Tigers X - Number one Source to Talk Auburn Tigers Sports
Pat Dye Field => Signing Day => Topic started by: ssgaufan on January 09, 2012, 11:32:27 AM
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SAN ANTONIO -- One of Zeke Pike's favorite motivational images is the FRS Health Energy commercial that features Tim Tebow.
"They said I couldn't be a high school quarterback," Tebow says in the commercial. "They said I couldn't get a Division I scholarship. You can't make it. You're not good enough. You're not skilled enough."
He ends the commercial by saying, "Appreciate that."
Pike isn't Tebow, but he understands Tebow's plight. The high-profile Auburn commit and high-three-star quarterback hears the same things said about him on a regular basis. In the eyes of many, Pike is as polarizing as you can get on the high school level. Root for him or utterly despise him.
- EnlargeJohn Albright/Icon SMI
Zeke Pike threw for a little more than 2,000 yards and 14 touchdowns while also rushing for nearly 900 yards and a team-high 16 touchdowns this year.
Pike has built that reputation, and as he's matured over the latter months, he understands what he'll have to go through and what will need to be done to right wrongs. As he prepares for the upcoming spring workouts that will take him into Auburn, he's learned to answer all questions from his critics not with his mouth, but with his play.
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl can serve as an excellent springboard.
"It's definitely a proving ground for me," Pike said. "I look at that Tebow commercial. That's the stuff that fuels me. Twenty percent of the people are for you, and 80 percent want to see you fail. It's about accepting it and letting all that fuel you."
A second chance
Pike's senior year was tumultuous, as his off-the-field antics got in the way of his on-the-field accolades. He was suspended for Dixie Heights' first game of the year against Newport Central Catholic for reportedly being ejected in a playoff game his junior year.
He also was suspended for the team's Nov. 4 playoff game against Lafayette (Lexington, Ky.) for what Dixie Heights athletic director Matt Wilhoite called a "violation of team rules." Pike's Army bowl invitation ceremony was originally scheduled for Nov. 10 but was postponed to Dec. 7 because of the suspension.
In addition, Pike was the center of slight controversy over the summer thanks to comments made over social media. After committing to Auburn in April, he drew the ire of Alabama fans, getting into arguments via Twitter with Crimson Tide supporters.
All that negativity swayed followers from the fact that he threw for a little more than 2,000 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for nearly 900 yards and a team-high 16 touchdowns. He also was invited to the Elite 11 camp, putting up a respectable showing as one of 24 of the nation's top quarterbacks who competed in Malibu, Calif.
At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, considered a pro-style quarterback with dual-threat capabilities, Pike feels like Saturday will be something of an opportunity to not only right wrongs, but also to prove he can play the game.
"You're not in this game because you're Joe Schmo. You're here because you're a good football player, and everybody who's playing is a pretty good player," Pike said. "It's about me proving my ground and proving that I'm the best quarterback in the country. Now it's time to prove to everybody watching the game."
Strong family backing
Pike said his father has been one of his biggest supporters -- when times were exciting and especially when times were trying.
Mark Pike was a linebacker who played 12 seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. He was considered a special-teams juggernaut for the Bills after lining up at both linebacker and defensive end in college at Georgia Tech.
"He's always been there supporting me, and he's been there to help me with my recruiting process," Pike said of his father. "He gives me all of his love and support."
Pike said the two weighed all the pros and cons of him attending Auburn, and he eventually chose the Tigers over offers from Michigan, Arkansas, North Carolina, Purdue, Clemson, Tennessee and a host of other schools.
There was something about Auburn, however, that stood out. He was recruited by Gus Malzahn and Trooper Taylor. Malzahn is the former offensive coordinator at Auburn who took a head-coaching job at Arkansas State. Taylor is an assistant head coach and wide receivers coach.
And before Pike gets the chance to showcase his skills at Auburn, he'll get a chance to show that, despite the rocky past, he belongs at the Army game with the rest of the nation's super-talented players.
- EnlargeDamon Sayles/ESPN.com
Zeke Pike committed to Auburn over Michigan, Arkansas, UNC, Clemson and others.
"There have been so many great players who have played in this game," Pike said. "It's just an honor to be in the same category as those guys.
"It's a journey of a lifetime. When you're young, you watch the game on TV, and you think about playing in it, but you don't know if you're ever going to make it. It's just an honor, and it's something I'm going to remember for the rest of my life."
Playing with a purpose
Pike said receiving the invitation to play in the Army game meant more than just playing against top players on a nationally televised stage. The game -- as well as the entire week the players are in San Antonio -- reminds him all of the sacrifices the military makes for the good of the nation.
"I chose this game because it represents so much for our country," Pike said. "We're playing for a reason, where some of the other games are a little more fun and do a little more activities outside of football. Here, I think all of the guys are here for the right reason."
All of the players performed community service around San Antonio on Wednesday. Pike helped out with the Wounded Warriors Project, which assists the injured members of the armed forces, as well as rescue workers and volunteers.
It's work such as this that helps keep Pike grounded and reminds him why he is here. It also is helping him send a message to those who have their own reservations about him. He's not a monster or someone who thrives on arrogance. He's a young football player who is continuing to blossom into adulthood.
