Big Cat Weekend

O.K., I’ll admit it. I was a little skeptical when I first heard about the “Tiger Prowl”. You remember that, don’t you? All of the coaches allowed under NCAA rule hopped into a stretch hummer limousine with Auburn magnets and flags and criss-crossed the state of Alabama visiting schools, building relationships, giving photo-ops and signing autographs. As the momentum began to build during “Tiger Growl”, I began to see that this was not a recruiting ploy aimed at me, a 50 year old, but rather aimed at 18 year olds.

And I began to understand.

Push the fast-forward button 1 month.

All day yesterday, the “inside media” teased the Auburn faithful with “big news” that would be announced at 7:00 p.m. Auburn time. Who knew what the big news was? How was it kept so secret?

At 7:00 p.m., Rivals, Scout, Alabama Live, Auburn Undercover, and several media outlets posted stories about Auburn’s Inaugural “Big Cat Weekend”.

Arriving on the Plains last night and today, for a weekend of wearing flip-flops, t-shirts, hanging out, pie-eating contests, home-run derby and chillin’ with all of Auburn’s current football players, coaches and their spouses, came 25 to 30 of the top rated recruits in America. It is a weekend of family and fun for the “Big Cats”.

How is this for a list: The #1 AND #2 rated running backs, one from Texas and the other from my home base of Spartanburg, South Carolina. The nation’s #2 rated wide receiver. The nation’s #4 rated offensive tackle. The nation’s #6 rated offensive guard. The nation’s #18 rated defensive end. The nation’s # 2 rated outside linebacker, who flew in from Connecticut. The nation’s #4 and #15 rated cornerbacks. And this just begins the list.

And I continued to understand.

This coaching staff is willing to think differently, within the rules, and recruit as hard as anyone out there. They are not conceding one inch of turf, and are recruiting in areas Auburn has never been….Connecticut, California, Texas, etc.

And now, the latest news is…..you can join in the fun of the “Big Cat Weekend”.

At 9:00 p.m. Auburn time today, there will be a “Toomer’s Corner Walk-Thru”. All Auburn fans are invited to come to the corner, and roll that traditional tree. (A little birdie told me that it’s possible there could be guests there). It is the final activity planned for the Big Cats today, and everyone else is invited to participate as well.

It’s time to show your Auburn Spirit. Head to the Plains if you can. Take plenty of toilet paper with you. Show your Auburn Spirit. Shout War Eagle! And let the Big Cats see what Auburn is really all about.

WJLaneSR