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Auburn lands prize lineman from Arkansas
By Jay G. Tate
Montgomery Advertiser
Arkansas' football program has been enveloped by turmoil during the past month.
Auburn made things worse Friday.
Offensive lineman Lee Ziemba, a top prospect from Rogers, Ark., announced plans to play at Auburn next season. By committing to the Tigers, Ziemba jilted a program that had wooed him for years from a few miles down the road.
"It wasn't just one thing, it wasn't two things, it was just an overall decision," Ziemba said at a morning news conference. 'There's not one tangible thing that made my choice. They discussed (my role), and I will have an opportunity to play early there. Of course, I have a lot of hard work ahead of me."
Landing Ziemba (6-7, 295) was a top priority for the Tigers, who desperately need an impact blocker at right tackle. Jonathan Palmer started all 13 games this season but won't be back in 2007.
His backup, rising senior Leon Hart, has made only a handful of starts during his college career. Ziemba indicated Friday that Auburn coaches plan to give him a chance to earn a starting job out of two-a-days, though first-year linemen rarely thrive in the Southeastern Conference.
Ziemba grew up 20 miles north of the Arkansas campus. When he narrowed his college suitors to the Tigers and Razorbacks last month, many believed Arkansas had the inside track.
Things have changed since then.
Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, highly regarded quarterback Mitch Mustain and wideout Damian Williams all have elected to leave the school.
Still, Ziemba said Friday that he wasn't totally dissuaded by the problems.
"I think the problems at Arkansas had a little effect on Ziemba's decision, but I really think it came down to where he felt most comfortable," said AuburnSports.com senior editor Bryan Matthews. "That's what he stressed throughout the recruiting process."
College coaches cannot comment on players until they sign binding letters-of-intent. National Signing Day is Feb. 7.
By Jay G. Tate
Montgomery Advertiser
Arkansas' football program has been enveloped by turmoil during the past month.
Auburn made things worse Friday.
Offensive lineman Lee Ziemba, a top prospect from Rogers, Ark., announced plans to play at Auburn next season. By committing to the Tigers, Ziemba jilted a program that had wooed him for years from a few miles down the road.
"It wasn't just one thing, it wasn't two things, it was just an overall decision," Ziemba said at a morning news conference. 'There's not one tangible thing that made my choice. They discussed (my role), and I will have an opportunity to play early there. Of course, I have a lot of hard work ahead of me."
Landing Ziemba (6-7, 295) was a top priority for the Tigers, who desperately need an impact blocker at right tackle. Jonathan Palmer started all 13 games this season but won't be back in 2007.
His backup, rising senior Leon Hart, has made only a handful of starts during his college career. Ziemba indicated Friday that Auburn coaches plan to give him a chance to earn a starting job out of two-a-days, though first-year linemen rarely thrive in the Southeastern Conference.
Ziemba grew up 20 miles north of the Arkansas campus. When he narrowed his college suitors to the Tigers and Razorbacks last month, many believed Arkansas had the inside track.
Things have changed since then.
Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, highly regarded quarterback Mitch Mustain and wideout Damian Williams all have elected to leave the school.
Still, Ziemba said Friday that he wasn't totally dissuaded by the problems.
"I think the problems at Arkansas had a little effect on Ziemba's decision, but I really think it came down to where he felt most comfortable," said AuburnSports.com senior editor Bryan Matthews. "That's what he stressed throughout the recruiting process."
College coaches cannot comment on players until they sign binding letters-of-intent. National Signing Day is Feb. 7.
