4.11.12 A-Day tab of the Auburn Plainsman by The Auburn Plainsman

The Auburn Plainsman

A-DAY

April 12, 2012

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, April 12, 2012

What does A-Day mean to you ?

Inside

Valencia Oglesby, freshman, biomedical sciences “I didn’t have football tickets in the fall, so I’m excited about my first Auburn football game.”

5 Sullivan, Jackson, Newton bronzed in history

Heisman statues unveiled

7 Grant finds way back to Auburn

Sophomore running back makes presence known

9 The pro workout Workout moves to get the football body you’ve always wanted

flicks to kick off A-Day

10 a.m.

Heisman statues unveiled at east side of Jordan-Hare Stadium

What to watch to get pumped for the big game

Miranda dollarhide Editor-in-chief Managing editor Madeline hall Nikolas Markopoulos Copy editor Nick Bowman Associate copy editor Assistant copy editor Laura Hobbs Photo editor Rebecca Croomes Assistant photo Christen Harned Assistant photo Danielle Lowe Campus editor Chelsea harvey Campus reporter Lane Jones Campus reporter Becky Hardy Sports editor Coleman McDowell Sports reporter Robert E. Lee Sports reporter Patrick Tighe Design team Rachel Suhs Melody Kitchens Online team leader Online team Victoria Rodgers

Ads Stephanie Garner, Lorenzo Lane, Courtney Marinak, Stacey McMahan Account Executives Tiffany Middleton, Julya Welch, Ashley Selby, Allison Braund Advertising design

Ian Brittain, senior, public relations “I like the laid-back atmosphere, hanging with friends and seeing the pros and cons of the football team.

Sarah Cait McMillian, senior, human resource management “This is my senior year and my last time in the stadium. It’s usually my favorite game.”

A-Day schedule

11 Best football

Editorial

The Auburn Plainsman

11 a.m.

Coca-Cola Tiger Fan Fest at Nicholls Center lawn. Alumni Athlete BBQ at Plainsman Park

12 p.m.

Stadium gates open

2 p.m.

Kickoff

The Auburn Plainsman A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID Student Union Suite 1111 Auburn, Al 36849 Editor: 334.844.9021 News: 334.844.9109 General Manager: 334.844.9101 Advertising: 334.844.4130 Miranda Dollarhide Editor-in-chief editor@theplainsman.com Jenny Rikelman Advertising Manager admanager@theplainsman. com Judy Riedl General Manager gm@theplainsman.com Kim Rape Office Manager Mailing Address 255 Heisman Drive, Suite 1111 Auburn, Al 36849

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

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Weekend Roundup What are your plans for Saturday?

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

The Auburn Plainsman

Sullivan, Jackson and Newton bronzed into history Patrick Tighe Sports Beat Reporter

Three bronze giants of Auburn football will emerge from under their tarps Saturday to kick off A-Day. Auburn’s three Heisman winners Pat Sullivan (1971), Bo Jackson (1985) and Cameron Newton (2010) will all be present to witness the unveiling of their respective statues. “Auburn University has a rich Heisman heritage, and we felt like it was time to recognize the lasting contributions of our Heisman Trophy winners that span four decades,” said Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs. “The statues on the east side of Jordan-Hare Stadium will forever capture the greatness of Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson and Cam Newton so generations to come will know and understand what these former greats mean to Auburn football.” John Heisman, Auburn football coach from 1895–1899 and the namesake for the trophy, had his bust erected last week. Auburn is the only institution to have a Heisman Trophy winner where Heisman either coached or attended. The statues weigh over 1,900 pounds and were created by Ken Bjorge who resides in Big Fork, Montana. This is not Bjorge’s first college football project. Previous projects include Earl Campbell’s Heisman statue at Texas and former University of Washington coach Jim Owens’s monument. “Working with the people at Auburn, (has been) a great experience: there was absolutely never a wrinkle,” Bjorge said. “The challenge of doing these figures between 9–10 feet tall is a fairly daunting undertaking. When you are dealing with people who are so accommodating, it has been a great time for me.” With each player having his own unique playing style and body shape, Bjorge said creativity was crucial in making the best statue possible. “I saw the archives at Auburn that were pretty extensive, (so) I was able to get pretty good selections of images and the body with all the equipment on,” Bjorge said. “That part of

