2007 Recruiting class No. 8: Auburn

Tommy Tuberville entered the ’07 recruiting campaign knowing that he had to fill needs at both offensive line and linebacker. The Tigers answered the call by inking eight OL’s and five LB’s amongst their 30 signees.

Out of state blue chippers Lee Ziemba and Chaz Ramsey headline an OL group that also includes standout center Ryan Pugh of Hoover, Ala.

At the linebacker spot, the state of Florida was good to the Tigers late as both Josh Bynes and Carlton Johnson chose Auburn on signing day. AU also landed some outstanding talent at the skill positions with top 10 QB Kodi Burns, top 5 RB Enrique Davis and WR Chris Slaughter who the Tigers re-signed from Hargrave Prep after placing him there a year ago.

The addition of Michael McNeil gives the Tigers one of the best safety prospects in the country, as well as a player who can come in and make an immediate contribution to their defensive backfield.

Impact Player: Enrique Davis, RB, Lynn Haven, Fla.

Early on in the recruiting process, many felt that blue chip RB Enrique Davis would follow his father Henry, an All-American DB at Florida, down to Gainesville to play for Urban Meyer. That proved not to be the case however as Auburn ended up beating out the Gators and everyone else for this outstanding RB. Davis is a physical back at 215 pounds and can run between the tackles as well as get to the edge quickly. He reminds Tommy Tuberville of two standout backs he’s already had the pleasure of coaching, “Enrique reminds me a lot of (former Auburn running back) Ronnie Brown and (former Ole Miss running back) Deuce McAllister. He’s got height and he runs a little bit tall, but I think that helps his vision. He’ll have an opportunity to play for us next year.”

Sleeper: Carlton Johnson, LB, Lynn Haven, Fla.

The teammate of standout prospect Enrique Davis, Johnson was a player that flew under the radar throughout most of the recruiting process before choosing Auburn on signing day. Due to grade concerns he slipped down the priority list of many of the top programs in the region, but is now on pace to qualify academically and join the Tigers for fall practice. Johnson drew lots of attention early from programs like Florida and Florida State but as their interest in him subsided, Auburn stayed with him. Carlton gives new LB coach James Willis a big prospect who enjoys contact and can fly around the field from sideline to sideline with the best the SEC has to offer. It should come as no surprise that Tommy Tuberville is very excited about his addition, “He’s a big-time athlete that can really run, who is also a great hitter and very physical.”

Complete list of signees:
1.    Kodi Burns        QB
2.    Joshua Bynes        LB
3.    Wes Byrum        K
4.    Quindarius Carr    WR
5.    Antoine Carter        DL
6.    Jared Cooper        OL
7.    Kyle Coulahan    DL
8.    Enrique Davis        RB
9.    Johnnie Lee Dixon    ATH
10.    John Douglas        RB
11.    Brandon Earl        OL
12.    Nick Fairley        ATH
13.    Eltoro Freeman    LB
14.    A.J. Greene        DL
15.    Bo Harris        ATH
16.    Adam Herring        LB
17.    Carlton Johnson    LB
18.    Jermaine Johnson    OL
19.    Wilfred Journet    DL
20.    Tim Lamb        DL
21.    Michael McNeil    DB
22.    Ryan Pugh        OL
23.    Chaz Ramsey        OL
24.    Michael Slade         DB
25.    Chris Slaughter    WR
26.    Brent Slusher        TE
27.    Ryan Williams    DB
28.    Bailey Woods        TE
29.    Lee Ziemba         OL
30.    Chris Zinn        DL

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