Martinez has a lot of experience in this area, and has been looking for a job since he resigned from the Oklahoma staff last month. Bob Stoops said that Martinez “has some attractive options and is going to pursue them”, in regards to his resignation.

He has a lot of experience working with VanGorder. They both worked together at Central Florida and Central Michigan before their stint at Georgia.

He had several good years as a defensive-back coach at Georgia:

2001 – 96th in pass defense (nationally) – 252 yards per game.

2002 – 31st in pass defense (nationally) – 189 yards per game.

2003 – 6th in pass defense (nationally) – 175 yards per game.

2004 – 16th in pass defense (nationally) – 182 yards per game.

I’ll give any updates when possible.

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UPDATE: Auburn has officially hired Martinez. The deal is done, phew!

Hopefully the hire will be officially announced soon. War Eagle.

VanGorder believes size does play an important role with his linebackers, he said “bigger is better” but that he doesn’t consider himself a “profile coach”. On one hand I agree with the statement, having larger linebackers is handy when going up against big offensive lineman and runningbacks, and will probably prevent us giving up an extra yard or two when it matters. With size comes strength, you all saw what Miss. State QB Chris Relf did to us in September – he dominated the Auburn defence over and over again because his main weapon was his brute strength. 

But on the other hand, size isn’t an issue as long as you have linebackers that can tackle correctly and are always in position to make the play. That’s all I really want out of this defense, to execute on every down, and I’m confident that will happen under VanGorder.

He also gave a brief comment on the defensive coach vacancy, saying “we’re in the process of hiring a new coach”. If you don’t know who it will be, heres a bit of inside info – his name rhymes with Gillie Harminez.

VanGorder also gave quotes on his defensive schemes, saying that we’ll have a lot of multiple looks and may blitz a lot. Putting pressure on the offence is key to getting those key third down stops. Our third down defence was dreadful last season, and I can’t wait until we quit giving receivers 10 yard cushions on third and short.

VanGorder also hasn’t decided which position he will coach yet, heck he may not coach one at all. He said “I’m finding out where we are”, which is a fair quote when you consider he hasn’t even been in a practice yet.

He then gave his two cents on position changes, that right now none are in the works, although it could change. I’m excited to see who may get moved where and what it could mean for the defence, I’d like to see Owens given another shot at MLB and possibly move Bates back to safety, since BVG likes size with his linebackers (Bates is only around 5’11 205).

On the other side of the ball, new offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler said that he’s still evaluating the quarterback spot. You’d like to think he’d hope that Frazier comes through by the summer, he told the media “We (Chizik) have not sat down and had that conversation“.

Loeffler also had this to say of VanGorder: “There are some really good defensive coaches in this league, and we have one here at Auburn that’s the real deal, the real, real deal. Not even a little bit, he’s the real deal. If I was a defensive recruit, I’d want to play for Brian VanGorder”.

It’s always refreshing to hear coaches compliment one another, it really gives you a boost of confidence and it definitely lets me know that we are in the safest hands.

That’s yer’ lot, have a good week.

Even though that team didn’t get the chance, many still look back today and use that team as a clear example as to why the BCS needs to be abolished. You get those odd years in college football where it’s unclear who the best two teams are, 2004 saw this happen, as well as 2007 and 2011. Alabama got the nod in 2011 because they played LSU close the first time. Perception-wise they were seen as the opponent that were the biggest threat to the Tigers. No complaints from me though, they hit LSU hard and came away as champions, crystal ball in hand.

Nowadays there is no way possible for an undefeated SEC team to get turned down by voters, none at all. Not even T. Boone Pickens is intimidating enough to sway voters not to vote in even a second SEC team, something that has never been done before. The conference is seen as a super-power and has produced six straight Championship caliber teams in the space of 6 years, a conference that puts as many players in the first-round of the NFL draft as you’d expect.

Four years ago the SEC proposed a plus-one system, so it’s not as if the conference is afraid of change. The ones who want change are the other conferences, particularly the Big Ten. They are tired of the domination. They don’t want to continue playing bowl-games in the SEC’s backyard. They want a system that will provide every team a fair shot at the crystal ball. They want the Tennessee’s and the Alabama’s to have to visit the cold and damp Big Ten setting.

