1. Cordian Hagans – with AU’s top recruits at the position committing elsewhere, Hagans slides to the top. haven’t heard much lately on his recruitment but at last check he had AU and USCe on top. great size and speed.

2. Charles Deas – conflicting reports on Deas’ (or AU’s?) interest slide him down a spot for this ranking. an absolute beast but will he ever make it to school?

3. Elliott Williams – don’t know much about this guy except he has the best size/speed combo of any DT prospect AU is after. all quiet on the recruiting front.

4. Brandon Whitty – emerged claiming an AU offer in the past week or so, and says AU leads. a bit undersized at 245 but big frame and speed enough to move out to DE.

5. Ronald Byrd – large kid out of Hogansville, GA picked up a bunch of new offers recently. not sure of the interest from AU.

Honorable Mention: none to mention right now. doesn’t appear to be a position AU is seriously targeting this season.

1. Robert Quinn – AU likely ends up a “top 3″ choice for this guy but USCe, UT and UF will be very hard to beat. still the best DE on our board.

2. William Green – seems like slimming chances for this end as well but i’ll keep him # 2 unless he definitely eliminates AU from contention.

3. Raven Gray – all signs point to Gray joining the Tigers for the 2008 campaign. 9 sacks at Copiah Lincoln last season.

4. Chase Thomas – great prospect with the all-too-important-these-days bonus of having no problems qualifying.

5. Jomarcus Savage – big, fast, and could move inside as well.

Honorable Mention: Andre Wadley would make a solid addition should AU fail to nab 2 of the 5 mentioned.

AU has a new commit on the OL, Jarien Moreland, a shaky but still committed OT in Jermarcus Hardrick and a possible upcoming commit from OT (maybe DT?) Barnes…how many will they take?

1. Antoine McClain – i have to admit i’d be a bit disappointed if AU let the grips slide on this big man. hate to see him go elsewhere.

2. TJ Barnes – I like this kid and I think he’s pretty ready to commit. I’d be surprised if it didn’t come soon. could play either side of the ball.

3. Jermaine Johnson – made it to Hargrave, which makes him elligible for this recruiting season if he can handle his business. great size and agility. tremendous upside.

4. Cordy Glenn – i like this guy on either side of the ball. i believe Auburn was a late entry into the race so not sure how strong a contender they are, but great looking prospect at 6-6, 315.

5. Kenneth Page – said he enjoyed his trip to Auburn, but has yet to narrow down his list from dozens of suitors. I don’t like the chances or he’d probably be higher.

Honorable Mention: Barrett Jones looks like a probable lost cause, but with the lineup of OTs at the top of this list, i won’t be too upset.

a new # 1 with recent word of possible interest. there is a deep well for AU to drink from at this position and i fully expect they’ll take 3 this year. don’t forget about Damion Allen, who’s possibly the most underrated commit we have, but also don’t forget F$U is in the rearview mirror with him.

1. Deion Walker – would be an absolute coup for Auburn to get this kid with all the strong competition. Has said recently his mother wants him to choose AU, but has concerns over AU’s reputation as a primarily rushing school. Mama knows best, Deion.

2. DeAndre Brown – tough to rank a kid like this 2nd to anyone. 6-6, 208 is size Auburn could definitely use at the receiver position and has not had the likes of in recent memory. though # 2 at the position, still a top 10 guy on Auburn’s board for me.

3. Darvin Adams – kinda expected Adams to have committed by now. strong camp achiever who lists AU in top (possibly final) two.

4. DJ Woods – Ohio kid who jumped out of nowhere onto AU’s radar and garnered an offer at this weekend’s camp. Super speedy and was cited by several as the best WR performer at camp.

5. Jarmon Fortson – teammate of current commit Deron Furr has the size to play TE or LB as well. really like the kid’s personality and his determination on video.

Honorable Mention: not so much an honorable mention as a “co-top 5″ would go to Harry Adams, possibly the fastest recruit in the country. gotta like that speed and AU in top two as well. throw Devonta Bolton in the mix and you gotta like AU’s chances at landing 3 really solid receivers this year.

a bit of shuffling here now that both camps have passed, but # 1 remains the same.

1. Eric Smith – i think he’s the guy. down to AU and Clemson and should commit soon. power, downhill runner with excellent hands out of the backfield. compared quite frequently to former AU back Rudi Johnson.

2. Mark Barron – moves up as i’m back to “not sold” status on the smaller backs. could play multiple positions including WR, DB or LB. his versatility is what puts him at # 2.

3. Reggie Hunt – not sure how interested either party is anymore, but Hunt is a great prospect and will make a solid contributor on whatever “spread offense” team he ends up with.

4. Carlton Thomas – haven’t heard how he performed at the camp and can only take that as a negative. still, the video is highly promising.

5. Onterrio McCalebb – moved AU up to # 2 behind Rutgers after this week’s camp. I personally hope we don’t reach this far for a RB with another good class coming up next year. That’s not indicative of McCalebb’s talent, as he has a ton, I just think it’s a position we’re already loaded at, especially if Enrique Davis can make it in or to Prep School.

