Auburn notes: Lester getting better

By: Dothan Eagle Staff | Dothan Eagle
Published: September 18, 2008

AUBURN — Brad Lester’s injury went from bad to a lot better Wednesday.

The senior running back participated in practice, Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville said, although he did not go through any contract drills for the second consecutive day.

“Brad looked good,” Tuberville said. “Much better. Ran the ball hard. Range of motion’s good. Barring any set back, if he continues to do what he’s doing, he’ll be ready to go.”

Lester suffered a sprained neck in last Saturday’s win over Mississippi State, and was taken off the field on a cart, supported by a neck brace and strapped to a backboard.

After all the examinations came back negative, Lester returned to practice Tuesday. Wednesday, he quickly progressed to the point that Tuberville said he would be ready for Saturday’s game against LSU.

Although he didn’t have any contact Wednesday, the head coach said that was just a precautionary measure.

“We’re not to that point yet,” Tuberville said of contact. “He could have, but he’s staying in the training room. Just right now, trying to get the stiffness out. Again, there’s no physical injury. ... Knowing neck injuries, which I’ve had, it’s awfully sore.

“He’s 100 percent. If we played today, he could play. Like I said, in the next couple days, it could flair up on him. I think he’s ready to go.”

Big recruiting weekend ahead: It’s not only an important weekend for the Auburn football team this year, but Saturday’s game against LSU could have an impact on the Tigers future.

According to Tuberville, Auburn is bringing in seven high school recruits for official visits this weekend. Tuberville also guessed that there would be 300 to 400 unofficial high school players on campus.

“This is a great time to bring players in,” the head coach said. “The only negative is I don’t get to spend a lot of time with them. Obviously, we’re a little busy.

“But if they want to see what it’s actually about, this is a good time to come.”

ESPN’s GameDay to be set up east of stadium: For the first time since October of 2006, ESPN’s College GameDay pregame show will be on Auburn’s campus.

The show, which will air live from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, will set up east of Jordan-Hare Stadium at the corner of Roosevelt and Duncan Drive in the Allison Physics Lab lawn.

It will be GameDay’s fifth visit to Auburn during its 22-year existence and will mark the ninth time that Auburn has played in the on-site game. The last time GameDay visited Auburn was on Oct. 14, 2006, when the Auburn defeated Florida, 27-17.

Happy birthday to you: There’s a birthday boy on Auburn’s campus today, and his name is Thomas Hawley Tuberville. AU’s head coach turns 54.