The Best Leftovers on The Menu

With few days remaining until National Signing Day, let's take a look at some leftovers. I'm not referring to food, so stay with me and read on. Already, some of you are wondering why in the world I would refer to high profile recruits as leftovers. Folks, many of the best foods in the world, are better when served as leftovers. My mother makes one of the best recipes of lasagna in this entire world. Straight out of the oven, it is oh so good. But, when you drag it out of the fridge a day or two later and have it as leftovers, WOOOO - WEEEEE! Ever heard the term, "its so good, it will make you want to slap your Momma?" Please, don't be offended; all joking aside. When I use the term leftovers, I am referring to the recruiting spots that have yet to be filled; not the players. I'm sure some of you were thinking, "I'd like to see him call big Jeffrey Whitaker a leftover to his face." No way! I'm a writer not a fighter.

Due to Gene Chizik's intelligent recruiting, Auburn picked up a total of five prospects who were eligible to enroll earlier this month. As a result, they counted back to last year's recruiting class. On paper, Auburn has 28 recruits; five of them count back to last year and 23 for 2010. This leaves a handful to go. There always seems to be one or two recruits who don't make it into school due to grades and there is always the chance that a recruit or two will switch to a different school on signing day. Consequently, expect to see Chizik sign one or two over the limit.

The leftovers. Who will fill those spots. One thing is for certain: When you gain commitments from many of the best recruits in the country, other high profile recruits want to join in. For example, there is a possibility that Auburn will pick up a late commitment from Markeith Ambles, the #3 wide receiver prospect according to Rivals. Did any of you see him play in the U.S. Army All-American game? He was the best athlete I saw that day and he is going to make a lot of money on Sundays if he stays healthy. But first, he will have an excellent collegiate career and it just might be at Auburn. Markeith Ambles admits to having an interest in Auburn because he likes the idea of playing with Cam Newton. I heard it on the grapevine that he will be taking a visit to Auburn this upcoming weekend. Markeith Ambles, come on down!

Auburn University, a.k.a., Running Back University, will almost certainly fill one of the leftover spots with a running back. It would make the depth chart and the roster look awful good if both Lache Seastrunk and Marcus Lattimore chose Auburn, but I just don't see that happening. If I had to guess, I would say that Marcus Lattimore will end up a Tiger and Seastrunk will end up in the Pac-10. With Dyer already on board, either one will be a fine addition to Malzahn's offense.

Defense. Ted Roof has done a great job addressing the positions of linebacker and defensive back but at least two of the remaining leftover spots should be dedicated the defensive line. I believe a commitment from Byran Jones is more probable than Jeffrey Whitaker. Then again, I believed big Eric Mack would not leave South Carolina and he did. Mr. Jeffrey Whitaker, please fool me! Also in the mix, Mike Thornton. I recently noticed an article where Mike Thornton said, and I paraphrase, that he knew in his heart that Gene Chizik would do a great job at Auburn. Getting a commitment from at least one of the defensive lineman prospects is a must. Signing two of them would be excellent.

Also, on the defensive side of the ball, 4 star linebacker, Victor Beasley, might be contemplating a late switch. He wants to remain a Tiger, but whether or not he will become an Auburn Tiger instead of a Clemson Tiger is anyone's guess.

Let's not forget Hialeah, Florida superstar Corey Lemonier, a weak-side defensive end who will wreak havoc on quarterbacks in the years to come. He has narrowed his choices between Auburn and Florida State. Some say Miami is still in the mix and they just might be, but I strongly believe he will pick between the Tigers and Seminoles. Remember Quinton Groves? Corey Lemonier will be another Quinton Groves. Lemonier received an in-home visit from Florida State coaches on January 14 and on January 20, he announced that he had made his decision. Although he hasn't publicly declared his choice, he says he knows where he will play college football. Let's hope its Auburn.

Nashville, Tennessee offensive lineman, James Stone, will be taking a visit to Auburn this weekend. With Stone, there is good news and bad news. The bad news is - he may end up choosing Alabama. The good news is - Auburn's offensive lineman recruits for this year are currently ranked number one by Rivals.

There they are. The leftovers. I promise you these will be just as good as the ones we got right out of the oven. Bake some bread and make a dessert, spring practice is less than 60 days away. War Eagle!