it suggested the kind of detail that I would put in a sculpture. “Obviously you want the piece to have a resemblance of the individual at the time they were playing football at Auburn. There are things about each one of these guys in terms of their physique that is their signature. By looking at their musculature and facial images, those are the things in terms of detail that you would like to transcend.” Bjorge said he thrives of the challenge of a new project and he wants future generations of Auburn fans to be able to identify the players with ease. “I think the most fun is the challenge,” Bjorge said. “If this were easy basically anybody could do it. I probably wouldn’t be interested. The challenge is to create something, and someone could look at that and say ‘Yeah, that’s Bo Jackson.’ When there (are) challenges, that is the fun of it. If there wasn’t a challenge it wouldn’t be any fun.” Auburn joins the likes of Florida and Texas who have erected statues to honor their programs’ Heisman winners. During halftime of Florida’s 2011 spring game, Heisman winners Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerfel (1996) and Tim Tebow (2007) had their statues unveiled near the skybox entrance of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Outside of Darrell K. Royal Stadium in Austin, Texas, Ricky Williams has a statue dedicated to his Longhorn career and Heisman Trophy win. Tickets to A-Day are $5 for the general public and free to Auburn students with an Ignited card. The Heisman statue ceremony will take place at the east side of Jordan Hare Stadium at 10 a.m. Saturday. Fans can view the ceremony on the Jordan-Hare Stadium video screen and at the Auburn Arena. Limited space will be available to watch the ceremony. Stadium gates 1, 8U, 12 and 17 will open at 9:30 a.m., and the arena doors will open at 8:00 a.m.

Robert E. Lee / Sports Beat Reporter

The bust of John Heisman, who coached Auburn football from 1895–99, was installed earlier this week.

The unveiling for the statues will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, April 12, 2012

The Auburn Plainsman

Grant finds way back to Auburn John Holtrop Writer

Todd Van Emst

Corey Grant eludes a defender in practice April 4.

Sophomore running back Corey Grant is making his presence known in his first season of eligibility at Auburn. At 5-feet-11-inches and 203 pounds, Grant’s mix of size and speed make him a viable candidate to receive a lot of touches in new offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler’s offense. Grant was a four-star recruit out of Opelika High School, but chose to attend the University of Alabama . “In my year at Alabama I really learned a lot about the physicality and speed of the game,” Grant said. After his freshman year, Grant transferred to Auburn, but sat out last season. Grant said he took the opportunity to improve his game and prepare for this season. Grant was awarded the scout team MVP as well as the strength and conditioning MVP for last season.

“I got some good experience going against the first-team defense,” he said. “Taking reps against the first-team defense really helped me to improve my game.” Defensive leaders took notice of Grant’s talent and work ethic as he led the scout team. “Corey Grant works so hard,” said senior linebacker Daren Bates. “You could see last year when he was on the scout team that he was going to be a great player.” As for the competition at Grant’s position, he is up against senior Onterio McCalebb, sophomore Tre Mason and fellow transfer Mike Blakely. “Those are three good backs, and just working with them every day we learn from each other,” Grant said. “We know in the back of our heads that we are just competing for the job.” McCalebb said everyone’s expectations are high this season at the running

back position. “It is good competition,” McCalebb said. “Coaches put us in positions to make plays and that’s what we try to accomplish, but we all need to get better.” Coach Gene Chizik has taken notice of the competition for the starting role at running back, but said there is much room for improvement. “They have made some progress running the ball and protecting the quarterback, but we are definitely not done,” he said With A-Day approaching and spring practices almost finished, Grant said his goals are improving on his physicality and mental toughness. “A goal for me this year was to become a more physical back, and I think that I have done that,” Grant said. “But anyone can achieve that in the weight room; it’s really all mental. Either way I’m excited for the season and ready for it to get going.”

