i could answer all you questions, but this article does
Tim Hawthorne came to Auburn as one of the nation's most highly recruited prospects in the 2006 class.
Rivals.com rated Hawthorne as the nation's No. 4 wide receiver and the state of Alabama's No. 2 overall prospect after he combined to catch 156 passes for 2,356 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior and senior at Homewood (Ala.) High School.
Hawthorne is excited about AU's new spread offense.
But after a redshirt season and just three receptions for 35 yards in 12 games this fall, Hawthorne admits to being a little frustrated --- until now.
What's changed for Hawthorne and his fellow wideouts is the addition of new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin and a spread offense that often employs four or five wide receivers on the field together.
"I wasn't considering transferring at all but I think those kinds of thoughts run through a lot of peoples' mind when they're not producing like they thought they would coming out of high school," said Hawthorne. "It really taught me, going through that period, to be patient and wait my turn.
"Finally, this offense has come in and it's a breakthrough, something I've been hoping for. I'm just excited about the whole new movement."
Hawthorne said he knows he's had some doubters out there but never lost confidence in his abilities. He's been working at both inside and outside receiver and getting plenty of chances to prove himself in practice.
"The opportunities and the rate that receivers get the ball have gone sky high with this new spread offense," said Hawthorne.
Auburn wide receiver coach Greg Knox said lack of consistency has been the biggest hurdle Hawthorne needs to overcome but likes what he's seen out of him in bowl practice.
"Tim has done well," said Knox. "Today, he had a good day. Now, let's see what happens tomorrow."
Hawthorne said he's not sure how much of AU's new offense they'll be able to use in the bowl game but he's excited about the future possibilities.
"There's a lot of things that we could still put in if we chose to," he said. "For this being a bowl game, we could bring out all the X's and O's he has in store or we couldn't.
"We're slowly but steadily getting into a rhythm. I think everybody is getting a good feel of this offense and the timing."
AP: Dave Martin
Fannin has worked at RB and slot WR in bowl practice.
According to head coach Tommy Tuberville, running back Mario Fannin missed some practice time Thursday with tendonitis in his Achilles.
"I pulled him out of a couple of drills and we iced him down but he's going to be fine," said Tuberville.
Tuberville said Fannin was also bothered by a sore groin the last couple of games of the season but that it "wasn't bothering him a whole lot now."
According to Tuberville, offensive tackle King Dunlap (ankle) and linebacker Bo Harris (shoulder) remain the only two players out for the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Tuberville also said running back Tristan Davis was looking good in practice working at running back and returning kickoffs. He's expected to play against Clemson.
"He should be back (on kickoff returns) with Pat Lee and Brad Lester," said Tuberville. "All three are working back there."
Coleman expects Sims back
Pat Sims is considered the No. 2 junior DT in the 2008 NFL draft by analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. But if Sims bolts for the pros, one person would be shocked.
One of Sims' counterparts along the defensive line, DE Antonio Coleman, said his teammate would be wearing Orange and Blue again next season.
And it won't be for the Chicago Bears, or any other NFL team.
"I know he's coming back. He wants to play with us," said Coleman. "Me, Sen'Derrick and him are real close. There's no doubt in my mind he's coming back. I hope he has a great year next year and goes high in the draft."
Adjusting to Franklin
Auburn appears to be adjusting well to Franklin's new system, Tuberville said. The first-year offensive coordinator is in only his second week of coaching at AU, but everyone seems to be adapting fine.
"It's been fun to watch," said Tuberville of the adjustment phase of his latest hire. "I think he's getting a lot more comfortable. Players know him a little more and what to expect. They won't get the full brunt of it until we start spring ball in late February, but right now, I think everybody is understanding the little bit he's putting in."
Tuberville said Franklin is detailed-oriented, particularly when it comes to practice.
"He's very detailed, organized and knows the procedure he wants to run his practices by," said Tuberville. "There are a lot of different things in practice that he's in control of."
And it doesn't stop with the players.
"He coaches the coaches, too," said Tuberville.Moving to the dome
