Cam Newton and The Top 40 Auburn Tigers of All Time
For the first time on Bleacher Report a Community has come forward to vote for their top 40 Auburn Football Players. The requirements sent to the fans were simple: It's your list, rank them how you feel about them.
From Ronnie Brown to Terry Beasley, the list of members are legendary in status and gave the fans of Auburn so many great memories. No other University can call themselves "Running Back U" and history is shaping into the Cam Newton story: Best Auburn Football Season Ever.
Over 40 people participated in this project and Auburn's BR Top 40 is an amazing list. Thanks to all the writers, outside contributors and especially the fans. This list speaks volumes to the tradition and passion of Auburn Football and all of those that Love it.
Special thanks to Matt Zemek, DebbiRogers and Matthew Donaldson with their contribution to this project.
To the endless list of Auburn players left off this list...You are legends to us all! Those receiving votes is every player you ever loved from Ben Grubbs to Freddy Weygand! Too many to list!
War Damn Eagle!
40. Junior Rosegreen
1 of 40
Junior Rosegreen was a Sportsline.com and SI.com All-American in 2004. Rosegreen was a All-SEC First-Team member after recording 57 tackles with a team-leading six interceptions. Against Tennessee in 2004, Rosegreen tied a Southeastern Conference record and set a school mark with four interceptions against the Volunteers. A four-year starter at Auburn, Rosegreen notched 196 stops with nine interceptions in 51 starts.
39. Courtney Taylor
2 of 40
"The fourth down catch and then TD against LSU in 2004. A proud moment in Auburn history. This guy could play!"
"Fumble into the endzone....Who's got it? Courtney Taylor does!" The hustle to recover the forwarded fumble in Athens GA 2005 was his grity style. A fan favorite of his era.
38. Stanley McClover
3 of 40
The Predator...Need I say more?
"This guy was probably the most gifted defensive lineman ever. He went pro way to early. Missed the moment he declared!"
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37. Ben Tate
4 of 40
Ben Tate had a phoenomenal senior season as he led a limited offense to a Outback bowl Victory over Northwestern and an 8-5 season.
36. Brandon Cox
5 of 40
One voter said about Brandon Cox "Possibly the most under appreciated player I can remember. He was 29-9 as a starting quarterback and was unbelievably clutch. His win at The Swamp in 2007, at home against Florida and LSU in 2006, and beating Alabama three consecutive times left his mark on Auburn University"
35. Kurt Crain
6 of 40
Described by Coach Pat Dye as having "linebacker personality," Kurt Crain led Auburn in tackles in 1986 and 1987, making the Associated Press All-America team in 1987. Known for his kamikaze style, he led the team in interceptions in 1987 with five. Crain, a transfer from Memphis State, had 324 tackles during his Auburn career, four sacks, seven interceptions and three fumble recoveries. He was a two-time All-SEC selection in 1986 and 1987 and was the team's on-field leader those years as well.
34. Victor Riley
7 of 40
Prior to his senior season, Victor Riley was rated by The Sporting News as one of the top six offensive tackles in the nation and was a pre-season All-SEC selection. His senior year, he was chosen as a first-team Coaches' All-American and was a consensus All-SEC pick.
33. Chris Shelling
8 of 40
He started at both corner and safety during his four-year career. Shelling was one of three finalists for the Thorpe Award given to the top defensive back in the nation. His senior year, he led Auburn defensive backs with 96 tackles and was second on the team with 61 solo stops.
One voter said "That LSU comeback in 1994 was the best game I have ever been to!"
32. Aundray Bruce
9 of 40
One voter said "FREAK"
Aundray Bruce was the first pick in the 1988 NFL draft, going to the Atlanta Falcons. He was a three-year starter at Auburn making the Walter Camp, Scripps-Howard and Kodak Coaches All-America teams as a senior and All-SEC in 1986 and 1987. Bruce gave what might be Auburn's best defensive performance ever against Georgia Tech in 1987, intercepting three passes, returning one 45 yards for a touchdown, causing a fumble that was recovered in the end zone for another Auburn touchdown, recording three quarterback sacks, recovering one fumble and accounting for an additional nine tackles.
31. Takeo Spikes
10 of 40
In 1997, Takeo Spikes led the Tigers with 136 tackles. He recorded 79 tackles in his last six games and was a Butkus semi-finalist two-straight years. Rated by The Sporting News as one of the top four inside linebackers in the nation, Spikes tied his career-high with 18 tackles against Florida, 14 solo. Also in his junior season, Spikes had two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown.
A voter said "Takeo Spikes hit people so hard, that he invented snot bubbles"
30. Brian Robinson
11 of 40
With eight interceptions his junior year, Brian Robinson led the SEC and placed second in the nation. He is Auburn's career record holder with three interception returns for touchdowns. Robinson was a consensus first-team All-American and ended his career with 13 interceptions. He will always be remembered for his performance in the 1994 Florida game where he intercepted three passes, one of which set up the game-winning drive in Auburn's 36-33 win over the top-ranked Gators.
