Shhh—Auburn's Got the Worst-Kept Secret in the SEC...

Gene Chizik knows that to get back on par with Alabama., it's going to take some great recruits.  Since he's been there, he's tried some new innovative approaches.  The one that garnered the most headlines was the Tiger Prowl with coaches in limousines. 

Though it did get attention, the recruits haven't been rolling in, so Gene Chizik and company have been planning their next move.

According to stories leaking out everywhere, Auburn is planning a 4th of July blitz that is being called Stars and Stripes Weekend.  They are referring to recruiting stars for tiger stripes.

They are hoping to sign at least a dozen recruits in a highly publicized event that they hope will be the nucleus for a top 10 class or better.

When asked about this and other recruiting rumors, Nick Saban's answer is usually always the same. 

"A lot of people spend a lot of time worrying what we're doing."  Saban said. "But we don't worry what anybody else does." 

And why should he?

Saban has already secured 18 commits of the 28 players he's allowed to sign—not for this upcoming season, but for the 2010 class.

So while it's possible that Auburn could land one or two players Alabama covets, it's entirely likely that just like the last three classes, they'll get the players didn't they want.

So while it may gain a little publicity, the balance of power won't be changing any time soon. 

But you do have to give Chizik credit for some creative thinking and for gathering some attention—that doesn't involve making a fool of himself, like his fellow rookie SEC head coach to the North.

And now that the cat's out of the bag, let's see how it goes.  Will they get the dozen they're shooting for?  Will they be solid four and five star recruits? 

Time will tell.

And now you have something else to look forward to this holiday weekend, along with your fireworks and barbecue.