20 Questions with Kodi Burns
Although the 2010 version of Auburn's football team included a Heisman trophy winner, a Lombardi trophy winner, and a few more All-Americans, if you were to ask an Auburn fan who their favorite player was, the answer would most likely be Kodi Burns. That's not to say that Auburn fans do not appreciate, pull for, or love the others just same. It's just that Kodi Burns is everything Auburn fans want on their team.
His stats may not be gaudy (a mid-career position change will do that), but what Kodi brought to the team in terms of leadership, heart, and selfless attitude far outweighs yardage, catches, or touchdowns.
For those that don't know his story, Kodi came to Auburn as a prized quarterback recruit. He ended up splitting time with Brandon Cox in 2007 and Chris Todd in 2008, then in 2009 Chizik and Malzahn gave Todd the starting job while moving Kodi to receiver. He could have left and started at many schools, instead he stood up, told the team he would do anything he could to help, and ended up being a huge reason that Auburn won the National Championship his senior year.
Talking With A Tiger: Philip Lutzenkirchen
Auburn sophomore tight end, Philip Lutzenkirchen, kindly agreed to answer a few questions for the 'Blogle about his time at Auburn, his musical taste, his hobbies, and his mustache. Feel free to leave a questions in the comments section and Philip may answer a few.
1. How do you think one year of playing behind Tommy Trott prepared you for this season?
Playing behind Tommy last year helped me to understand that you cannot just step in right away and be the same player you were in high school. It takes a while to learn how to play in college and get used to the talent you are up against.
2. What is your favorite thing about playing for Auburn?
My favorite thing about playing for Auburn is Tiger Walk. It is crazy fun and gets me so pumped.
3. I noticed you rocking the mustache in some pictures of Fan Day? Is that going to stay around? You know you can't shave it if we win the first game, right?
The mustache was a joke during camp, but maybe I'll bring it out again for next camp.
Talking With A Tiger: Lucas Hargrove
I spoke with senior forward, Lucas Hargrove, last night and he was more than happy to answer a few questions about his past, this year's basketball team, and the star he shaved in the side of his head. Lucas and the rest of the basketball Tigers take on Florida tonight at 6pm tonight on ESPN. Watch.
Who was your favorite NBA player growing up?
Kevin Garnett.
Which NBA player's style is most similar to your's?
I think I play a lot like Joe Johnson or Carmelo Anthony.
What other sports did you play in highschool?
I played baseball, football, track, and basketball in highschool.
Was basketball your best sport? Do you think you could have played anything else in college?
I was pretty good at wide receiver, but basketball was where my heart was.
What position did you play in baseball?
I played pitcher.
What is another talent that most people may not know you have?
I can dance pretty good.
Talking With A Tiger: Tyrik Rollison
Tyrik Rollison, #17, was nice enough to answer few questions for this week's interview. Rollison is a quarterback from Sulphur Springs, TX, and is currently being red-shirted for the 2009 season. He had many accolades coming out of high school as a dual-threat quarterback. In this WarBlogle.com Exclusive Player Interview, Tyrik lets us know about his work ethic, who his favorite coach is, and what he thinks about Auburn girls.
1. Being new to the team, most Auburn fans just know you as a highly-rated recruit. What are some things that Auburn fans should know about you, where you come from, etc.?
I think all Auburn fans should know that I play and practice the same. I give it my all each and everyday I'm on the field. Whether I get my opportunity now or later, I'll make sure and take advantage of it. As for where I'm from and stuff like that they can just look that up in my bio.
2. What has been the most surprising thing about Coach Chizik and his staff?
How committed they are. They definitely hold all us players accountable and put us in the right situation to win. Coach Chiz is a hard-nosed guy who demands a lot and we wouldn't expect anything less.
3. Who is your favorite coach and why?
Probably Coach Malzahn because he gets after me and makes sure I'm learning each and every day. He jokes with us too but he is straight business when it comes to fundamentals.
