The good news is Tray Blackmon is back on campus, enrolled in classes, and in good standing both with the University and with the coaching staff. I remain optimistic that Blackmon's days of trouble are behind him after taking a semester off to "take care of personal business." Lets face it, Blackmon has the potential to be one of the greatest defensive players in Auburn history. He had 16 tackles most of them solo and three fumble recoveries including the one in the Florida game. What Blackmon needs is a role model on the team, someone who can channel his energy into production. He was lost on the field last year and still managed to have impressive numbers because he has a radar for the ball. It is time to cut him lose and just let him play ball. He isn't called "little ball of hate" for nothing.
The bad news. Patrick Trahan is academically ineligible for the upcoming season. I have to say this hurts because he was the most improved player of the spring. He seemed to be everywhere the ball was in scrimmages. While he isn't going to make or break our defense this year, he certainly would have made a positive impact on a defense that last year was sometimes non existent. Gregg Smith too is ineligible for this season for the same reason. While he, in my opinion, is overrated and out of shape, it still is one less reserve available in a grueling away schedule.
With that said, I am so pumped about this season. I think if the ball bounces in our favor more times than not this season, it could be one of the more exciting season in recent Auburn history. We have a healthy QB, depth at RB, a host of WR's who in my opinion could be as productive as Obomanu, Aromashadu, Mix, and Taylor, and a stingy defense. The only question marks are at O Line and special teams. Summer practice will be the deciding factor in what type of team Auburn will put on the field on Sept. 1 against Kansas State. The focus on offense should be O Line development and chemistry, finding a back up QB, and developing the WR corps. Defensive focus should be on maintaining intensity and finding the right combination at LB. Finally the special teams needs to find replacements for three of the most successful kickers and returners in the SEC.
WAR EAGLE!
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A look at the 2007 Auburn Tigers
1 comment:
I do believe Blackmon's presence is more valuable than we realize. His intensity and emotion is unspoken leadership.
Also, watch for the deadly combination on offense this year of speed/quickness and power (aka Ronnie & Carnell) with Tate and Lester. If you can stop those guys alone, you're doing well. Throw in Tristan Davis with his under-4.4 speed and Mario Fannin's tough running style, and our running game will inevitably be unstoppable...that is with O-line chemistry.
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