National Signing Day 2010: Top 10 Auburn Tigers Impact Signees

Auburn coach Gene Chizik and his staff have put together one of the best recruiting classes in the nation in only their first full year on the trail.

Since arriving in Auburn last year, Chizik & Co. have undergone serious scrutiny from critics, and the Auburn faithful have been no exception.

The 2009 season helped ease some of that angst, with the Tigers faring somewhat better than most predicted. After posting an 8-5 overall record and winning it's bowl game in dramatic fashion, the Tigers look to build on their improvement from the dismal 2008 season. This recruiting class looks to be the first block in that process.

Let's take a look at which players out of this heralded class will make the biggest impact on the field in 2010.

10. Shaun Kithcens

Kitchens, in the ESPN 150, is a tremendous athlete who could end up at one of several positions, on either side of the ball.

Listed as a wide receiver, the 6' 3" 215lb athlete would be intimidating in the slot coming in motion for Malzhan's ever motioning offense.

Those same physical measurements have some projecting him as a hard hitting safety, and possibly moving to linebacker if he adds weight, which he certainly has the frame for.

It could take more than one season for Kitchens find his place on offense or defense, put an athlete of his caliber will be on the field in some capacity in 2010.

Look to hear his name often on special teams next season.

9. Eric Mack

Like Roszell Gayden, Mack is helping to fill a great need in that of the offensive line. While O Line coach Jeff Grimes returns four starters, the lack of depth has to be concerning.

Mack is a huge lineman that displays a combination of power and agility. He is already an excellent pass blocker who can also pull and get around the end on running plays.

Mack made waves when he decommitted from home-state South Carolina and chose the Tigers in late January, but he said he always felt 'at home' with the AU coaches, as well as his future teammates.

Mack will get a chance to give some well needed breathers to the veteran linemen, and push for a starting job.

8. Jake Holland

Just call Holland "Mr Intangibles". Leader, smart, blue-collar...these are all adjectives used by various recruiting services to describe the 6'1" 220lb linebacker.

Did I mention he's all that and an Under-Armour All-American?
While not the fastest of the highly-touted Auburn linebacker class, Holland's instincts and natural ability have to be what college coaches everywhere covet.

Holland is a traditional hard-hitting 'backer who does have good "football speed" and is one of those players that always seems to be at the right place at the right time.
Holland's willingness and coachability will have him making plays in 2010.

7. Shon Coleman

Alabama, Ole Miss, Miami?

Nope. The big time offensive lineman signed with the Auburn Tigers.

Coleman, who has technically been committed to Auburn since April, was rumored to be switching his choice to...all of the above.

Though he stated clearly that he would take all of his official visits just to see what was out there and to experience all he could, rumors were endless about the big man wavering.

The Auburn staff continues to fill needs at pivotal positions with the 2010 class.
The Army All-American will get into the mix on day one upon his arrival. He may not be starting in 2010, but he will add much needed depth and competition to an offensive line that will see four starters exit upon season's end.

6. Jeffrey Whitaker

You've got to hand it to Chizik and D-line coach Tracey Rocker again for going into Georgia and getting a stud that the Bulldogs were in serious contention for.

The 6' 3" 295lb Whitaker committed Monday and added himself to an already solid defensive line class, and his high school coach says his size and athletic ability may not even be his greatest asset.

At Warner Robins High School, Whitaker stated, "I always believe I am better than the guy across from me. There is no disrespect there, I just know that I have worked harder than he has. I know that I can always keep improving. The moment I think I can't continue to improve on something, even if it is something small, that is the day I quit playing football.”

That type of attitude and maturity will go a long way and is hard to come by in a 17 year old. Whitaker will get in the defensive line rotation immediately and could be a staple for a soon to be great Auburn defense.

5. LaDarius Owens

Owens will see early playing time, if for no other reason, out of necessity. The Tigers finished out the regular season with three healthy scholarship linebackers on a defensed already riddled with injuries.

Don't think that's the only reason he will be on the field quickly next fall. Owens played with his hand down in high school, so pass coverage will be a point of emphasis from the coaching staff during the summer.

But Owens' physical maturity, speed and raw power should more than make up for his inexperience playing the true linebacker position.

4. Roszell Gayden

The massive JUCO offensive tackle will battle Lee Ziemba for the left tackle spot that Ziemba has held since he was a freshman. If he does not win that position, he should slide seemlessly into the open right tackle spot. Gayden sported offers from across the nation after starring at College of the Sequoias in Visalia, Calif.

There are many that believe Gayden will be in the NFL in 2011, so it is easy to see him making a name for himself quickly once he arrives on the Plains.

3. Trovon Reed

TROVON REED
Since Reed's emotional commitment to the Tiger's in November, Auburn fans have had an affinity for the state of Louisiana's highest rated player. The speedster form Thibodaux played quarterback his senior year, but projects as a wide receiver and can even play defensive back.

Reed was considered arguably the best DB at the Army All-Star Game after switching sides of the ball due to lack of bodies. He is one of the most elusive open field ball carriers in the 2010 class.

Auburn fans will grow accustomed to hearing Reed's name when August rolls around.

2. Michael Dyer

Being compared with current NFL standout Ray Rice is not bad. Drawing comparisons to NFL legend Barry Sanders, while a little presumptuous, has Auburn fans counting down the days until they get to see this phenom in orange and blue.
An Under-Armour All-American, his combination of power and explosiveness should fit well in Gus Malzhan's run first spread offense.
While Dyer's pass-blocking will need some improvement, his power, durability, and receiving skills will have him on the field early and often in 2010.

1. Cameron Newton

Possibly the most recognized of Auburn's 2010 class, Newton was a late addition to Gene Chizik's and Gus Malzhans big board. His recruitment was short, but it was certainly sweet.
Talks of Newton becoming a Tiger surfaced in early December and by New Year's Eve he had given his verbal. He was one of Auburn's five early signees and will get a chance as the starting signal caller in spring practice.

It is certainly not a done deal, but if Newton is all that's advertised, Malzhan will get a chance to show what his offense is capable of at full capacity, with a mobile quarterback.

The 6' 4" 245lb dual-threat quarterback led Blinn College to the Junior College
National Championship, and his size and athleticism will only enhance Auburn's chances to win some titles of their own.