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Prosch leads way for run game Ethan Bernal Writer

Fullback Jay Prosch brings an added sense of physicality to the Tigers’ backfield. In January, the 6-foot, 253-pound junior transferred from the University of Illinois after two seasons and will now lead the way for Auburn’s explosive running backs. “For me, what I try to be all about is being physical,” Prosch said. “That’s what a fullback is. The lead blocker is the most physical person on the field, so I try to do that every play.” Now, in the midst of spring football, the Mobile native is proving to his coaches and teammates why he was named a First-Team All-American by Pro Football Weekly in 2011. “Jay is an awesome player,” said senior running back Onterio McCalebb. “He gets in the hole, he blocks, he does what he needs to do.” Sophomore running back Corey Grant

is already benefitting from Prosch’s physical play, scoring a touchdown in spring practice behind the fullback. Prosch has high praise for his new teammates as well. “It’s great to have confidence in the backs because I know if they’re behind me and if I open a hole, they’re going to hit it,” Prosch said. “Not only are they going to hit the hole, they’re going to break tackles and drive it. It’s a good feeling.” Despite his accolades, Prosch said he still has room for improvement. “I’m just working on my technique, my footwork and my body position when I’m blocking people,” Prosch said. “I’m always trying to get more physical, more tough.” In 2010, as a true freshman, Prosch led the way for the Illinois rushing attack that ranked No. 11 in the nation, averaging 246 yards per game. Prosch does not limit his production to lead-blocking, however at Illinois in 2011, the high school linebacker led the special

teams unit with 10 tackles, earning him a share of the team’s Outstanding Special Teams Player award. Despite his production, Prosch is still in wait-and-see mode on his playing status for the Tigers. NCAA transfer rules state a player must sit out one season after transferring schools. Prosch, who transferred to Auburn to be closer to his ailing mother, applied for a hardship waiver so he may play in the fall. “We’re still waiting for the NCAA,” Prosch said. “I’m not worried about it, but I’ll feel better when it comes through.” Until the verdict, Prosch will continue to work hard and build camaraderie with his new teammates. “When I played at Illinois, we didn’t really build chemistry until we started playing games,” Prosch said. “I think that will come for sure.”

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Todd Van Emst

Sophomore running back Jay Prosch opens a hole for Corey Grant during practice.

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

The Auburn Plainsman

The pro workout Fitness Together trainer Aaron Willing uses his semi-pro football experience as a running back with the Michigan Traverse City Wolves to share three explosive moves to get you football-ready INCLINE DUMBBELL BENCH PRESS:

One light set of 10â&#x20AC;&#x201C;12 reps Three heavy sets of 8 reps Start with dumbbells even with pecs and extend arms using your chest.

CLASSIC SQUAT:

One light set of 12 reps Three heavy sets of 8 reps

STRAIGHT-LEG PULLStart with the bar on your shoulders, squatting with your hips and keeping your toes behind your knees, with your femur parallel to the ground. Push through your heels and stand up.

Start in pull-up position with legs extended, pulling up with your upper body.

Five sets of 10

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Best Football flicks to kick off A-day By Miranda Dollarhide

The Auburn Plainsman

Best inspiration

Best teamwork

Best lead actor

Best true story

Rudy (1993)

Remember the Titans (2000)

Invincible (2006)

The Blind Side (2009)

Set in a desegregated high school in 1970s Virginia, “Remember the Titans” shows viewers what can happen when players stop hating each other for their differences and start embracing their uniqueness.

Based on the true story of Vince Papale, “Invincible” follows 30-year-old Papale on his journey to play as a walk-on for the Philadelphia Eagles, proving you are never too old to follow your dreams.