Then again, “cold weather” isn’t as much as a factor as the clear home-field advantage is.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Big Ten AD’s are now exploring proposals for a semi-final process. A plus-one system that would be seen as a much more ‘fair’ way to determining a champion. But is it fair?

The hypothetical match-ups would be incredible to think about. 2011 Oklahoma State vs 2011 Alabama? 2004 Auburn vs 2004 Oklahoma? There are tonnes of possibilities, which would at least dumb down the amount of controversy which is largely encountered in todays system. Everyone loves a good moan, and everyone has something to moan about.

A plus-one is an exciting thought…maybe to everyone but SEC fans. Whilst they currently have the pleasure of walking straight into the title game, they have another week to sweat it out and hope that their team doesn’t slip up when it matters most. As an Auburn fan I’m not afraid to admit that if they were to play in a plus-one I’d be nervous as hell. But the system that is in place now, and the new proposed system are designed so a real champion can be named.

Would a plus-one still cause controversy? Of course it would. What happens when an 11-1 Boise State gets left out of the no4 spot for an 11-1 Ohio State? The debates over the third and fourth spots wouldn’t stop, but that’s not what this is about. The Big-Ten doesn’t want a play-off because it would decrease the debates and moaning, they want it so sideline-gazers won’t have a say in which two teams get to play for the crystal ball. They don’t want conference bias, can you blame them?

There are years in which there are two clear cut teams that deserve to play for the title, but there are also years where more than two teams feel like they should have their names thrown around in voters heads.

So in theory, yes, a plus-one might satisfy the Oklahoma State’s and the Boise State’s and give them some closure. No more what-if’s and hypothetical scenarios. But it may also cost those fifth and sixth ranked teams that feel like they were unfairly nudged out for the better looking team.

In the world of college football, visual judgement will never disappear. Politics will always have a say, whether we like it or not.

If you want to see additional photos of the new facility, click here and scroll through the slideshow.

Tyler Nero

Defensive Line – It’s a small haul of defensive lineman, but doesn’t lack quality as this area is headlined by Gimel President and Tyler Nero. President is a 6’3 240 defensive end who holds a lot of potential, his early playing prospects might be limited as Auburn is currently very deep at this position.

Nero is a another underrated pickup right out Escambia. He has a motor that just never stops running and plays with a real toughness that could potentially propel him into a starting role further in his career. He may get snaps in 2012 but I don’t expect him to get many.

Cassanova McKinzy

Linebacker – Auburn made two big signings at this position, the first one being the highly coveted Cassanova McKinzy. He is a large 6’2 230 linebacker that could project at either inside or outside linebacker at the next level. He has tremendous tackling skills and is fast for a kid his size, I’m excited to see him out there in 2012.

Javiere Mitchell was the second signing. From what he lacks in size he makes up for in heart, Mitchell will continue to progress as long as his weight gains go smoothly. Right now, I see that being the major barrier between him getting on the field in 2012, and redshirting. He may need to get to 215 before he gets playing time, and right now he is around 200 pounds. Although in fairness, Auburn’s need for linebackers is high right now.

TJ Davis

Defensive backs – Auburn signed three corners in the 2012 class, the big one being Josh Holsey, a 5’9 corner out of Creekside, GA. Holsey’s athleticism is off the charts, he always seems to know where the ball is going and those type of instincts are unteachable. Holsey will definitely see the field a lot in 2012 and could push for a starting role immediately.

The other two pickups were Jonathan Jones and TJ Davis, both are underrated corners and could be solid additions for Auburn in the near future. In my view, Davis is the gem of this class. His offer list was insane and his high school film just screams “stud”. Both Jones and Davis are incredibly fast and speed is always helpful in the secondary. Expect both to play limited snaps in 2012.

Overall it was a small defensive class, but filled with a lot of quality and skill that will be eager to see the field in 2012. Though we may have missed on a few, the entire class looks to be a success and fingers crossed that they all make it to campus in June.

So what is your favourite Auburn memory?

