Tigers sign four in early period

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn made progress in raising its scholarship numbers Wednesday, adding four players — two from junior college and two from high school — on the first day of the signing period for early enrollees.

Junior college transfers Roszell Gayden and Brandon Mosley joined high schoolers Craig Sanders and Jessel Curry in signing with the Tigers.

Mosley, Sanders and Curry are expected to enroll in January. Gayden is still working toward getting in, according to various recruiting Web sites.

Because Auburn added only 20 scholarship players last season, it can count as many as five January enrollees against its 2009 recruiting class. Schools are allowed to add 25 scholarship players per year.

Gayden, a 6-foot-7, 310-pound tackle, who played at Visalia (Calif.) College of the Sequoias last year, and Mosley, a 6-foot-6, 285-pound offensive lineman/tight end who played at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, add immediate depth to an Auburn offensive line in need of it.

Gayden chose the Tigers over Oklahoma and California. Mosley had offers from Arkansas, Florida State and Mississippi, among others. Rivals.com ranks them as four-star players.

Auburn coach Gene Chizik said the team is “really excited” about Gayden. He called Mosley an athlete whose “potential is unlimited.”

Sanders is a four-star defensive lineman from Ariton (Ala.) High. He committed to Alabama but switched to Auburn.

Curry, a three-star linebacker from Buford, Ga., is the son of former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Buddy Curry.

Per NCAA rules, Chizik could not comment specifically about the two high school additions, but he did talk about the trend of players graduating early to enroll in college.

“For young men that decide to do that, it’s a great start on a college career,” Chizik said. “They have five-and-a-half years to play four, really. It’s a great proposition in terms of them getting a degree and getting an early start on their education.

“It helps for a young man that does that to be able to participate in spring practice.

“The young men are usually excited about it, but they give up a lot. They sacrifice a lot because they’re missing half of their senior year.”

Auburn has 21 other commitments expected to sign on Feb. 3, 2010, national signing day. The Tigers are allowed to sign as many as 28 players in February, although they can admit only 25 before next season.

Smith a no-show

Running back Eric Smith was not at practice Wednesday, raising questions as to whether there was a change in his status with the team. Chizik addressed the sophomore’s absence after practice.

“Eric is finishing up some academic appointments,” Chizik said, not elaborating much. “That’s what he was doing today.”

Smith, who was suspended after being arrested on a third-degree assault charge, played in the final 11 games of the season, running for 99 yards and a touchdown. He also caught 18 passes for 226 yards and a score.

McNeil back on the field

Injured safety Mike McNeil wore a scout-team jersey and practiced Wednesday. The junior broke his leg last spring and missed the season.

“He’s moving around well,” Chizik said. “I feel like he’s trying to get that step that he had lost back. It’s been really good to see him out there running around and pretty much cutting it loose. That’s a good thing to see. I think he’s having fun out there.”

McNeil is not expected to play in the bowl game, in order to preserve his redshirt.

Quick hits

Defensive end Antonio Coleman was named a third-team All-American by Phil Steele Publications. Coleman led the Southeastern Conference in sacks (9) and tackles for a loss (15.5). … Auburn players finished finals Tuesday, but Chizik said the team will know more about grades by Friday. “Really, we should have everything in at that point,” he said.