some tight end and fullback on offense; was named first team All-Metro by The Advocate and first team All-District 8-3A on defense; fully qualified academically; was hosted by DE Reggie Torbor of Lee-Baton Rouge, Ala. Picked Auburn over LSU, Missouri, Southern Miss and Grambling. Update 2002 season. Injured knee likely to redshirt.

17. ATH Courtney Taylor, 6-3, 185, 4.5, Carrollton, Ala. (1/15/02). Lightly recruited by major schools; The Birmingham News "Best of the Rest"; two-sport star, who had scholarship offers in basketball and football; three-year starter at West Alabama school at quarterback and cornerback; expected play safety or wide receiver at Auburn; has incredible 42-inch vertical leap; accounted for 24 touchdowns his senior year; ran for 12 , passed for eight and scored four TDs on punt returns; on defense, was credited with 75 tackles and six INTs; in basketball during junior year, averaged 21 points, four assists, six rebounds and one steal per game; drew basketball attention from Auburn, Alabama, Mississippi State and UAB. Picked Auburn over UAB, Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech and Troy State. Update 2002 season. Redshirt. Update 2003 season. Bright spot winning a starting wide receiver spot for the opening game.

18. RB TRE SMITH, 5-11, 190, 4.45, Venice, Fla. (1/20/02). Florida's Class 5-A Player of the Year and runner-up for state's "Mr. Football"; finished senior year by rushing 190 times for 1,662 yards and 20 TDs; also returned three punts and one kickoff for touchdowns; junior season was even better -- 1,886 yards and 36 TDs; rated No. 14 on The Orlando Sentinel's Florida Top 100 list; also made The Sentinel's Florida "Super 26" as kick returner. In preseason, the newspaper had this to say about Smith: "Big-play maker for Florida's 5-A state champions; also rushed for nearly 1,900 yards as well as breaking open games with kick returns; runs 4.45 and plays with high octane intensity"; rated among nation's top 25 running backs by Tom Lemming. Picked Auburn over Central Florida, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Nebraska, Northwestern, Stanford and Vanderbilt. Update 2002 season. Major contributor as a true freshman. Tre became the starter for the Bama game due to injuries and came up big running for 100+ yards in upset of Alabama. Tre was only the second player to run for 100 yards against a stingy Bama defense in 2002. Great receiver and important offensive player. Finished 5th on the team in total offense with 444 yards.

19. ATH Troy Bergeron, 6-2, 180, 4.40, Shaw-Columbus, Ga. (1/21/02). Committed to Auburn after canceling official visit to Alabama; two-way player at Shaw, catching 25 passes for 444 yards with seven TDs on offense, while grabbing one INT on defense; recruited to Auburn as cornerback; camped last summer at Auburn and Georgia; member of 2002 "Dandy Dozen" for East Alabama/West Georgia, as selected by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Middle Tennessee State and James Madison. Update 2002 season. Never reported to Auburn. Was released from his scholarship from Auburn and signed with MTSU where he could play offense.

20. ATH Will Herring, 6-2, 210, 4.55, Opelika, Ala. (1/22/02). Was outstanding quarterback and safety in high school, but will likely play strong safety or whip on Tiger defense, but may get shot a quarterback; at quarterback last season, threw for 960 yards with 13 TDs with only four INTs, while running for 1,050 yards 12 TDs; on defense, known head-hunting tough hitter; No. 18 on The Huntsville Times Top 25; No. 29 on Pigskip Preps Top 40; The Birmingham News "Best of the Rest"; may also play baseball for Tigers. Picked Auburn over Middle Tennessee State, which offered at quarterback; fully qualified academically. Also recruited by Arkansas, LSU and North Carolina State. Update 2002 season. Redshirt year. Update 2003 season. Starting safety by the 3rd game.

21. T.J. JACKSON, 6-2, 290, 5.0, Opelika, Ala. (1/22/02). Considered Alabama's top defensive tackle prospect and one of best in Southeast; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution "Super Southern 100"; two-year starter who is quick and strong; could get immediate playing time at defensive tackle, where Auburn suffered depth problems in 2001 because of injuries; No. 4 on Montgomery Advertiser's "Elite 11," which said: "In a class that lacks big defensive linemen, Jackson has the speed to play on the end but is also strong enough to play tackle. He is also one of the top wrestlers in the state and runs track"; No. 5 on The Birmingham News "Super Seniors"; No. 8 on The Huntsville Times "Elite 11"; No. 11 on The Tuscaloosa News "Sweet 16" and Pigskip Preps Top 40; No. 14 on Mobile Register "Elite 18"; fully qualified academically. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Georgia Tech and LSU.Update 2002 season. TJ played well as a true freshman. He was forced into action due to injuries to an already thin defensive line. Finished the year with 25 tackles including 7 behind the line of scrimmage.

