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Muschamp was hired as defensive coordinator on Dec. 12, 2014. (Jay G. Tate/AuburnSports.com)
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT: One of the most interesting coaching searches in recent memory ended with Muschamp under contract as the Tigers' defensive coordinator, which is a huge development. He's a tenured, fiery, successful defensive coach who has demonstrated the ability to put players into the NFL. He hit the ground running after being hired last month, but this weekend affords him an opportunity to sit down with his top targets on his turf on his schedule. Muschamp always has been an excellent closer -- and weekends like this is where he shines brightest.
BEST-CASE SCENARIO FOR AUBURN: Muschamp's matter-of-fact approach when talking with players is almost universally appreciated by players. He doesn't offer much in the way of platitudes. Instead, Muschamp is brutally honest with players about what he expects them to accomplish -- and when -- once the arrive on campus. Players like Cowart, CeCe Jefferson, Terry Beckner Jr. and Torrance Gibson seem to appreciate that kind of interaction. If he connects genuinely with some or all of the biggest targets, that will go a long way toward getting Auburn toward its goal of a National Signing Day coup.
3.
Engineering solutions at DL
Auburn needs immediate help along the defensive front
CeCe Jefferson is the nation's No. 2 defensive end -- behind only Cowart. (Rivals.com)
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT: It's no secret that Auburn is in dire need of immediate assistance along the defensive front. That shortcoming will be discussed early and often this weekend as three elite prospects (Cowart, Jefferson and Beckner Jr.) and commit Jauntavius Johnson learn more about Muschamp's plan to invigorate the Tigers' troubled defense. Those three uncommitted prospects represent the cream of the crop when it comes to Class of 2015 DL recruiting. Making a positive impression and demonstrating a clear path from signing with Auburn to a job in the NFL could make the difference on National Signing Day.
BEST-CASE SCENARIO FOR AUBURN: All three uncommitted prospects walk away impressed, optimistic about Auburn's future and closer than they were before. Cowart and Jefferson already are close. If Beckner becomes the third amigo, so to speak, and they all find Auburn to be an ideal destination, well, Muschamp's vision will become reality in short order.
4.
Engineering solutions at WR
Four elite prospects will be on campus this weekend
Terry Godwin is a 5-star wideout from suburban Atlanta. (Rivals.com)
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT: With Sammie Coates headed to the NFL and Duke Williams only one year away from the same journey, Auburn needs to restock its receiver rotation. Rising junior quarterback Jeremy Johnson is a better passer than his predecessor, Nick Marshall, and the Tigers are going to throw the ball more often with Johnson behind center. Auburn is aiming high this weekend by playing host to a quartet of elite prospects (D'Anfernee McGriff, Terry Godwin, Ryan Davis, Javarius Davis) capable of contributing in 2015 and emerging as offensive anchors beginning in 2016.
BEST-CASE SCENARIO FOR AUBURN: McGriff already is committed, though affirming that commitment is a good thing. Godwin has visited Auburn a few times despite being committed to Georgia, which is interesting. Davis is a utility (inside) receiver while Williams, at 6-foot-3, is an ideal outside guy. This group offers a little bit of everything -- and making progress with any or all of these receivers is an important development for Auburn's offense. Williams showed last season that a game-breaking receiver quickly can become a star. Will that be enough to pull Godwin away from Georgia, Williams away from Tennessee or Davis away from his non-committal stance?
5.
Torrance Gibson returns
Is he a perfect fit for the Tigers' dynamic offense?
Gibson, who attended Big Cat Weekend 2014, currently is committed to Ohio State. (Rivals.com)
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT: History will show that Nick Marshall was one of the best quarterbacks in Auburn history. His running ability was outstanding for the position and his passing improved over time. Gibson probably is the closest thing to Marshall among Class of 2015 prospects. Though Gibson (6-4) is taller than Marshall (6-1), they're both gifted runners with enough size and ingenuity to thrive between the tackles. Gibson is a four-star prospect, though he has five-star ability. Why the discrepancy? He's seen more as an improvisational guy right now; someone who may or may not thrive in a true system. The same was said of Marshall, too, coming out of junior college.
BEST-CASE SCENARIO FOR AUBURN: Gibson is a difficult player to read, which means anything is possible. Could he flip to Auburn? Anything is possible. Gibson is hyper aware of his brand, so to speak, and rarely reveals his true feelings. Auburn's interest was high during Big Cat Weekend, tailed off during the fall and picked up during the last month or so. It's been an unusual courtship, for sure, but Gibson may feel invigorated by the presence of Travaris Robinson, who previously recruited him to Florida. Once Gibson feels invigorated, anything can happen.
Jay G. Tate
AuburnSports.com Publisher