And with that comes maturity -- an area in which Pike has shown vast improvements.
"I can't please everybody," Pike said. "All I can do is go out and be me. While I'm here, I'm going to show I'm the best quarterback in the country and do my part with community service in giving back to those who have given for us. You really don't realize what the men and women fighting for our country have done until you get down here."
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I guess I missed the part where he had been demoted to a 3 star.
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I guess I missed the part where he had been demoted to a 3 star.
Just by ESPN. He's still a 4 star on Rivals.
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This kid had nice upside, but potential downside that could be embarrassing for Auburn. They better put him on a short leash early, and tell him to stay the fuck off of twitter.
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This kid had nice upside, but potential downside that could be embarrassing for Auburn. They better put him on a short leash early, and tell him to stay the fuck off of twitter.
yeah, not crazy about his attitude so far. I don't want another Dyer situation in 2 years.
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yeah, not crazy about his attitude so far. I don't want another Dyer situation in 2 years.
Yeah, his tude' is rubbing me the wrong way, too.
"I can't please everybody," Pike said. "All I can do is go out and be me. While I'm here, I'm going to show I'm the best quarterback in the country and do my part with community service in giving back to those who have given for us. You really don't realize what the men and women fighting for our country have done until you get down here."
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This kid had nice upside, but potential downside that could be embarrassing for Auburn. They better put him on a short leash early, and tell him to stay the fuck off of twitter.
I am feeling like he will be our version of Stephen Garcia. I guess the plus side is that if he is like Garcia, he will be at AU for what seems like 10 years.
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I saw the last quarter of that game but didn't see Pike play. Anyone know how he did? Plus, Stephon Diggs is a bad boy...that we need. Saw him hurdle a defender. Wow type stuff.
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Yeah, his tude' is rubbing me the wrong way, too.
"I can't please everybody," Pike said. "All I can do is go out and be me. While I'm here, I'm going to show I'm the best quarterback in the country and do my part with community service in giving back to those who have given for us. You really don't realize what the men and women fighting for our country have done until you get down here."
What a punk. Maybe even worse than that Newton kid.
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What a punk. Maybe even worse than that Newton kid.
Have you seen his smile?
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What a punk. Maybe even worse than that Newton kid.
I bet he thinks he is Superman.
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Yeah, his tude' is rubbing me the wrong way, too.
"I can't please everybody," Pike said. "All I can do is go out and be me. While I'm here, I'm going to show I'm the best quarterback in the country and do my part with community service in giving back to those who have given for us. You really don't realize what the men and women fighting for our country have done until you get down here."
Reminds me of the guy from the beer commercials, Leon.
"for this loss, I gotta put the blame squarley on shoulders of my teammates"
But Leon you fumbled the ball twice.
"yeah, but we wouldn't have lost the ball if my teammates had jumped on it faster"
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Reminds me of the guy from the beer commercials, Leon.
"for this loss, I gotta put the blame squarley on shoulders of my teammates"
But Leon you fumbled the ball twice.
"yeah, but we wouldn't have lost the ball if my teammates had jumped on it faster"
Leon can't do everything
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"I can't please everybody," Pike said. "All I can do is go out and be me. While I'm here, I'm going to show I'm the best quarterback in the country and do my part with community service in giving back to those who have given for us. You really don't realize what the men and women fighting for our country have done until you get down here."
A high school game sponsored by the U.S. Army has made him realize what the armed forces do for us, and now he's going to devote time to community service for military members?
Good for him and all, but...did they have a fucking reenactment of Iwo Jima at halftime or something? Why did this kid suddenly develop a hard-on for community service and the military after the high school All-American Bowl? I'm confused by his whole "you don't realize . . . until you get down here" line.
You should probably be wary of this kid, as he sounds half tard with the possibility of eventually going full tard.
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A high school game sponsored by the U.S. Army has made him realize what the armed forces do for us, and now he's going to devote time to community service for military members?
Good for him and all, but...did they have a fucking reenactment of Iwo Jima at halftime or something? Why did this kid suddenly develop a hard-on for community service and the military after the high school All-American Bowl? I'm confused by his whole "you don't realize . . . until you get down here" line.
You should probably be wary of this kid, as he sounds half tard with the possibility of eventually going full tard.
He's going to be gooder than you think.
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He's going to be gooder than you think.
VV just doesn't like kids from Kentucky.
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VV just doesn't like kids from Kentucky.
That's because VV prefers Astroglide over Kentucky jelly.
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I like him. I just hope we get an OC that can hone thE skills to match the fire in the belly.
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I like him. I just hope we get an OC that can hone thE skills to match the fire in the belly.
I like him. Yes he's cocky, but in a good way. It might take a bit for him to mature (such as jawing with Updykes on twitter) but if he can carry the team on his shoulders by his third year what more could we ask? He has a good pedigree and is very competitive and eventually that should lead to leadership qualities. He's one tough-assed kid that they say can make all the throws.
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VV just doesn't like kids from Kentucky.
