Coming Around a Bit

After letting it sink in for a while, I am beginning to warm up to the idea of Gene Chizik being the new head coach at Auburn. One comment in particular from one of his former players has helped influence my feelings.

Carlos Rogers, winner of the Jim Thorpe award in 2004, recently said about Coach Chizik,

"With his passion for the game and his commitment to football and his job, I
thought he was the best guy."

That's a pretty strong statement from a guy who probably knows a thing or two about football himself. Apparently, Rogers's time spent as a player under Chizik has convinced him that he is quite capable of being the new leader of the program.

I've also become a little less critical when examining his 5-19 record at Iowa State University. Since ISU is far from being one of the more highly regarded programs in the country, recruiting the most talented kids to play there was probably fairly difficult...especially when you're competing with big names like Texas and Oklahoma. Would Pete Carroll or Urban Meyer have done much better in that situation?

Though his 5-19 record is definitely hard to excuse, he does have the honor of owning both an SEC and a National Championship ring. That alone is pretty admirable. And, yes, I know little Nicky has the same hardware, but he's still suffering from short-man syndrome. Maybe one day, the amazing miracles being produced by stem-cell research will help cure his condition.

Chizik also plans to hit the ground running when it comes to recruiting at Auburn, which is clearly a postive attribute. This should most certainly be a top priority since we have already had several recruits back away from their commitments (seven, I think). Hopefully, his vigor and enthusiasm for this aspect of the job will help encourage other athletes around the South that Auburn will be the best place to go to school and play football.

I understand that I am probably still in the minority with my feelings, but I think once fans realize that players themselves are pleased with his hiring, attitudes may begin to change. I sure hope so, though, because the negative sentiment being broadcast by the fans right now is surely not helping the program.

Side Note: Stem-cell research has never produced a cure for any disease, nor has it ever even come close. Unfortunately for little Nicky, it appears he will have to suffer for many years to come.