Why Auburn Should Hire Turner Gill

AU Student — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 17:01:35 -0000

Some people believe that Auburn needs a "name" coach. One that will make a splash nationally. One that will make waves in recruiting circles. I say Auburn needs Turner Gill. He would be the second ever African-American head coach in the SEC. While that would get Auburn national headlines, that isn't why Auburn should hire him. It would make waves in recruiting circles by having an African-American coach, but that isn't why Auburn should hire him. Here is why I think Auburn should hire Turner Gill.

During the University of Buffalo's first seven years in Division I football, they won a grand total of ten games. Gill has won fifteen games in his first three years, including the MAC Championship this season. In that period of time it is fair to say that Gill has done more with less than any other coach in the country.

Gill has been able to bring athletes into a school where today (Dec 7) the HIGH for the day is 23 degrees. And they have an outside stadium! While at Nebraska, Gill was twice named one of the top ten recruiters in the nation by ESPN.

When going into living rooms of recruits Gill has one heck of a story to tell. Gill has been able to bring athletes into a school where today (Dec 7) the HIGH for the day is 23 degrees. And they have an outside stadium! While at Nebraska, Gill was twice named one of the top ten recruiters in the nation by ESPN. As a player at Nebraska he won a National Championship. As an assistant coach for Nebraska during the early 90s he won three National Championships. He was also the position coach for 2001 Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch. While you may argue that Gill was coaching QB's in an option offense, his offenses at Buffalo have been nothing like the option.

Here are a few stats from this years Buffalo Offense. Quarterback Drew Willy has thrown for 3091 yards 25 TD's and just 5 INT's in 424 attempts with a 64.7 completion percentage. Running back James Starks has rushed for 1308 yards and 15 TD's while playing in 11 of UB's 13 games. They also have four receivers who have caught more than 30 balls this year, led by Naam Roosevelt who has caught 96 for 1312 yards and 13 TD's. Sounds like an explosive offense while staying balanced with the run at the same time.

While it may not mean much, if anything, to recruits, he comes highly recommended by coaching legend Tom Osborne. Here is a quote from his UB Bio: "Turner is an outstanding human being," said former Nebraska head coach Tom Osborne, a member of the College Football Hall of Famer and one of the winningest coaches in college football history. "He has great character. He's a great family man, an excellent recruiter, he relates well to his players and he really works well with people. He'll always represent the program well. He is very knowledge as far as football goes. I have nothing but the greatest admiration for him." This should mean something to Jay Jacobs.

That is why I think Turner Gill is the best man for the Auburn job. He has played and coached at football's highest level while at Nebraska. He has been under the pressure that he will face at Auburn in the SEC. He has proven he can recruit and win at one of the toughest coaching jobs in America at Buffalo. He's a hard worker who believes in doing things the right way. That is why Turner Gill should be the next Head Coach for Auburn University.
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Auburn Picks Up Two Commits

AU Student — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:26:55 -0000

Montez Robinson, a 4-star DE from Avon, IN, and Steven Jacques, a 3-star Guard from Hollywood, FL, committed to the Tigers following the LSU game. They bring the commitment total to 25.

Robinson is rated the 13th best DE in the country by Rivals. He is 6'5" 235lbs and reports a 4.43 40. He picked AU over offers from other favorites such as UGA, Illinois, and Cincinatti.

Jacques is 6'4" 280lbs and reports a 405lb bench press. He also gets it done in the classroom with a 3.7 GPA. He chose AU over offers from South Carolina, South Florida, and West Virginia.

Good Hire in Pawlowski/Other Baseball News

AU Student — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:41:33 -0000

I've been out of pocket for a while. When I came back and saw the new look I was unable to get my old name, BigCountry. I've been busy coaching Legion baseball since school let out.

This is a great hire. Look for great things to happen under Pawlowski. He is inheriting a great deal of young talent along with a very good singing class, minus Stovall who will sign pro. I think the whole him looking into other schools to play baseball and punt for the football team is total b.s. But, can you blame him for using it as a bargaining tool?

On the field look for more of the same as in style of play. They will still steal a lot of bases and play old school small ball. The big difference will be with the off the field leadership Pawlowski and his staff will provide. Unlike Slater, this isn't Pawlowski's first rodeo. Look for a much improved team to take the field in 2009 and make a long awaited return to Hoover for the SEC Tournament.

In other baseball news, Brian Fletcher and Hunter Morris were named First Team Freshman All-American by Baseball America. This is a great honor for both of these young men. To go along with Freshman AA, Morris has been named to USA Baseball National Team. I'd like to wish Hunter and the rest of team USA good luck in their quest for Gold this summer. What an awesome opportunity to not only represent your country, but to also get the name of Auburn baseball out in not only a national level, but world-wide as well.

Mash here for a link to the story on Fletcher and Morris as well as to catch up on what the rest of the team is doing in summer ball across the country.

SB Nation User Blog: AU Student

Why Auburn Should Hire Turner Gill

Auburn Picks Up Two Commits

Good Hire in Pawlowski/Other Baseball News