Gee, I wonder why...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR6qc0Jj1tk# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR6qc0Jj1tk#)
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I think Chiz and Co. have gotten through to the kid regarding social media. He's been, if not quiet, at least restrained in his interactions with other people lately.
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I think Chiz and Co. have gotten through to the kid regarding social media. He's been, if not quiet, at least restrained in his interactions with other people lately.
That's promising.
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Since the bammers bullied him off of Twitter, he has been much reserved.
He is definitely recruiting for us though.
https://twitter.com/#!/EzP_AU14
@D_Barker7 I love it bro. When they announce the OC I'm gonna give him your name. You need to send me you film so I can just hand it to em
@D_Barker7 lemme know I got you bro this is the best place in the country. Come visit ASAP. #fallinlove
Finally got my boy Patrick Miller to wake up!! #welcomehomebro
@Marseanbaybee when you get in cuz Friday?
Even basketball
@arikarmstead check your direct messages and hit me up boy
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I thought Pike was white
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I thought Pike was white
Following in Petrino's footsteps, Chiz went out and got his own freakishly tall Malletkat.
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Following in Petrino's footsteps, Chiz went out and got his own freakishly tall Malletkat.
He sees for milz an milz.
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Arik Armstead is a Monster OT/DT outta California, he's visiting this weekend, along with his brother (who'll transfer from USC to wherever Arik goes.)
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Arik Armstead is a Monster OT/DT outta California, he's visiting this weekend, along with his brother (who'll transfer from USC to wherever Arik goes.)
Um, didn't the bother start at USC? That would be nice to pull them both and have one immediately ready to play, maybe both.
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Um, didn't the bother start at USC? That would be nice to pull them both and have one immediately ready to play, maybe both.
You got that right. It would be nice.
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Arik Armstead is a Monster OT/DT outta California, he's visiting this weekend, along with his brother (who'll transfer from USC to wherever Arik goes.)
Indeed he is. (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Arik-Armstead-99535)
I just saw his twitter page and assumed. I guess he's a two-sporter.
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Is anyone responding?
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Is anyone responding?
https://twitter.com/#!/search/realtime/%40EzP_AU14
If you can keep up with names better than me, you can sift through those and see who all is tweeting him.
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http://directsnap.com/rankings/2012/qb/buzz-week/ (http://directsnap.com/rankings/2012/qb/buzz-week/)
Top 2012 QB Recruits (Buzz-Week)
1)
Gunner Kiel
QBColumbus, IN6'4"220 lbsLSU Tigers
Rivals- #18Scout- #17247Sports- #13ESPN- #20
2)
Zeke Pike
QBEdgewood, KY6'5"220 lbsAuburn Tigers
Rivals- #145Scout- #142247Sports- NRESPN- NR
3)
Jameis Winston
QBHueytown, AL6'4"200 lbsFlorida State Seminoles
Rivals- #10Scout- #20247Sports- #4ESPN- #11
4)
Connor Brewer
QBScottsdale, AZ6'2"195 lbsTexas Longhorns
Rivals- #176Scout- #157247Sports- #82ESPN- #34
5)
Cyler Miles
QBDenver, CO6'4"220 lbsWashington Huskies
Rivals- #54Scout- #273247Sports- #152ESPN- NR
6)
Tanner Mangum
QBEagle, ID6'3"195 lbsBYU Cougars
Rivals- #42Scout- #187247Sports- #39ESPN- #148
7)
Matt Davis
QBHouston, TX6'2"202 lbsTexas A&M Aggies
Rivals- #111Scout- #53247Sports- #149ESPN- #108
8)
Jake Rodrigues
QBRocklin, CA6'3"210 lbsOregon Ducks
Rivals- #161Scout- #243247Sports- NRESPN- NR
9)
Zach Kline
QBDanville, CA6'2"210 lbsCalifornia Golden Bears
Rivals- #63Scout- #207247Sports- #72ESPN- #58
10)
Chad Kelly
QBBuffalo, NY6'3"208 lbsClemson Tigers
Rivals- #250Scout- NR247Sports- #85ESPN- #81
11)
Anthony Alford
QBPetal, MS6'1"205 lbs
Rivals- #124Scout- #232247Sports- #35ESPN- #98
12)
Trevor Knight
QBSan Antonio, TX6'3"190 lbsOklahoma Sooners
Rivals- #179Scout- NR247Sports- NRESPN- NR
13)
Jeff Lindquist
QBMercer Island, WA6'3"225 lbsWashington Huskies
Rivals- NRScout- #250247Sports- NRESPN- NR
14)
Bart Houston
QBConcord, CA6'4"201 lbsWisconsin Badgers
Rivals- NRScout- #67247Sports- NRESPN- NR
15)
Chad Voytik
QBCleveland, TN6'1"183 lbsPittsburgh Panthers
Rivals- #108Scout- #274247Sports- NRESPN- NR
16)
Tyler Matthews
QBMcPherson, KS6'3"205 lbsTCU Horned Frogs
Rivals- #164Scout- NR247Sports- NRESPN- NR
With Trotter gone, I'm hopping more than ever that he and/or Frazier lives up to the fuckin hype. Yesterday.