Quarterback – The Kentucky native Zeke Pike headlines this position group, the 6’5 220 lb playmaker has the confidence that every coach looks for in a quarterback, as well as a real toughness that is tough to find in eighteen year olds. Pike will come into 2012 with a clear shot to earn the starting job. Though doubtful, he may see some snaps this year depending on how he does in spring and fall practices.

Jonathan Wallace also joined the class as a latecomer on signing day. Wallace is a 6’2 205 lb QB that has enough speed to become a dual threat at the next level. The question is whether he will stay at quarterback, if Loeffler likes what he sees early on, the chances of that happening are pretty high.

Runningback/Fullback – Jovon Robinson knew what his responsibility was when TJ Yeldon de-committed, he comes into Auburn with a chip on his shoulder, eager to prove himself at every chance possible. Robinson is a tall runningback who has a non-stop motor, and a pretty nifty cutback move that will send the fans into a frenzy. Expect Robinson to make an immediate impact next season.

Jay Prosch is an All-American fullback that transferred in from Illinois, the Mobile native will get the chance to be the bulldozer on a heavy run offense and provide solid protection for his runningback and quarterback. Prosch is a large kid, and will knock you off your feet at every given chance. Expect Prosch to become an immediate starter at fullback.

Wide Receiver – Although this area could still potentially get stronger, JaQuay Williams is the star of this position group. Williams is a large body with enough speed to burn you on a deep pass and enough strength and power to hit you at will. JaQuay will make a deep push for a starting role next season, and will grind it out with an already elite receiver group. He will still get plenty of starting time regardless of his position on the depth chart. (Here is an interview I did with Williams back in the summer)

Ricardo Louis is the second receiver of this class, who had an up and down recruitment before eventually signing with Auburn on Wednesday. Louis is bigger than people think, weighing in at 210 and standing 6’2 tall. He has the chance to get a good amount of playing time next year, which I expect to happen.

Tight End – Loeffler has to be salivating at the tight-ends on Auburn’s roster, because yet again Auburn finished with another solid group of tight-ends. Ricky Parks and Darrion Hutcherson are the two pickups, both will provide a lot of upside and size to the offense. They join an already outstanding lineup of tight-ends, and it will be interesting to see who will step up this year in Lutzenkirchen’s final year at Auburn.

Offensive line – Auburn pulled in another great offensive line class this year, headlined by Avery Young, the signing day surprise. He joins early-enrollee Shane Callahan, Patrick Miller, Will Adams and Robert Leff. It’s tough to predict immediate impacts with lineman, as very few actually start as freshman. Callahan and Miller have an edge since they will go through spring training, and I believe Leff will redshirt so he can gain more weight (currently 255 and growing).

Overall this is one of the best offensive classes to date, a lot of these players will make immediate impacts and will contribute a lot during their careers. It’s a good group of kids and I wish them all great futures.

It’s safe to say that Twitter and several message boards were on the ledge today, I’m not going to recap the entire day but you could pretty much sum it up as an “up and down” day, which is of course the real premise of college recruiting. You miss some and you lose some, it happens to every program. We have a few players left to go after but we can’t afford to dwell on the players we didn’t get, just focus on the ones that are ready to play. The ones that want to play for Auburn University.

I’m really excited about this class because I think it has masses of potential. One player in particular that we picked up today was Jonathan Wallace; a 6’2 205 QB that is a fairly impressive looking signee. His comments about “taking up the opportunity to play for Auburn” is literally music to my ears, I’ll take on anyone who wants to play for this school, no matter how highly touted you may be.

It was also nice to get a few other surprises today, including Florida OL Avery Young. He was looking as though he was Georgia-bound but in the end, I guess he just wanted to play in orange and blue. I don’t blame him.

Overall, today was a decent day, we didn’t get everyone we hoped to, but that’s life. Recruiting is only half the battle, and having coaches that know how to coach ‘em up and turn them into real football players is the big part of creating a good football program. We have two top coordinators, as well as a top notch line of assistant coaches, let’s work towards the 2012 season and see what it may end up bringing us.

I will do some in-depth recruiting class evaluations pretty soon, analysing the players and what they might bring to the table.

‘Till then. War Eagle!