Talking With A Tiger: Bret Eddins
Bret Eddins, #94, a defensive end on the 13-0 SEC Champions of 2004, was kind enough to answer a few questions for the 'Blogle this week. Bret was an integral part of the defensive line on the undefeated squad, and was described by SI.com's Draft Analysis as so, "Playing with a warrior-type mentality, Eddins is an overachieving prospect tough to keep off the field ... his ability to play with leverage gives him a decided advantage. Has a special teams mentality, which could help him catch on as a team's eighth lineman at the next level." Bret's younger brother Bart, #53, is currently an offensive lineman for the Tigers.
Eddins tells us where he's been since graduating, his thoughts on Gene Chizik, gives us a look inside the locker room from that magical season, and more in this WarBlogle.com Exclusive (Past) Player Interview. Note: If you want to know why I picked him for the interview this week, watch the video below.
1. What have you been doing since you graduated from Auburn?
After I left Auburn I spent roughly a year with the New York Giants. I really enjoyed my time with them, but apparently when you have two Pro Bowl defensive ends, keeping a slow husky one on the roster isn't that much of a priority. After New York I moved back to Montgomery and have worked in real estate, Eddins Properties, since. I had several opportunities in other parts of the southeast, but decided working with my father would be a great opportunity to learn the ins-and-outs of real estate. It's been a great experience and I love what I do and where I do it.
2. What is your greatest memory as an Auburn football player?
There are so many it really is tough to choose just one. The LSU game at Jordan Hare in 2004 was definitely a high point. After a disappointing year and all that came with it in '03 we finally played up to our potential. It was a great game from beginning to end and I think alot of our players realized just how good that team could be that day. The fans were great as usual and after a week of hurricane weather it was a beautiful day for football. Just remembering how excited everyone on the team was and how much we grew as a team from that game definitely stands out in my mind.
Talking With A Tiger: Lee Ziemba
Lee Ziemba was kind enough to answer a few questions for the 'Blogle this week. #73 has been a big part of the offense's success so far this season. The junior from Arkansas talks about Coach Chizik, his pregame rituals, and professional wrestling in this WarBlogle.com Exclusive Player Interview. Update: Check the end for a BONUS question.
1. What were your first thoughts when you heard that Gene Chizik was hired and now five games into the season, how have your thoughts changed?
My thoughts really haven't changed much. I knew from the first meeting that I could trust him and the staff he would eventually hire to get us in the right positions to win ball games.
2. Did you ever have thoughts of transferring after the coaching change?
No.
3. What has been the most surprising thing about Coach Chizik and his staff?
The energy and excitement they bring to every practice.
4. What do you think is the biggest reason for the offense's success?
Game-planning and execution.
5. How do you think the team handled the large crowd at Neyland Stadium, and how do you think it helped for this week's trip to Arkansas?
We practiced all week for the noise and did a few things different to make our checks and calls. I'm sure it won't be any different at Arkansas.
Talking With A Tiger: Craig Stevens
Current SEC Defensive Player of the Week Craig Stevens was kind enough to answer a few questions the 'Blogle this week. #46 was an integral part of the defense in the win over West Virginia when he amassed a career-high 11 tackles along with an interception returned for a touchdown. The junior from Tallahassee, FL talks about his thoughts on Coach Gene Chizik, the offense, the defense, and little more in this WarBlogle.com Exclusive Player Interview.
1. What were your first thoughts when you heard Gene Chizik was hired, and now three games into the season, how have your thoughts changed?
I didn't really know what to think about him at first because the only thing I knew was that he was a d-coordinator here a couple of years before and at Texas and he did well at both places. I didn't know about his coaching style or anything but now that he's here I really enjoy him and the staff because they treat us the same as they would family and and want the best for us on and off the field.
2. Did you ever have thoughts of transferring after the coaching change?
Nope.
3. Now to this year, has the offense's fast start surprised you at all?
No, seeing it everyday it doesn't surprise me at all.
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