Auburn Football Recruiting Notebook: Solid Start

Auburn looks to be off to their best start in years under Tommy Tuberville. The Tigers already have 9 commitments for their 2009 class including five from the state of Alabama, one from Florida, one from Georgia, and two from the Junior College ranks that will be re-signs with Auburn.

This is by far the most commits by May that Auburn has ever had. Recruiting is changing with kids committing earlier and Auburn has taken advantage this year so far.

Here's a look at Auburn's current commits:

Terrence Coleman, DE, Mobile, AL, 6'2 245 (4 star on Scout.com)

-Registered 116 tackles and 9 sacks as a Junior

Raymond Cotton, QB, Fort Meade, MD, 6'4 215 (4 star on Scout.com)

Eltoro Freeman, LB, Perkinston, MS (JUCO), 6'0 215 (4 star on Rivals.com out of high school)

-Accounted for 65 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks as a freshman on JUCO National Champion Miss. Gulf Coast

Harris Gaston, LB, Bessemer, AL, 6'2 210

-Had 112 tackles, 11 sacks, and 5 interceptions as a Junior

Brandon Heavens, WR, Bessemer, AL, 5'10 170, 4.4

-Had 730 yards rushing, over 1,200 yards receiving, over 1,000 yards in punt and kick return yardage, and accounted for 23 touchdowns as a Junior

Wilfred Journet, DE, Wesson, MS (JUCO), 6'3 250

-5A Defensive Player of the Year in Louisiana his senior year in high school, 126 tackles, 48 tackles for loss, 16 sacks

Phillip Lutzenkirchen, TE, Marietta, GA, 6'4 245 (4 star on Scout.com)

-Had over 500 yards and 7 touchdowns as a Junior last year

Jamontay Pilson, DT, Greenville, AL, 6'3 270

Rodney Scott, RB, Cross City, FL, 5'10 185 (4 star on Rivals.com, No. 5 All Purpose Back)

-Scott tore up Florida last year with over 2,000 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns

Some other recruiting tidbits:

JUCO DT Nick Fairley should make the decision to resign with Auburn on Saturday. Fairley was an All-State selection in Alabama in high school and can play either defensive tackle or offensive tackle in college. This is a big pickup, Fairley will most likely be a 4 star prospect.

Looks like 4 2008 signees will have to go to Junior College to start their careers. Auburn is still waiting on some others that are on the fence. As of now it looks like things will shake out about how the Auburn coaches expected.