22. DE DE BEN GRUBBS, 6-4, 250, 4.9, Elmore County-Eclectic, Ala. (1/23/02). Generally rated among top 15 prospects in state; with Tigers losing three of their four defensive ends from 2001, may see opportunity for quick playing time; pass-rushing specialists made more than 150 tackles, six for losses, two sacks, two INTs and two fumble recoveries from his middle linebacker spot as senior; made a name for himself among recruiters with an outstanding performance last May during Capitol City Combine in Montgomery; No. 7 on The Tuscaloosa News "Sweet 16" and Pigskin Preps Top 40; No. 12 on The Huntsville Times Top 25; The Birmingham News "Best of the Rest"; fully qualified academically. Picked Auburn over Alabama and LSU. Update 2002 season. Redshirt year. Update 2003 season. Moved to TE.

23. DL Doug Morris, 6-4, 260, 4.9, Woodham-Pensacola, Fla. (1/24/02) One of top-rated defensive ends by several national publications, including Prep Star All-American, Forest Davis Blue Chips and Rivals.com.; first-team member of Pensacola News Journal's all-area football team; finished senior season with 59 tackles, four sacks and nine tackles for a loss. Picked Auburn over Clemson, Kentucky, LSU and Wake Forest. Update 2002 season. Was kicked off the team late in the year.

24. P Michael Gibson, 6-2, 195, 4.9, Mooresville, Miss. (2/3/02). Two-time all-state punter; averaged nearly 47 yards per punt as a senior and nearly 45 yards as a junior; will likely redshirt in 2002 since all-America kicker Damon Duvall returns for his senior year; Although not recruited as placekicker, the two-year starter made four of eight field goal attempts his senior year; also booted more than half of his kickoffs into the end zone and was 28-of-32 on PATS. Picked Auburn over Vanderbilt. Update 2002 season. Redshirt. Update 2003 season. Lost starting job to true freshman.

25. DL/OL * TIMMY DUCKWORTH, 6-4, 295, 5.0, Taylorsville, Miss. (2/4/02). One of top line prospects in South; former teammate and cousin of Auburn QB Jason Campbell, starred on both sides of ball; No. 2 on Mississippi "Dandy Dozen" as selected by Jackson Clarion-Ledger; The Sporting News' Top 130; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution "Super Southern 100"; powerful blocker who explodes off ball; already boasts bench-press of 405 pounds; though he was two-way star for Taylorsville Tartars, he was recruited by Auburn to play defense; completed senior year by making 52 tackles, seven sackes, two fumble recoveries and one caused fumble; on offense, had more than 30 pancake blocks; three-sport star has not yet qualified academically on his test score or GPA and may be forced to start in prep school or JUCO. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Mississippi, Mississippi State, West Virginia and Southern Miss.  Update 2002 season. Lived and worked in Auburn during 2002 season as he tried to qualify academically. Still not qualified.

26. WR BENJAMIN OBOMANU, 6-2, 180, 4.4, Selma, Ala. (2/4/02). Parade All-America and rated the state's No. 1 prospect; rated No. 14 receiver in nation by Max Emfinger, who says: "No. 1 player in Alabama this year. Obomanu has blazing speed, tremendous hands and is a threat to score on every play"; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution "Super Southern 100"; despite being double and tripled-teamed during senior year, had 31 receptions for 460 yards and 19 TDs; four-year starter also had 20 rushes for 218 yards and three TDs and completed two-of-six passes for 19 yards and another touchdown; had 284 yards and one touchdown on special teams, putting up 19 yards per return; accounted for more than 50 touchdowns during his career; as junior, accounted for 11 TDs, catching six as wide receiver, and returning three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns also started at free safety on defense and had four INTs as junior; also starting small forward on Selma High School basketball team, averaging 12 points and eight rebounds per game; consistently runs 4.4 in 40-yard dash and has 37-inch vertical jump; ranked No. 1 in his class academically with 4.3 GPA and has already scored 26 on ACT. Obomanu picked Auburn over Alabama, LSU, Florida and Notre Dame. Update 2002 season. Was starter at WR for game 1 of season. Finished the year with 213 yards and 3 touchdowns in a run oriented offense. 

27. OL TROY REDDICK, 6-6 285, 5.1, Westover-Albany, Ga. (2/5/02) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution "Super Southern 100"; nicknamed "Big Engine"; started on both side of line for Westover High School, which finished year at 3-7; at defensive tackle, he posted 43 tackles and three sacks despite missing nearly third of the season with assortment of injuries; playing left guard on pass-oriented team, did not permit single sack from his left guard position; during junior season,was graded at more than 87 percent in helping senior TB Calvin Poole (Rhode Island signee) rush for more than 2,000 yards; also tallied 20 tackles, five sacks, and three forced fumbles as junior on defense; athletic Reddick benches 340 pounds and squats 450 pounds; camped at Georgia Tech last summer and also attended Auburn's past two A-Day games; excellent student who will easily qualify academically with a 3.4 GPA and an 1130 SAT. Picked Auburn over Clemson, Florida and Georgia Tech. Update 2002 season. Forced into a playing role as a true freshman and played extremely well. Bright future.