“The Blind Side” is the story of Michael Oher, a 17-year-old child in foster care from a bad neighborhood who shows that with a little help from your friends, anything is possible.

Tagline: When people say dreams don’t come true, tell them about Rudy.

Tagline: Before they could win, they

Tagline: One man’s impossible dream became his biggest triumph.

Best throwback

Best sport romance

Best coach

Little Giants (1994)

Jerry Maguire (1996) We Are Marshall (1996) Maybe one of the most quotable

The Longest Yard (1996)

movies of all time, “Jerry Maquire” combines the love of football with Tom Cruise’s pre-crazy cuteness a la Top Gun.

After a plane crash kills the starting football team as well as most of the staff, an unexpected coach reminds Marshall University what they’re made of.

After a washed-up NFL superstar lands himself in jail, he rallies his fellow inmates to challenge the prison’s guards to a game of pigskin.

Tagline: A true story.

Tagline: If you can’t get out, get even.

Rudy is the story of a man who dreams of playing football for Notre Dame, but finds it difficult to overcome his circumstances. With perseverance and good friends, Rudy rises above his situation to bring his team to victory.

A tale of David and Goliath, Danny O’Shea’s ragtag group of misfits takes on his older brother’s elite football team in the pee-wee football comedy “Little Giants.” Tagline: For everyone who’s waited to be chosen, and wasn’t...your day has come.

Tagline: The journey is everything.

Tagline: Based on the extraordinary true story

Best comedy

Auburn football quiz 1. How many bowl games has Auburn participated in? a. 14 b. 25 c. 36 d. 19 2. When did Auburn win its two national championships? a. 1954 & 2010 b. 1952 & 2010 c. 1959 & 2010 d. 1957 &2010 3. What influential coach is the field named after? a. Pat Dye b. Shug Jordan c. Cliff Hare d. George Petrie 4. How many people can the football stadium hold? a. 62, 568 b. 87,451 c. 20,000 d. 76,234

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

The A-Day Alternative What to do when the scrimmage game isn’t your thing Chelsea Harvey Campus Editor

While A-Day may be one of the biggest events of the spring semester, it is not for everybody. Nonsports fans may be unimpressed by the A-Day festivities on campus, but this doesn’t have to be a problem. There is plenty to do April 14 besides file into Jordan-Hare Stadium. You may consider checking out a few of these alternatives:

The Auburn Plainsman Alpha Psi Rodeo

While this event may not necessarily interest those who wish to avoid crowds or the heat of the day, it may attract the attention of anyone bored with the idea of A-Day. The rodeo is an all-day event sponsored by the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Alpha Psi fraternity. It involves plenty of music, rodeo events, including bull-riding and a performance by country singer Eric Church. Plus, it includes the best thing about tailgating: day drinking. If you want to enjoy the party atmosphere of A-Day without having to focus too hard on a sporting event, this may be the alternative for you.

Art in the Garden

This is a ticketed event periodically hosted by the Jule Collins Smith Museum with proceeds benefitting the museum. The event features food, wine, music, speakers and a silent auction. For those avoiding A-Day in order to escape

the crowds and the heat, this is an event sure to appeal to anyone interested in a quiet day filled with culture and good company.

A Night in New Orleans

Enjoy a day away out of an Auburn jersey and in a skirt or tie. This ticketed event benefits the Donald E. Davis Arboretum on campus. It promises an elegant evening, held right in the arboretum with music, a catered dinner, candlelight and a New Orleans theme. Proceeds go toward the preservation and enhancement of one of Auburn’s most important ecological institutions and educational tools.

Junior League of Lee County Walk & Run

For anybody wishing to get out there and exercise, this walk and run is the perfect alternative to a day spent just sitting in the stands. Participants can choose between several different lengths of runs, including a 1.5K and 5K. The event is

• • • • • • • • • •

family-friendly, and proceeds benefit arts and literacy programs for the children of Lee County.

