re: Auburn Football: Opening Practice Notes, Pics, & Video

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Gene Chizik

Chizik pleased with practice, admitted players are tied: I think tomorrow the day off comes at a good time.
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Defense emphasized blitz and third down situations today.
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Chizik said offense is taking baby steps toward improving the run game. He's also pleased with leadership on that side of the ball.
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Chizik specifically names Philip Lutzenkirchen and Onterio McCalebb's leadership.
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Chizik said Eric Mack was not at practice, confirmed he's still on the team. John Sullen (injury) was also sidelined during practice.
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Chizik said it's too early to see any separation in the quarterback chase. Offense still being installed, so emphasis is on learning.
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Chizik said FR QB Jonathan Wallace is soaking up the new system: "He's really enthusiastic about practicing."
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Chizik said Trovon Reed has impressed him: "He came into camp in really good shape ... figuring out the college game now."
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Chizik asked which linebacker will come out when D goes to nickel package: "It just depends. Really, it gets down to matchups."
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Chizik asked if Eric Mack will play this year: "There's been no definitive decisions made yet." He said team is on top of status every day.

Scot Loeffler

Offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler said there have been "four great days of installation." He's ready to put on pads.
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Loeffler repeats Chizik, saying there is no separation with QBs and that it's too early because of offensive installation.
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Loeffler said the offensive installation so far has been "identical" to the installation Auburn put in this spring.
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Loeffler asked how Jonathan Wallace is doing, smiles and raises his voice: "I love him. ... He's young, at times he's swimming."
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Loeffler asked if Jovon Robinson could get carries this fall, said it's too early to know answer yet "but his attitude and effort" is good.

Tommy Thigpen

Thigpen says LBs have work to do: "We're really working on getting tougher and making sure we're the leaders on the field."
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Thigpen said he's been pleased with freshman Cassanova McKinzy's progress: "He has a lot to learn, but we like his demeanor."
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Thigpen said Jonahthan Evans is playing third weakside linebacker right now.
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Thigpen said there has been some thought about cross-training Evans. Then, the obvious: That decision will be made by Gene Chizik.

Kiehl Frazier

Frazier said he played some safety in high school. How'd he do? "I got interceptions," Frazier said. "I didn't tackle anyone."
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Frazier said offense is focusing on regaining "toughness we had in the past."
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Frazier says Emory Blake "is going to be the main guy, just like last year." No surprises there. Other receivers also coming on, he said.
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Frazier: "I think there will be a lot of distribution (in passing game) this year."
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Frazier says he expects Jay Prosch to regularly be on the field: "Every time Jay's on the field, as a QB I feel a lot more comfortable."
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Frazier says he's not focusing on QB race, just trying to learn the offense.

Clint Moseley

Moseley says his arm is "getting better. It's definitely getting better." Still being careful with it.
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Moseley said he thinks about QB race when he's being asked by reporters, but not when he's on the practice field.
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Moseley said the offense has been under-center about 60 percent of the time, and in shotgun 40 percent. Similar numbers to spring.
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Moseley also stressed those numbers may not end up accurate.

1) Some offense hasn't been installed.
2) Offense is focusing on running game.

Kris Frost

Frost feels like he finally picked up D today better than he has: "Me as well as all the other guys are finally starting to get it."
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Frost informed that VanGorder is loud. He laughs, "Is he really?" Then adds: "For me, that's the only way you can get to me."
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Frost: "The pressure is going to be on in the Atlanta Dome." He likes that there is pressure in practice.
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Frost says he has worked at strong backer, along with Anthony Swain, Ashton Richardson and Clay Finkelstein.
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When D goes to nickel, Frost said strong backer is replaced by nickel. Also, other adjustments that can't be fit in 140 characters.
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Frost is a very diplomatic answer when asked if he's ready to start: "Right now, no I'm not. But when the season starts, I will be ready."
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Frost reminded he wanted to be a receiver coming out of high school, laughs: "Yeah, that faded away pretty quick."

Daren Bates

Bates says it puts a smile on his face to see Shon Coleman on the field: "Give him a chance, and he'll produce."
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Bates said he's talked with Eric Mack a little recently, and he's doing OK. They'll play video games sometimes.

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The good thing about it in the cruiting thread is that its all Au ppl talking and no gumps

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