28. WR DEVIN AROMASHODU, 6-2, 185, 4.45, Miami Springs, Fla. (2/6/02) Member of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Super Southern 100"; rated No. 19 on Florida Top 100 list by The Orlando Sentinel; committed to North Carolina State and Florida before finally signing with Auburn; rated among nation's top 10 wide receivers; hampered by double and triple teams on defense in run-oriented offense, he still managed 17 receptions for than 400 yards receiving and three TDs as senior. He also scored three times running the ball; as junior, caught 27 passes for 610 yards and eight TDs, and returned two kicks for touchdowns; also had one INT at cornerback and six INTs as junior; was a three-year starter on offense and two-year starter on defense; outstanding athlete has 42-inch vertical leap. Picked Auburn over Florida, North Carolina State and Miami. Update 2002 season. Was starter at WR for game 1 of season. He finished the season 3rd on the team with 286 yards and 1 TD.

29. OL MARCUS MCNEILL, 6-7, 315, 5.2, Cedar Grove-Ellenwood, Ga. (2/6/02) Considered top offensive lineman in state of Georgia; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Super Southern 100"; rated nation's No. 5 offensive tackle by Max Emfinger, who said: "McNeil is another freak of nature. When you are 6-7 and weigh 315 and can still chase down ball carriers on defense, you still have to be considered just that. He played on both sides of the football in high school, but most coaches feel that he is the perfect left offensive tackle, which is now considered by some coaches as a skill position. McNeil is such a tremendous athlete, he could become a double recruit in basketball. He has excellent feet and excellent quickness and agility for a player with his size"; graded out at more than 95 percent on his blocking assignments and senior; also started all four years on defensive line, where he made 43 tackles and nine sacks as senior; also played little at tight end, catching three passes for 65 yards and one TD; currently playing basketball and will participate in track and field this spring, tossing the shot put; fully qualified academically and may see action as true freshman. Picked Auburn over North Carolina, Tennessee, Miami and Georgia Tech. Update 2002 season. Major contributor on offense line as true freshman. Ended the year as a starter and was named freshman All SEC.

30. OL JONATHAN PALMER 6-5, 315, 5.0, Cedar Grove-Ellenwood, Ga. (2/6/02) Can play all five spots on offensive line; also four-year starter at defensive tackle and offensive guard; as senior, had 20 tackles and three sacks; also plays center and power forward on basketball team; boasts 350-pound bench press and 500-pound squat; fully qualified academically Picked Auburn over Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Clemson. Update 2002 season. Redshirt.

Class of 2001

1. RB/DB  DAVID IRONS JR., 5-11, 180, 4.4, Dacula, Ga. (4/24/00). Committed while attending Auburn's 2000 A-Day game; senior year was hampered by high ankle sprain, but still ran for more than 700 yards and 10 TDs; also played cornerback; as junior, ran for 1,337 yards and helped his team to an 11-2 record and a berth in the Georgia Class 4-A playoffs; expected to get a first shot at running back at Auburn, but has the versatility, speed and hips to make an excellent cornerback, according to his high school coach; rated 9.75 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide; not yet qualified academically. Picked Auburn over Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, LSU, Miami and South Carolina. UPDATE 2001...Did not qualify. Signed with Butler CC.

2. ATH Steven Bouldin, 6-4, 215, 4.51, Crossville, Ala. (6/18/00). Outstanding pure athlete who played quarterback as a junior, totalling nearly 2,000 yards running and passing; could be a linebacker on defense or tight end on offense in college; rated 9.50 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide; his coach, Chris Garmon, says: "He runs a 4.51 in the 40 and dhas a 41-inch vertical leap. Without question, Steven is the best athlete I've ever coached." Also starred in basketball, averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds as a junior and making the Class 3-A all-state first team; expected to qualify academically, although he does not yet have an ACT score. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Kentucky, LSU and South Carolina. UPDATE 2001...Redshirt year. 2002...Quit the team before fall practice.

3. TE Cooper Wallace, 6-3, 225, 4.6, Christ Presbyterian Academy-Nashville, Tenn. (7/12/00). Recruited as a tight end for Auburn; rated 9.50 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide; played tight end and linebacker as a high school junior; but expected to play more fullback on offense as senior; says he picked Tigers because of their offense. "They aren't looking for a 270-pound tight end, but a 240-pound tight end who can run and catch, which is what I like, and I'm confident I can block in that league also," he said; camped at Auburn in June. "He's really improved himself physically and he had a great camp at Auburn," Christ Presbyterian coach David Pack said. "He can catch, has toughness and while he's a good football player right now he's not a finished product by any means. He can still get a lot better." Wallace is brother of Vanderbilt junior QB David Wallace. Picked Auburn over Michigan, Stanford, Mississippi and Middle Tennessee State. UPDATE 2001...Redshirt year. Update 2002 season. Important contributor to the offense. Very versatile. Was named freshman All SEC. Finished the year with 123 receiving yards.

4. LB Travis Williams, 6-1, 200, 4.45, Spring Valley-Columbia, S.C. (10/3/00). Expected to play WHIP position at Auburn; high school is pipeline for sending prospects to major college programs; Williams holds school records for total tackles in one game with 24 and tackles in single season with 110; rated among top three linebackers in South Carolina by The Orlando Sentinel, which said: "Played in shadow of (Florida State signee) Michael Boulware and now is ready to blossom on his own; makes plays." Rated 9.50 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide; during summer camp at Auburn, posted 31-inch vertical jump, 335-pound bench press, 405-pound squat and 275-pound power clean; recruited for Tigers by defensive coordinator John Lovett; plans to take official visit to Plains in January. Picked Auburn over Clemson, South Carolina, Pittsburgh and Washington. UPDATE 2001...Redshirt year. Update 2002 season. Looked very impressive in the A-day game, but never really broke into the lineup as a R-freshman. Finished the season with 8 tackles and 1 sack playing in all 12 games mostly on special teams.