Alabama Voodoo "The 1994 LSU game was epic. I have never seen anything like it. The image of Brian Robinson returning the game winning TD/Interception will always be etched in my brain!"
29. Darvin Adams
12 of 40
Darvin Adams aka "Smooth" does everything and is a rare receiver that actually has the ability to go and "get a ball."
28. Willie Whitehead
13 of 40
"MONSTER"
"The strongest defensive lineman I had ever seen up until then."
27. Terry Beasley
14 of 40
In his college career, Beasley amassed 141 receptions, 2,507 yards and 29 touchdowns. Gaudy numbers for the time that he was playing college football.
The right hand man, go to guy and best friend oof Auburn Legend Pat Sullian. The two electrified Jordan Hare on Saturdays.
26. Josh Bynes
15 of 40
"Josh Bynes is about the most knowledgable student of the game to ever play MLB at Auburn. He is like having a coach on the field."
25. Ed King
16 of 40
Ed King became the third player in Auburn history to be named an All-American as a sophomore when he was named to the Scripps Howard, Walter Camp and Football News All-America teams in 1989.
"He was a beast. Auburn ran and ran behind Big Ed King. James Joseph and Stacey Danley still thank him once a week ;)"
24. Travis Williams
17 of 40
One voter said "Travis Williams missed one tackle in his whole career! or so it seemed the guy was all HEART"
23. DeMarco McNeil
18 of 40
"DeMarco McNeil was a rock"
22. Pat Nix
19 of 40
One voter "Pat Nix had that 4th down TD pass cold off the bench in the Iron Bowl....It's something I will never forget!"
21. Lee Ziemba
20 of 40
"A mountainous left tackle that will surely play in the NFL. He’s had his share of struggles but he has been an anchor for Auburn’s team over the last four years. He now owns the record for most consecutive starts by an Auburn player."
"51 career starts and one more to go. A warrior."
20. Stephen Davis
21 of 40
Stephen Davis is a controversial selection especially because of his short career and tip toeing technique however, the guy was one of the most talented to ever suit up
19. Reggie Slack
22 of 40
"Reggie Slack is synonymous with 1989. Nuff said" A voter stated.
18. Ronnie Brown
23 of 40
"The “backup” went second overall in the NFL draft. Would have had insane numbers if on another team not sharing the load."
Alabama Voodoo "I loved Ronnie 'touchdown' Brown....btw I gave him that nickname"
17. Joe Cribbs
24 of 40
Fourth on the All time Rushing List. Another dominant force in Auburn’s history as Running Back U.
16. Marcus McNeil
25 of 40
The 2004 Auburn perfect season was led by cornerback Carlos Rogers, who helped the Tigers lead the country in scoring defense. A consensus All-American, Rogers won the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation's best defensive back.
15. Dameyune Craig
26 of 40
"Dameyune Craig was the "dual threat" QB that everyone at Auburn loved."
14. Quentin Groves
27 of 40
Quentin Groves
"Tied for Auburn’s All Time Sack Leader. Played four consistent years at Auburn and contributed to the 2004 SEC Championship team."
13. Tracy Rocker
28 of 40
As a premier player for the nation's top-ranked defense, Tracy Rocker made history in 1988 when he became the first player from the SEC to win both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award. Rocker was a three-time All-SEC player at defensive tackle and a two-time All-American. He had 100 tackles in his Lombardi-Outland season and recorded 354 tackles in his four-year career, 48 of which were behind the line of scrimmage. Rocker led the SEC in tackles by a down lineman as a freshman in 1985. He made All-SEC as a sophomore and junior and made the Football Writers, Walter Camp, Scripps-Howard and Football News All-America teams as a junior.
12. Stan White
29 of 40
Stan White is an Auburn Legend who led the Tigers to an undefeated season in 1993.
11. James Brooks
30 of 40
James Brooks played at Auburn?
Yes he did!
An All American from the late 1970s who played successfully in the NFL. 3rd on Auburn’s All Time
Rushing List
10. Jason Campbell
31 of 40
"Jason Campbell completed what seemed like every third down completion the entire 2004 season. The most embattled QB in school history went through 4 OC's in four years at Auburn. The former first rounder is currently playing QB for the Oakland Raiders."
"I Love JC"
9. Zeke Smith
32 of 40
In 1958, Zeke Smith won the Outland Trophy given to the nation's top lineman and was selected as an All-America guard. He was the ringleader of a Tiger defense that held Tennessee to minus-33 yards offense and no first downs. Smith was named All-SEC later that year. Bobby Dodd, then Georgia head coach, called Smith and Kentucky lineman Lou Michaels "the greatest lineman in the SEC in the past 10 years." After leaving Auburn, Smith played professional football for the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants. Since 1977, Auburn has presented the Zeke Smith Award to the team's defensive Player of the Year
8. Carlos Rogers
33 of 40
The 2004 Auburn perfect season was led by cornerback Carlos Rogers, who helped the Tigers lead the country in scoring defense. A consensus All-American, Rogers won the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation's best defensive back.
