Huge Offensive Tackle To Visit Auburn This Weekend

Auburn,AL-With Auburn attracting some big names to the plains like Reuben Randle, Emory Blake and others, why not add another; Olive Branch (MS) four star recruit Aubrey Phillips is prepared to take a last minute visit with Gene Chizik and the Tigers. Once again give Trooper Taylor the credit for this possible recruiting acquisition.

Rising star safety Daren Bates also of Olive Branch, committed to Auburn on Thursday. Why is this important to this scenario?   Read on…

Bates, who is 5-foot-11, 195, had offers from Auburn, Alabama and Tennessee.  He originally verbally committed to Arkansas State, but began to waiver when Tennessee began to show interest in him. The rumor is that the Vols originally took a look at Bates because Aubrey Phillips and Bates want to play on the same team.  Some have quietly speculated the two are a package deal.

 By in large however, I’m in the opinion that Daren Bates qualities as a safety and play maker stand on there own.  He is a relative unknown simply because he was overlooked by the recruiting subscription folks.  Since Tennessee and Alabama showed enough interest to offer him a scholarship. Along with his verbal commitment to Auburn, his stock has risen quickly. 

By the time Bates is actually evaluated, he will move from a two star as high as a four.  But of course depending on how many subscriptions are purchased by the fans of the university that lands any given recruit.  Will of course dictate just how many stars are stamped next to his name. 

Bates and Phillips would be a very big pickup individually, but even more so as a combo deal if the rumor is true.  Phillips is a mammoth 6’6” 310 offensive lineman who clocks in a 40 time at 5.1 seconds.  He’s a sure qualifier with a GPA of 3.8. He visited Florida State last weekend.  Phillips went in to the visit as a Tennessee commitment.  However, he is now seriously considering the Tigers.  Why a change from having low interests in Auburn to now taking a visit on the last weekend before signing day?  Well put two and two together and see what you’re conclusion is. 

Another bonus for Auburn and Aubrey Phillips is the Tigers major need for offensive lineman.  The folks in the recruiting world and college coaches are high on this young man. And say he could be a starter day one.  I have heard he’s like a Willie Anderson type guy.

 Auburn fans know what kind of lineman Willie Anderson was for the Tigers.  Anderson was selected in the first round (10th overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft. Anderson was also selected to represent the AFC in the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Pro Bowls.  That comparison is a very nice compliment for Phillips.  If he plays half as good as Mr. Anderson, his future is extremely bright. And he will have almost as many green backs as a government buyout. 

There is no doubt that this weekend for Auburns coaching staff is the biggest, most important day, possibly sense any of them began their respective coaching careers. Their professional reputations are on the line.  And how they finish this abbreviated recruiting run while at Auburn.  Will in the eyes of many, be a measuring stick of their success. As well as a judgment of their leadership over a new era of Auburn football.  Fair or not-it’s the way it is.

So I close with the wise words of American Idol host Ryan Seacrest say’s as he closes his prologue; “it all starts now”.  And so it does…

          Schools Interested in Aubrey Phillips

Tennessee (soft verbal)	COMMITTED (12/28/2008)		1/16/2009
Arkansas	Low		1/9/2009
Auburn	Low		1/30/2009	Trooper Taylor Jeff Grimes
Florida State	Low		1/23/2009
Ole Miss	Low		None	Mike Markuson
Mississippi State	Low		None
Oklahoma State	Low		None
Penn State	None		None
Georgia Tech	None		None
Louisville	None		None
Memphis