5. OL Taylor Bourgeois, 6-6, 275, 5.1, Brentwood Academy-Brentwood, Tenn. (11/7/00). Two-way lineman for one of Tennessee's top high school programs; recruited by Auburn as offensive tackle because of the footwork and quickness he displayed as defensive lineman; Tiger coaches believe he can develop into a left offensive tackle; rated 9.00 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide; expected to easily qualify academically. Picked Auburn over Georgia Tech, Mississippi, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. UPDATE 2001...Redshirt year. Update 2002 season. Started game 2 of the season as a redshirt freshman, but was banged up most of the year with continued shoulder problems. If he can get healthy should be a great lineman.

6. OL STEVEN ROSS, 6-5, 265, 4.9, Christ Prebyterian Academy-Nashville, Tenn. (11/22/00). Very athletic and physical lineman who played quarterback early in his high school career; as senior, he often pulled and led the blocking on sweep plays; also performed well in pass protection; one recruiter called him best offensive guard prospect in Volunteer State; solid academics; rated 9.75 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide. Picked Auburn over Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Stanford, Ole Miss, Memphis and Middle Tennessee State. UPDATE 2001...Redshirt year. Update 2002 season. Knee injury.

7. FB/LB Jake Slaughter, 6-2, 215, 4.6, Brentwood Academy-Brentwood, Tenn. (1/15/01). As senior fullback, rushed for nearly 800 and scored seven TDs; at linebacker, was credited with 140 tackles, six sacks, four caused fumbles and one blocked field goal attempt; is nephew of former Denver Broncos' QB Mickey Slaughter and cousin of former Louisiana Tech all-America WR Bobby Slaughter; listed by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide under "More Tennessee Stars." Picked Auburn over Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Louisiana Tech, UAB and Middle Tennessee State. UPDATE 2001...Redshirt year. Update 2002 season. Played both sides of the ball this year. Finished with 2 tackles playing in 8 games on defense, and gained 15 yards of total offense in 8 games playing on the offense.

8. LB Tavoris Horton, 6-2, 218, 4.45, Northeast-Macon, Ga. (1/15/01). One of the fastest linebackers in the country; posted 10.5 in the 100-meter dash as high school junior and ran hand-time 4.38 at Auburn's football camp last summer; second-cousin of former Auburn LB Takeo Spikes; played both linebacker and defensive back as senior at Northeast High School, where he finished year with 169 tackles, including 115 solo stops; also had two INTs, returning both for touchdowns; unlisted by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide. Picked Auburn over Notre Florida State, Georgia and Tennessee. UPDATE 2001...Did not qualify.

9. OL * Danny Lindsey, 6-3, 302, 5.0, Coffee-Douglas, Ga. (1/16/01). Early high school graduate and honor student already enrolled at Auburn University; scholarship will count on 2000 totals; recruited as a center prospect; camped at Georgia and South Carolina; originally committed to East Carolina on Nov. 22, but said he wanted opportunity to play in the SEC; strongest prospect in state of Georgia with bench press of 350 pounds, power clean of 355 pounds (state record) and a squat of 635 pounds; very physical lineman who is more of drive blocker at this point in his career; rated 9.50 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, UAB, and Wake Forest. UPDATE 2001...Important backup at center. Update 2002 season. Starter on the offensive line and back up at center. Good year. Update 2003 season. Starting center but struggled early on.

10. DB ROBERT "DEE" DURHAM, 6-0, 180, 4.4, Lovejoy-Jonesboro, Ga. (1/21/01). Played junior year at Mansfield-Arlington, Texas, but moved to Georgia last summer when his mother was transferred in her job; related to Tony Brackens (Texas) of Jacksonville Jaguars and NFL legendary LB Mike Singletary (Baylor), who is retired from the Chicago Bears; known as big-hitter from cornerback spot; has reputationi of reading and baiting quarterbacks into throwing while watching receivers hips and making perfect breaks on ball; as senior, had 89 tackles and seven INTs, including three returned for touchdowns; only allowed only three receptions and no touchdowns against receivers he was matched against; at Nike Combine last summer in Austin, Texas, Durham put up these numbers: 36-inch vertical leap, 265-pound bench press, 415-pound squat; rated 9.75 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide; fully qualified academically. Picked Auburn over Miami, California, Florida State, Kansas State, Notre Dame and Tennessee. UPDATE 2001...Redshirt year. Update 2002 season. Played in 11 games recording 9 tackles as a backup. Update 2003 season. Transfer to Tuskegee University after failing to live up to billing.