Honorable Mention: have to continue to go with Chris Givens as I really don’t think AU will reach outside that top 5. A couple of athletes on other lists (i.e. Chris Jordan, George Baker) could end up at RB, but i will leave this list as is for now.

A new offer, a new # 1…

1. Star Jackson – has the best measurables and potential of any QB on AU’s board. AU likely got a better version of Jackson in Kodi Burns last season, but he’s definitely the most talented QB on the board at this time.

2. Aramis Hillary – liked what little I got to see of his arm from the camp video. didn’t pick up an offer, which may mean his chances are slim of signing with Auburn, much like the bunch below.

3. Barrett Trotter – i think size hurts this kid. has good mechanics but probably better suited for a smaller school.

4. DC Jefferson – despite my concern for his mechanics or lack thereof, you can always use his size and athleticism somewhere on the field, if not at QB.

5. Jordan Jefferson – another guy that may not end up at QB but has loads of athleticism to bring to the table. supposedly has a cannon for an arm though in the videos from camp his passes weren’t exactly pinpoint.

Honorable Mention: Cory Cox looks like a good competitor. would fit in well at one of the up and coming FL schools.

MLB:
Tim Hudson, Atlanta – 9-5, 79 K, 3.35 ERA
Chris Bootcheck, LA Angels – 2-2, 21 K, 4.91 ERA
Frank Thomas, Toronto – .255, 14 HR, 44 RBI
Gabe Gross, Milwaukee – .207, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 2 SB
David Ross, Cincinnati – .190, 14 HR, 32 RBI

AAA:
Colter Bean, Scranton Wilkes Barre – 2-0, 44 K, 6.04 ERA
Levale Speigner, Columbus – 2-2, 10 K, 6.00 ERA
Mark Bellhorn, Louisville – .260, 11 HR, 51 RBI
Jonathan Schuerholz, Richmond – .204, 12 RBI, 5 SB
Tug Hulett, Oklahoma – .257, 5 HR, 37 RBI, 14 SB
Justin Christian, Trenton – .337, 13 RBI, 10 SB

AA:
Michael Nix, Mississippi – 4-4, 49 K, 2.09 ERA
Steven Register, Tulsa – 0-3, 35 K, 5.18 ERA, 35 Saves
Clete Thomas, Erie – .282, 4 HR, 32 RBI, 12 SB
Javon Moran, Reading – .301, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 22 SB

A:
John Madden, Lake Elsinore – 0-3, 36 K, 4.61 ERA, 3 Saves
Joshua Sullivan, Asheville – 3-1, 30 K, 2.91 ERA
Chris Dennis, Clinton – 0-1, 5 K, 6.00 ERA, 1 Save
Josh Bell, Lansing – .196, 7 HR, 28 RBI

A SHORT:
Bruce Edwards, Salem Keizer – .233, 7 RBI, 2 SB
Russell Dixon, Tri-City – .310, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 2 SB
Josh Donaldson, Boise – .306, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 1 SB

ROOKIE:
Bret Butts, Danville – 2-0, 8 K, 0.93 ERA
Josh Blake, Missoula – 0-0, 13 K, 3.93 ERA, 1 Save
Philip Stringer, Greeneville – .177, 3 RBI, 3 SB

now and again i will update the Top 20 Recruits on my AU board…well, today’s the day so here we go…

1. Antoine McClain – holding strong at # 1. just really high on the idea of this mauler opposite Ziemba in the forseeable future.
2. DeAndre Brown – the best WR on AU’s board moves up a few spots. need to get some playmakers and Brown fits that bill.
3. Jerrell Harris – for in-state recruiting’s sake, need to nail down McClain and Harris this year.
4. Robert Quinn – last time wasn’t in the top 20 as he didn’t seem to be showing much interest, but now with interest in both AL schools, he’s a prime target.
5. Janoris Jenkins – my top guy at an important position in recruiting this year. once again wasn’t in the top 20 last time due to my knowledge of interest.
6. Eric Smith – makes a big jump up from #18. with the commitment of Brandon Barnes to NC State, i feel like Smith is the best back on the board and has AU in the final two. could commit soon and would be a great addition.
7. Charles Deas – drops a few spots due to lack of information coming in. that’s not always a good sign (but sometimes it is as well) for a prep athlete.
8. Raven Gray – sounds like things are moving along well for Gray and he should be joining Auburn soon.
9. William Green – rivals insist that Green’s interest in Auburn has slid tremendously, and that he’s down to UA and UF. i’m not prepared to throw in the towel, but with Quinn and Gray on the board, he does slide a bit.
10.Darvin Adams – AU is in the final two and says he wants to commit before school begins, so he will move off this board shortly for better or for worse.
11.Cordian Hagans – love his size/speed combo and has said AU is his leader.
12.Templeton Hardy – plays favorite talk close to the vest but would be a huge addition.
13.Marlon Walls – wish the grades outlook was more positive. a beast at LB. UT leads, AU in top 3.
14.Chase Thomas – DE is a big need this year. i’d really like to add this guy.
15.George Baker – been one of my favorite recruits this year and lists AU as his leader. hope he doesn’t wait too long and risk losing a spot.
16.Jarmon Fortson – projects well at multiple positions. Deron Furr’s teammate.
17.TJ Barnes – would love to take McClain and Barnes this year. AU legacy.
18.Mark Barron – i’m still pretty convinced he’ll follow his teammates to UA, but he’s a quality athlete that’d be a great addition.
19.Keith Wells – not sure of his interest, but another great DE prospect in a need year.
20.T’Sharvan Bell – last time’s # 1 on the Top 10 to watch makes the leap into the top 20. great looking ball player.

