National Signing Day is almost here

Here is my story in today's Anniston Star:

Any remaining dreams Auburn had of winning a mythical recruiting championship slipped away Tuesday.

Five-star tailback Marcus Lattimore, largely considered the top running back in the nation, announced his intentions to sign with in-state school South Carolina.

With the help of former Auburn tailback Stephen Davis, Lattimore first pulled on an Auburn hat during his press conference before swapping it out for a South Carolina hat.

Lattimore would have been a crown jewel for Auburn’s current top-5 recruiting class.

Though Auburn’s class is already a significant success, a cold finish could shift perception of the job Gene Chizik and his staff have done this year.

Lattimore’s decision launched that potential slide.

Now Auburn is more concerned with landing a National Letter of Intent from defensive end Corey Lemonier and – more importantly – offensive tackle Shon Coleman. Both players are considered as top-35 prospects nationally by Rivals.com.

For more, read tomorrow's Star.

I will be in the complex at 6 a.m. tomorrow, when National Letters of Intent are expected to start rolling in. I will provide updates all day on the expected signings as well as all the National Signing Day surprises as Auburn attempts to finalize a top-5 class.