11. DB Antarrius Williams, 6-1, 190, 4.45, Shaw-Columbus, Ga. (1/21/01). Was very early commitment to Georgia, but decommitted after Coach Jim Donnan was fired; described as "tough, durable, fluid, tenacious and rugged;" as senior played mostly defensive end and outside linebacker; credited with 80 tackles -- including 60 solo stops -- for Shaw High School, which won state championship; likely play the WHIP position at Auburn, which is hybrid safety/linebacker spot; one publication described Williams as "a strong safety with a linebacker mentality," which essentially describes the WHIP position at AU; named tGeorgia Class 4-A defensive player of the year; rated 9.25 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide. Picked Auburn over Georgia. UPDATE 2001...Redshirt year. Update 2002 season. Played in 10 games recording 9 tackles. This guy has talent but is buried in the depth chart.

12. DL WAYNE DICKENS, 6-2, 275, 4.85, Lake Gibson-Lakeland, Fla. (1/22/01). Generally rated No. 1 defensive line prospect in state of Florida; The Florida Times-Union rated Dickens -- who played both ways -- as the No. 1 defensive tackle in the Sunshine State in its "Super 75" ranking; Deep South Football Recruiting Guide rates him a 9.50, but his stocked really soared during his senior season; rated among top nine defensive tackles in nation by USA Today. Pigskin Preps said: "This just may be the best defensive lineman in the state of Florida. He has massive strength, a low center of gravity, terrific speed, aggressive mentality and a dominating ability." At Nike Combine last summer at Miami, Dickens put up these numbers: bench press, 390 pounds; squat, 565 pounds; and power clean, 290 pounds; fully qualified academically, and is expected to be an immediate contributor for the Tigers this fall. Picked Auburn over Florida State, Florida, Miami, LSU, Georgia Tech and Penn State. UPDATE 2001...Redshirt year. Update 2002 season. Played in 11 games recording 19 tackles. A good learning year should be a good one.

13. DL  FOREST TUCKER, 6-4, 235, 4.6, Western Harnett-Lillington, N.C. (1/23/01). Rated No. 1 overall prospect in state of North Carolina; as senior, was credited with 92 tackles, seven sacks, four fumble recoveries and nine pass deflections; as junior, had 129 tackles, 14 tackles for losses and seven sacks -- evidence that most teams ran away from him his senior year; coaches say he runs legitimate 4.6 in the 40-yard dash. Picked Auburn over Notre Dame, Florida, South Carolina, Michigan, Clemson and Virginia Tech.  UPDATE 2001...Did not qualify.

14. LB LAMARCUS ROWELL, 6-4, 220, 4.5, Opelika, Ala. (1/24/01). Parade All-America; as senioir credited with 158 tackles, six sacks, four caused fumbles one fumble recovery and one INT; for career, made more than 500 tackles; rated perfect 10 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide; Pigskin Preps said: "Heralded as the best linebacker in Alabama last year when he was a junior, he possesses the marbles of what a great linebacker needs -- speed, height, mobility, aggressiveness, ruggedness and coverage skills. To say he is the complete package may be an overstatement, but he's as close as you can get. He has a mean streak on the field and he utilizes it by playing middle linebacker because he can make plays sideline to sideline." Took official visits to Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, LSU and Tennessee; grew up a Crimson Tide fan and was considered early Alabama lock, but Tide's 3-8 season combined with Coach Mike DuBose's firing and an NCAA investigatioin prompted him to eliminate Bama from consideration; carrying a "B" average, but still must get a qualifying ACT score; will wear No. 19 for the Tigers. Picked Auburn over LSU. UPDATE 2001...Was declared ineligible by the NCAA which was later overturned at the end of the 2001 season. Redshirt. Update 2002 season. Played in 11 games recording 20 tackles. Did not dominate like he was expected to, but shows much, much promise. Update 2003 season. Charged with multiple crimes was dismissed from the team. 

15. OL DAVID WALKER, 6-3, 300, 4.9, Boyd Anderson-Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. (1/25/01). Four-year starter for one of Florida's top high school programs; recruited by some schools as defensive lineman, but Auburn coaches wanted him on offense; has quick feet and outstanding strength; already has bench press of 445 pounds; outstanding run-drive blocker; named first-team All-Broward County -- a meaningful all-star designation in competitive atmosphere of South Florida high school football; rated 9.75 by Deep South Football Recruiting Guide, which says: "a dominant interior lineman and projects as an outstanding college guard, if not a defensive tackle. The offensive line is where most of his experience lies. Super strong with bench press of more than 400 pounds." Pigskin Preps says: "A very strong offensive guard that plays a rugged style on the interior. He is an incredible run blocker who just annihilates his defender and pounds him into the ground . . . he has a 25-inch vertical leap, which tells you how strong he is in his legs. He benches 445 and squats 500." Qualified academically. Picked Auburn over Southern Cal, Miami, Michigan State, UCLA, Iowa and Ole Miss. UPDATE 2001...Redshirt year. Quit the team before every playing a snap.

