The Tigers ended the 2009 calendar by getting a commitment from five-star junior-college QB Cameron Newton. He is expected to enroll for the spring semester and would be eligible for spring practice.
Newton originally attended Florida but left the team for stealing a student’s laptop computer and throwing it out a dormitory window when police came to investigate. He subsequently enrolled at Blinn Community College in Brenham, Tex. and led the team to the 2009 junior college national championship.
Newton, who is 6-foot-6, 245 pounds, has two years of eligibility remaining.
Though Newton committed to Auburn, he had not signed a National Letter of Intent at the time of press. He can sign at any time now because he is a junior-college prospect.
Newton is not officially on Auburn’s team until the university has accepted his letter.
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This is a huge get for Auburn. I have a few immediate thoughts.
First and foremost, until Auburn accepts a letter, don't consider this a done deal. Newton has had a tendency to change his mind.
Secondly, this job is almost certainly his. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn will almost certainly say it's an open competition entering spring camp, but I don't think Newton commits to Auburn without a guarantee. This must be devastating news for other QBs, like Neil Caudle.
Lastly, this move is on Auburn coach Gene Chizik regardless of how it turns out. Taking a chance on Newton, who had his charges dropped, seems like a calculated gamble. Chizik and the coaching staff must know one of two things: Either Newton is a good guy and deserves a second chance or Auburn really needed to find a starting quarterback next year. If this works out and Newton is all he's cracked up to be then Chizik should get all the credit in the world. If Newton gets into any legal situation or faces disciplinary problems then that should be on Chizik as well.
This is a big get for Auburn. It's a big deal and should boost expectations immediately.
Happy New Year, everyone!
First and foremost, until Auburn accepts a letter, don't consider this a done deal. Newton has had a tendency to change his mind.
Secondly, this job is almost certainly his. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn will almost certainly say it's an open competition entering spring camp, but I don't think Newton commits to Auburn without a guarantee. This must be devastating news for other QBs, like Neil Caudle.
Lastly, this move is on Auburn coach Gene Chizik regardless of how it turns out. Taking a chance on Newton, who had his charges dropped, seems like a calculated gamble. Chizik and the coaching staff must know one of two things: Either Newton is a good guy and deserves a second chance or Auburn really needed to find a starting quarterback next year. If this works out and Newton is all he's cracked up to be then Chizik should get all the credit in the world. If Newton gets into any legal situation or faces disciplinary problems then that should be on Chizik as well.
This is a big get for Auburn. It's a big deal and should boost expectations immediately.
Happy New Year, everyone!
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