One of the most surprising players of the preseason has been freshman cornerback Jonathan Mincy. Making a splash on defense along with fellow freshman Chris Davis, he has put himself in position to earn playing time on defense right away. Perhaps his biggest contribution will come on special teams. In addition to his skill as a return man where he’s currently backing up Quindarius Carr on punts, Mincy should be a solid cover guy on punts and kickoffs as well.
*Auburn senior center Ryan Pugh and senior offensive tackle Lee Ziemba have been named to the watch list for the Rotary Lombardi Award. Eligibility for the Rotary Lombardi Award is limited to down linemen, end-to-end, either on offense or defense, who set up no farther than 10 yards to the left or right of the ball, or linebackers who set up no farther than five yards deep from the line of scrimmage. Pugh was also named to the Rimington Watch List while Ziemba is on the Outland Watch List as well.
*John Sullen is a player that has changed his body shape and it has equaled improved play on the field. Another player that has trimmed down and looks to be playing well is senior walk-on Jorrell Bostrom. Working at guard he’s a player that could get some playing time for the Tigers this fall.
*Tonight should be a great night of football around the Southeast with many high school teams opening regular season play. One of the spots to be is in Valley where the Rams host Auburn High in a game featuring many talented players. Erique Florence is a do-everything guy for the Rams while the Tigers have a host of talented prospects including defensive tackle Jamichael Payne, quarterback Cameron Luper, defensive back D.J. Holley and top 2012 OT Caleb Peterson.
*With all the talk about Boise State and a possible run for them this season beginning with a win over Virginia Tech in the opener, our friends at the National Football Foundation sent out a note today that hit home in thinking about the Broncos‘ chase for a title. On September 1, 1984- College Football Hall of Famer LaVell Edwards' BYU team kick-started its national title chase with an upset of No. 3 Pittsburgh and Hall of Famer Bill Fralic with a 20-14 shocker in the Steel City. It was the first live, regular season college football game ever televised by ESPN. Cougars quarterback Robbie Bosco threw for 325 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown strike to Adam Haysbert with 1:37 remaining. The victory jumped BYU from unranked to No. 13 en route to their first national crown.