16. RB CARNELL "CADILLAC" WILLIAMS, 6-0, 195, 4.45, Etowah-Attalla, Ala. (1/29/01). Parade All-America; may be best running back produced by the state of Alabama since Bo Jackson in 1981; won prestigious "Mr. Football" award after rushing for 1,639 yards and 23 TDs in only nine games as senior; for career, ran for 6,543 yards and 92 TDs; Etowah coach Raymond Farmer said this of his superstar: "I been coaching 33 years and he's the best player I've seen in games and in practice. He is a combination of Walter Payton, Gale Sayers and Barry Sanders. When you think he's done all he can, he amazes you with his God-given talent and raises the bar to another level." Picked Auburn over Alabama and Tennessee. UPDATE 2001...Was Auburn's leading rusher despite playing in only 9 games. Rushed for 614 yards and 6 TDs an average of 5.1 yards per game. Had big games late in the year against Arkansas and Georgia. Injured in the Alabama game and did not play in the final 2 games of the season. Update 2002 season. Leading the SEC in rushing with 106.4 yards per game before he broke his ankle in the 7th game of the season. Likely could have earned All American honors if he stays healthy. Full recovery is expected, but with a loaded backfield in 2003, will he get the carries to earn All American in '03. Likely not, but maybe he will stay healthy and finish a year for the first time. Update 2003 season. Played a complete year for the first time after ending his previous 2 years early with injuries. Carnell earned All SEC first team honors as a unanimous pick.

17. WR  ANTHONY MIX, 6-4, 225, 4.45, Baldwin County-Bay Minette, Ala. (1/30/01). State's top-rated wide receiver and top 10-rated prospect; No. 4 on The Huntsville Times "Elite 11 and No. 7 on the Birmingham Post-Herald's "10 Most Wanted" lists; camped at Auburn and Alabama last summer; one recruiting publication said Mix is "probably the best athlete in Alabama ... The type of receiver that gives small DBs nightmares. Great hands, fantastic body. One of the South's top athletes." Many compare Mix to one of Auburn's all-time great wide receivers -- Lawyer Tillman, who played for Pat Dye in the late 1980s. Says Pigskin Preps: "The state's top receiver prospect and a player that hasn't really realized his full potential. He has the prototype size and speed. His height is a major asset and he knows how to use his body to position the defender. He is still very raw overall, but his future is very bright." Starred as wide receiver in high school, he could grow into tight end or he could be moved to defensive end due to speed off the edge; carries 2.5 GPA and should qualify, although does not yet have a qualifying test score. Picked Auburn over Tennessee. UPDATE 2001...Did not qualify. Resigned see 2002 for updates.

18. WR  Pedro Holiday, 6-1, 175, 4.4, Pepperell-Lindale, Ga. (2/6/01). one of the fastest wide receiver prospects in South; has run 10.5 in 100 meters and posted best of 4.37 in 40-yard dash; in addition to his track speed, also excels in long jump, posting 21-9 last spring; at Nike Combine in Athens, Ga., last summer, he recorded 36-inch vertical leapl as a senior, had 50 catches for nearly 1,000 yards and 10 TDs; that followed junior campaign in which he had 38 receptions for 808 yards and 10 TDs; Pigskin Preps says of Holiday: "Talk about a receiver who blisters the turf and this is him. He has great speed to go along with his elusiveness. He makes tackles miss with regularity and he can surprise you with his ability to break tackles." Has some good bloodlines -- cousin of Ken Veal (Georgia), Brian Smith (UAB and Atlanta Falcons), Ken Irvin (Buffalo Bills and Desmond Irvin (Tennessee Tech); reports 2.4 GPA, but does not have a test score; may have to start college career in prep school. Picked Auburn over South Carolina, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Tennessee. UPDATE 2001...Did not qualify.

19. DB  Horace Willis, 6-1, 200, 4.45, Georgia Military College (2/7/01). Excellent cornerback with great closing speed; originally signed two years ago with Georgia out of Pebblebrook-Douglasville, Ga., but failed to qualify academically and enrolled in junior college; as sophomore at GMC, had 40 tackles and three INTs; not yet qualified academically. Picked Auburn over Georgia. UPDATE 2001...Played in 6 games recording just 7 tackles. Had some injury problems, but showed promise. Update 2002 season. Played in all 12 games starting several. Recorded 31 tackles and 2 interceptions. Another junior college player who is gone too quickly. Good contribution to the team in '02.

20. DT ANTWARN FRANKLIN, 6-4, 285, 5.0, Woodlawn-Birmingham, Ala. (2/8/01). No. 7 on The Huntsville Times "Elite 11" list; as senior, was credited with 80 tackles, seven sacks, three caused fumbles and a safety; could also play on offensive line; says he's willing to play either side of the ball; already reports bench press of 350 pounds and squat of 550 pounds. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and South Carolina. UPDATE 2001...Did not qualify. Resigned in 2002 see 2002 for updates.

21. ATH  Brandon Jacobs, 6-5, 240, 4.4, Assumption-Napoleonville, La. (2/8/01). Not likely to qualify academically, but Auburn battled LSU for right to place him in junior college -- probably Butler County (Kan.) Community College; playing running back as senior, rushed for 3,022 yards and 38 TDs, averaging 8.6 yards per carry; as junior, he rushed for 1,783 yards and 18 TDs and caught three passes for 50 yards and touchdown; also returned eight kicks for touchdowns; recruited by Auburn as linebacker or defensive end; led his team to Class 4-A state semifinals; named to USAToday.com All-America team and The Orlando Sentinel All-Southern team; best summer camp bench press was 315 pounds; vertical jump of 33 inches. UPDATE 2001...Did not qualify went to Butler CC. Update 2002 season. Signed with Auburn and is practicing for the Capital One Bowl, but will not play. See 2003 for updates.