7. Frank Sanders
34 of 40
After leading the SEC in receiving yards per game and breaking Auburn's single-season record for receptions, Frank Sanders was named first-team All-America by Associated Press, the Football Writers of America and Scripps Howard in 1994.
6. Nick Fairley
35 of 40
Nick Fairley is the MVP of the 2010 Tigers
5. Karlos Dansby
36 of 40
Karlos Dansby was named an All-American by the American Football Coaches Association after leading the Auburn defense to a number five national ranking in total defense in 2003. As a senior, Dansby collected a team-leading 84 tackles including 14 tackles for loss. He also forced four fumbles and broke up six passes. A semifinalist for the Butkus Award, Dansby was a two-time All-SEC selection. He also named the Atlanta Touchdown Club Defensive Back of the Year. In 2001, he was invited to the ESPY Awards for an acrobatic interception and ensuing pass he made in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
A voter who voted Karlos #1 on his list said.
"I could not believe that this guy was playing defensive back...He was tall and lanky but a ball hawk, tackler and captain all in one. Dansby will always be my number 1 Tiger!"
4. Cadillac Williams
37 of 40
In 2004, Carnell "Cadillac" Williams was named to the American Football Coaches Association All-America team after rushing for 1,165 yards and 12 TDs. As a senior, Williams was an All-SEC first-team member and was the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year while leading Auburn to a 13-0 record. A two-time first-team All-SEC pick, Williams finished as the school's all-time leader in rushing attempts (741), rushing touchdowns (45) and scoring (276) and ended second all-time in career rushing yards (3,831) and all-purpose yards (5,084). A 2001 freshman All-American, Williams was selected fifth overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2005 NFL Draft.
A voter proclaimed. "Went from College to Pro's & made his Immediate Mark & Claim in the NFL, Big Man on Campus"
Another said "No one worked harder, with all that talent No one worked harder."
"Go Crazy, Cadillac, Go Crazy!"
3. Pat Sullivan
38 of 40
Auburn's first Heisman Trophy winner in 1971, Pat Sullivan changed the face of Auburn football and broke many SEC and NCAA records along the way. He was a two-time All-American in 1970 and 1971. In 1970, he was the NCAA total offense leader with 2856 yards and set an NCAA record for most yards per play with 8.57. Sullivan also tied an NCAA record for most touchdowns responsible with 71. In his career, Sullivan threw 817 passes and completed 454 for 6,284 yards and 53 touchdowns. Former Alabama head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant said of Sullivan, "He does more things to beat you than any quarterback I've ever seen."
2. Cam Newton
39 of 40
Voter comments:
"First impression on field is dynamic & exciting. Off the field, personable, charming w/ those pearly white's, already a Legend! When he's in the Building .. everyone know's it! Sadly, Auburn will only see one season .. he will develop to be one of the best in the NFL. Do, however, feel he needs proper tutelege & coaching. Just imagine if he had been at Auburn for 4 years ... Auburn would be a Dynasty for 4 years .. the recruitments he would have brought in! Ahh the thought ..."
"The best football player I have ever seen!"
"Domination"
"May be a little high for only one year of accomplishments, but I think looking back in a few years, he will undoubtedly be the player of my generation. His versatility, running power, and passing accuracy has been unbelievable. Combined with his personality and his love for the team, he’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime player."
Camp Award, Maxwell Award, Obrien Award Winner!
Will Cam Newton win the Heisman? You better believe it. He will be Auburn's third Heisman winner.
1. Bo Jackson
40 of 40
"#34 in yhe Program but still number 1 in our hearts...BO JACKSON"
"Bo streaking down that sidelines, Oh what a sight to see!"
"Bo over the top!"
"Just ask Charlie Pell!"
"The greatest athelete EVER!"
"Best ALL AROUND athlete to come out of Auburn hmm Charles Barkley but Bo is superior"
"It’s tough to beat what Bo was able to do at Auburn. He’s still recognizable with the university in so many ways, and is recognized in many circles as one of the greatest athletes ever."
Bo Jackson is recognized as one of the greatest players to ever play college football. The winner of the 51st-annual Heisman Trophy as the outstanding college football player in America in 1985, Jackson holds virtually every rushing record in the Auburn book. The two-time All-American and three-time All-SEC selection is the Tigers' all-time leading rusher and scorer and the only Auburn back to ever rush in excess of 4,000 yards in a career. He was only the third back in SEC history to do so. Jackson lettered in football, baseball and track at Auburn. He signed a professional baseball contract with the Kansas City Royals
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