out: Burton Scott, Terrance Parks, Barrett Jones, Reggie Hunt, Etienne Sabino, Harry Adams
in: Quinn, Gray, Walls, Hardy, Barron, Bell

10 to WATCH:

1. Marcus Jemison (6-2/190/4.56) McCalla, AL
2. Aramis Hillary (6-2/205/4.68) Johnston, SC
3. Prentiss Waggner (6-2/178/4.51) Clinton, LA
4. Andre Wadley (6-4/245/4.88) Hernando, MS
5. Malcolm Munroe (6-3/204/4.5) Miami, FL
6. Jomarcus Savage (6-2/260/4.6) Huntsville, AL
7. Tarik Rollins (6-2/201/4.7) Hollywood, FL
8. Andre Berry (6-3/205/4.42) Tarrant, AL
9. Chris Bynes (6-0/203/4.5) Lauderdale Lakes, FL
10.Jordan Jefferson (6-4/200/4.6) Destrehan, LA

MLB:
Tim Hudson, Atlanta – 8-5, 75 K, 3.54 ERA
Chris Bootcheck, LA Angels – 2-2, 21 K, 4.91 ERA
Frank Thomas, Toronto – .251, 14 HR, 43 RBI
Gabe Gross, Milwaukee – .200, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 2 SB
David Ross, Cincinnati – .196, 14 HR, 32 RBI

AAA:
Colter Bean, Scranton Wilkes Barre – 2-0, 43 K, 6.33 ERA
Levale Speigner, Columbus – 2-1, 8 K, 4.61 ERA
Mark Bellhorn, Louisville – .250, 10 HR, 49 RBI
Jonathan Schuerholz, Richmond – .208, 12 RBI, 5 SB
Tug Hulett, Oklahoma – .258, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 14 SB
Justin Christian, Scranton Wilkes Barre – .324, 8 RBI, 6 SB

AA:
Steven Register, Tulsa – 0-2, 35 K, 5.22 ERA, 26 Saves
Michael Nix, Mississippi – 4-4, 44 K, 2.32 ERA
Clete Thomas, Erie – .281, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 11 SB
Javon Moran, Reading – .297, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 21 SB

A:
John Madden, Lake Elsinore – 0-3, 32 K, 5.18 ERA, 3 Saves
Joshua Sullivan, Asheville – 3-1, 30 K, 2.91 ERA
Chris Dennis, Clinton – 0-0, 1 K, 0.00 ERA, 1 Save (first outing after being moved up from A Short Spokane resulted in a save. had 5 saves in 5 outings for Spokane)
Josh Bell, Lansing – .202, 7 HR, 26 RBI

A Short:
Bruce Edwards, Salem-Kaizer – .222, 5 RBI, 2 SB
Russell Dixon, Tri-City – .333, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 2 SB
Josh Donaldson, Boise – .300, 2 HR, 6 RBI

Rookie:
Bret Butts, Danville – 1-0, 4 K, 1.50 ERA
Josh Blake, Missoula – 0-0, 11 K, 5.02 ERA
Philip Stringer, Greeneville – .164, 3 RBI, 2 SB

now this one took some serious research…here are the stats from the past season for all former AU players i could find:

NBA:
Marquis Daniels, Indiana Pacers - 7.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, .459 FG%, .700 FT%
Pat Burke, Phoenix Suns - 2.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg, .365 FG%, .615 FT%

NBA Development League:
Brandon Robinson, Albequerque – 11.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.4 spg, .559 FG%, .677 FT%

USBL:
Kyle Davis, Dodge City – 7.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, .505 FG%, .639 FT%

EUROLEAGUES:
Moochie Norris, Climamio Bologna - 6.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.2 apg, .44 FG%, .868 FT%
Bryant Smith, Benneton Treviso – 8.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, .679 FG%, .625 FT%
Ian Young, Ratiopharm ULM – 4.1 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, .293 FG%, .786 FT%

CHINESE BASKETBALL ASSOC.:
Chris Porter, Fujian – 21.9 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.6 apg, .599 FG%, .658 FT%

also, Mamadou N’Diaye is currently playing for Panellinios in the Greek League A1 of Euroleague, Jeff Moore is playing for Mayas de Yucatan in the Mexican LNBP, and Ronny LeMelle played last season with French squad Ourense but i haven’t been able to compile stats for them to date. N’Diaye is a top player for his team by all accounts though.