22. WR Larry Summers, 5-11, 170, 4.5, First Coast-Jacksonville, Fla. (6/28/01). Committed to Auburn late after learning he had qualified academically; will not actually sign a scholarship with Auburn until he enrolls for fall semester in August; as senior, had 35 receptions for 499 yards and 17 TDs in First Coast's spread offense; also returned four kicks for touchdowns. Picked Auburn over Minnesota, Savannah State, Liberty and Toledo. UPDATE 2001...Not with the team?

23. DL Dante Booker, 6-3, 275, 4.7, Montgomery (Md.) College. (8/8/01). Akron, Ohio, native originally enrolled at Lackawanna (Pa.) Junior College, but did not participate in any games before transferring to Garden City (Kan.) Community College; early season knee injury knocked him out of action at Garden City and he later transferred to Montgomery College; played defensive tackle for Montgomery College last season, but might project as a defensive end at Auburn because of his speed; JUCO coach says Booker is strong and athletic and runs very well; forced double teams that freed up linebackers to make plays; Booker took overload of classes in summer school to graduate early and play Division I; only few schools were aware he was available. Picked Auburn over Florida and Maryland. UPDATE 2001...Played in 11 games. Finished the season with only 9 tackles. Update 2002 season. Played in all 12 games recording just 12 tackles.

Class of 2000

1. Bret Eddins (6-5, 225, ) is a blue chip linebacker from Trinity High School in Montgomery, Alabama. Eddins is one of the state's top defensive prospects. He is a great pass rusher and a smart disciplined player. Eddins chose Auburn over Arkansas and Alabama. Deep South Recruiting Rating 9.25. Update 2000 season. Redshirt year. Update 2001 season. Played in only 5 games and recorded just 1 tackle. Update 2002 season. Really came on strong near the end of the year. Finished the season with 14 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Shows great promise for '03.

2. Derrick Graves (6-1, 200, 4.5) is a running back from Holt, Ala. Graves is rated in the top 10 players in the state by many experts. He ran for 2,300 yards and 34 touchdowns as a junior. Recruiting analyst Max Emfinger rates Graves the 9th best "I-formation" back in the nation. Not yet qualified but a good student with a qualifying GPA. He picked the Tigers over Nebraska, Tennessee, Mississippi, Notre Dame, and South Carolina. Update 2000 season. Did not qualify. Resigned in 2001. Update 2001 season. Qualified and moved to fullback. Played in 9 games recording 7 tackles mostly on special teams. Was not utilized at any position. Update 2002 season. Finally settled in to the linebacker position. Played in all 12 games mostly on special teams. Recorded 19 tackles and snared 1 interception.

3. Jimmy St Louis (6-6, 248, 4.75) is a tight end from Cullman, Alabama. St Louis is listed as one of the top 25 tight ends in the nation by Rivals.com. He is also considered the top tight end in the state. He chose Auburn over Florida, Kentucky, Georgia Tech and South Carolina. Deep South Recruiting Rating 9.75. Update 2000 season. Redshirt year.  UPDATE 2001...Finished year without starting a single game. Buried in depth charts. Decided to transfer to Murray State in Kentucky.

4. Javor Mills (6-4, 255, 4.7) is a JUCO defensive lineman from Holmes Community College in Mississippi. Mills was placed in Junior College by Coach Tuberville while he was at Ole Miss. Mills is credited with 68 solo tackles, 4 sacks and several blocked field goals this year in 8 games. Mills would be an early graduate and be able to sign with Auburn in February. He chose Auburn over Mississippi, Mississippi State, Michigan, and Michigan State. Deep South Recruiting Rating a perfect 10. Update 2000 season. Came on late in the season and was a good contributor on the defensive line. Update 2001 season. Finished 10th on the team in tackles, but recorded 13 quarterback hurries. Was a good contributor in his short career on the Plains.

5. Phillip Yost (6-1, 175, 4.7) is a place-kicker from Auburn High School. Yost is a soccer style kicker who should make the transition to college ball easily because he has been kicking off the ground instead off a tee like most high school kicker. Yost is considered the top kicker in the South. As a senior Yost was perfect on his PAT attempts and was 11-15 on field goal attempts including a long of 51 yards. He also kicked 90 percent of his kickoffs into the end zone. Yost is academically qualified. Yost choose Auburn over Clemson, Florida State, Ohio State, and Troy State. Update 2000 season. Redshirt year. Update 2001 season. Can not get in the game because Damon Duvall is an All American. Did not play this season. Update 2002 season. Briefly was promoted to FG kicker while Damon Duvall was in a slump. Did not kick well during his starting role making just 1 of 3 FG attempts. His job in 2003? We will see? Update 2003 season. Kickoff specialist, but lost FG kicking job to true freshman, but eventually won the starting job only to lose it again in an up and down year. Did tie the Auburn record with a 53 yard FG.