Amphibious Warrior Mud Run

Enjoy a day of climbing over walks, crawling through mud and supporting the Wounded Warrior Project. It may be the most fun you have exercising all day.

“Sylvia” For those a little more on the artistic side, a play at Auburn University’s Telfair Peet Theatre may be just the alternative to a day spent out in the hot sun. The theatre department’s performance of A. R. Gurney’s “Sylvia” will premiere April 12, but will also be shown April 14 at 7:30 p.m. The play focuses on a man who, in the midst of a mid-life crisis, turns to his dog, Sylvia, for support and companionship. The play is directed by Au-

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Second Saturday at LCHS History buffs may prefer to spend their day at the Lee County Historical Society Museum out in Loachapoka. On the second Saturday of each month, the museum hosts a historical reenactment including blacksmiths, weavers and musicians. If the family is in town, this is a great way to entertain little brothers and sisters in a fun and educational way. Tennis If sports are your thing, but football is not, you may check out the tennis game instead. Auburn’s women will be playing Alabama at the Yarbrough Tennis Center Saturday afternoon. This event is another great way to support Auburn’s athletes in lieu of attending the A-Day game.

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

The Auburn Plainsman

A-Day more for tradition than prediction Victoria Rogers online@ theplainsman.com

Auburn is obviously well-known for football. As a matter of fact, some choose to attend Auburn just because of the atmosphere of Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturdays. Tiger fans live, breathe and bleed orange and blue, and A-Day is no different. Many tend to judge the upcoming season based off of this spring game, but it’s best to hold off on the predictions. A-Day is a spring scrimmage played within the football team— it’s Auburn offense verses Auburn defense—so what exactly is this game proving? While it is a public practice that

attracts thousands of Tiger fans going through football withdrawal, little about it truly shows the Auburn family what the fall will look like. For instance, Cam Newton threw 3–8 for 80 yards in front of a crowd of 63,217 during the spring 2010 game. Compare that to Neil Caudle who threw for 17–21 for 199 yards and a touchdown. Newton was not a standout at ADay, and Gus Malzahn had no idea who would take on the starting quarterback position at the time. Many people left that spring game skeptical of the offense and weary of the fall season to come, but when season play came, Auburn fans saw a capable team. We all know the rest of the story, undefeated season and second national championship and all. The point is, Newton didn’t look like a Heisman Trophy winner in

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the spring 2010 A-Day, and Auburn didn’t like a national championship team at the time. It’s hard to preview a season when your team plays against itself. Some players actually switch jerseys in the middle of the game to practice snaps with the other team. Also, the coaching staff establishes a unique point system to make the game seem more realistic. In the past, the nifty scoring method awarded a certain number of points for outstanding plays on both sides of the ball. Other than the typical six points for a touchdown and three for a field goal, past scoring systems have been crafted to give the offense two points for a play of 15 yards or more and two points for three consecutive first downs. On the defensive side, the scoring system can get even more con-

“

It’s hard to preview a season when your team plays against itself.”

fusing with seven points for a touchdown, five points for a turnover, four points for a sack, three points for a blocked field goal, two points for a three-and-out, two points for a tackle-for-loss and one point for a blocked point-after attempt. Establishing an intricate point system for a spring game should tell you that this isn’t a true football scrimmage that can help the coaches further predict the fall and work on the team’s weaknesses. To completely analyze the team’s weak areas and make them stron-

ger, some have proposed the idea of playing a competitive scrimmage in the spring rather than have teams compete against themselves. Coach Dabo Swinney of Clemson echoed this sentiment, proposing to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that teams should play a nearby nonconference school to better preview the upcoming season. Swinney’s idea would be worth the hype of a spring game for all schools and will help coaches and players work out some of the kinks before the regular schedule begins. A-Day is a fun event to attend, but the scrimmage game does not fulfill its purpose, so don’t leave the game thinking one way or another. If you must, go to the spring game to get your fix of football, but don’t expect much action, and don’t judge the 2012 season off a navy versus white matchup.

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

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