6. Jason Campbell (6-5, 190, 4.5) is a quarterback from Taylorsville High school in Mississippi. Campbell is a big time blue chipper rated as the one of the top three quarterbacks in the nation. Campbell who is the Gatorade Player of the Year for the State of Mississippi threw for more than 2,700 yards with 23 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in 1999. He also scrambled for 300 yards rushing and 6 TDs. He is tremendous athlete who also excels at basketball. Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming has Campbell rated the overall No. 11 prospect in the country. Campbell is already qualified with a terrific 3.3 GPA and an 18 on the ACT. He chose Auburn over Georgia and LSU. Deep South Recruiting Rating a perfect 10. Update 2000 season. Redshirt year. Update 2001 season. Was the starter for the season, but never really caught on. Split time with senior Dan Cobb. Disappointing season never improved from game 1 to the season end. Update 2002 season. Just as it was in 2001, Jason split time with Daniel Cobb this year. The difference this year was that Campbell came off the bench in the second half of the season to rally Auburn. Became the unquestioned starter. Lead Auburn to victories in 4 of 5 games he started. Accounted for 1337 total yards.

7. Robert Johnson (6.5, 255, 4.7) is a tight end from Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia. Johnson originally  committed to Auburn out of Jeff Davis High School in Montgomery last year but failed to qualify. Johnson has made the grades and is enrolled at Auburn. Johnson was the top tight end in Alabama out of high school when he was rated as a perfect 10 by Deep South Recruiting and a perfect 5 by Forrest Davis. Johnson picked Auburn over Georgia, Kentucky, and Georgia Tech. Deep South Recruiting Rating a perfect 10. UPDATE 1999...Attended Hargrave's Military Prep School in hopes of qualifying by Spring practice for the 2000 season. UPDATE 2000...His first reception at Auburn was in the opening game on 2000 and was a touchdown. Received several post season accolades including Coaches' All SEC Freshman honors. Finished the season with 12 catches for 168 yards and 3 touchdowns. Suffered some injuries but still played in all 13 games. Was named to the All-SEC Freshman team. Update 2001 season. Down year for Johnson as he struggled with injuries. Never really made a big impact playing in 9 games and recording 225 yards of total offense. Update 2002 season. Finished 2nd on the team with 348 yards on 28 receptions. Great year for Robert, who left early for the NFL and was not drafted. 

8. Deandre Greene (6-2, 205, 4.5) is a wide receiver from Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia. Greene orginally signed with Auburn out of Blount High School in Mobile last year but failed to qualify. Picked Auburn over Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and Kentucky. Deep South Recruiting Rating a perfect 10. Update 2000 season. Played in 12 games as a freshman (suspended for the opener). Caught 23 balls for 240 yards and 2 touchdowns. Named to the All-SEC Freshman team. Update 2001 season. Was not the dominating player he was expected to be. Off the field problems ended his career at Auburn. Did not play in bowl game due to suspension. Later transferred to Murray State in Kentucky.

9. Silas Daniels (6-0, 178, 4.45) is a wide receiver from Jacksonville, Florida. Daniels is considered one of the top wide receivers in the state of Florida. He caught 40 passes for over 800 yards and 13 TD as a senior. Daniels has great speed, athletic ability, and tremendous jumping ability. Daniels should qualify and could make the wide receiver rotation as a true freshman. He picked Auburn over Florida, Central Florida, Miami, and South Carolina. Deep South Recruiting Rating 9.5. Update 2000 season. Did not qualify. Resigned in 2001. Update 2001 season. Came on late in the season playing in only 6 games making 8 grabs and 1 touchdown. Shows promise with help needed in 2002 at receiver. Update 2002 season. Just an average year as he was once again buried in the depth chart on a run oriented team. Grabbed 13 balls for 173 and no touchdowns.

10. Corey Hicks (6-2, 211, 4.5) is a defensive back/running back from Whitehaven HS in Memphis, Tennessee. Hicks is a very talented running back, but should play in the defensive back field at Auburn. He is rated the 21st best running back in the nation by Tom Lemming. Hicks picked Auburn over Memphis, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas. Update 2000 season. Not on the team.

11. Ronnie Brown (6-1, 208, 4.5) is a super blue chip running back from Cartersville, Georgia. Brown rushed for nearly 2,000 yards leading his Georgia High School to a perfect record and the state championship. He is widely considered the top prospect in Georgia and on of the top backs in the South. Smart kid who should easily qualify. Brown picked Auburn over Tennessee and Georgia. Update 2000 season. Redshirt year. Update 2001 season. Was the starter in the early season, but never really dominated. Was replaced by Carnell Williams and Casinious Moore at times in the season. Finished the year with only 84 rushes for an average of 3.9 yards per carry. Update 2002 season. Really just the starter for 5 games as he cam in for the injured Carnell Williams. Still Brown had a huge year as he rushed for just over 1,008 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season.  He was named 2nd team ALL SEC despite starting for just 5 games. Was named the MVP of the Capital One Bowl as he rushed for 184 yards in a victory of Penn State.

12. Marcus Johnson (6-2, 270, 4.65) is a defensive lineman from Ed White HS in Jacksonville, Florida. As a senior at Ed White High School Johnson recorded 40 tackles and 10 sacks. The big lineman has the quickness and strength to earn playing time for Auburn next year. One publication rated him the 12th best DL in the South while another rates him the 4th best defensive tackle in the state of Florida. Johnson picked Auburn over Tennessee who has been recruiting him for a long time. Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, and Florida State were