Ziemba Still To Visit Auburn

Last updated Monday, December 18, 2006 9:23 PM CST in Sports

By Dudley E. Dawson
The Morning News

    Rogers offensive lineman Lee Ziemba was the biggest, most highly-ranked and certainly most-publicized of the 14 football prospects that took official visits to the University of Arkansas this past weekend.

    But what might help the Razorbacks in their quest to sign one of the nation's best prep interior prospects is the fact that this weekend Ziemba (6-7, 305) -- who has been on campus a lot already unofficially -- was just a 17-year-old having a lot of fun.

    "Actually it was a great visit and I saw some things that I actually had not seen before," Ziemba said. "I just had a really fun time hanging out with some of the younger linemen (and current Razorbacks) like Jonathon Luigs and Joey Crossland and Jose Valdez. I also got to spend time with John Aaron Rees and I just really enjoyed being around and getting to know those guys."

    He also spent plenty of time with four in-state offensive linemen who have already committed to Arkansas in Monticello center Seth Oxner (6-5, 290), Jonesboro tackle Grant Cook (6-6, 310), Harrison guard Wade Grayson (6-4, 260) and Little Rock Catholic's Jake Bequette (6-5, 255).

    They are a quartet of what is now 17 Razorback commitments with the addition Sunday of a pair of standouts in tailback Michael Harris (5-9. 190, 4.4) of Tulsa Booker T. Washington and cover cornerback Isaac Madsion (5-11, 185) of Dallas Carter.

    "I told those other four guys that I felt like I was an oddball since I was the only one of the offensive linemen that wasn't already committed to Arkansas," Ziemba said. "They were kind joking around about me going ahead and joining them."

    He might very well do that, but it wouldn't happen until after Jan. 12-14 at the earliest when he is scheduled to make his official visit to Auburn - his other finalist.

    "I will say that this visit helps me visualize myself playing at Arkansas a little bit more than Auburn," Ziemba said. "But I am sure since I haven't been to Auburn on an official visit yet that once I do I will visualize myself playing down there as well. I would say it's still 50-50."

    It was natural to ask Ziemba about all the publicity that surrounded the Arkansas program last week with one player leaving and some allegations of unrest among the staff.

    "I thought about it a little at first, but I talked with everybody involved and I feel that everybody is on the same page," Ziemba said. "I think things are good there."

    It was announced on Monday that Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt's contract had been extended through 2012.

    Ziemba added that he has a job to do regardless of what play is called or who calls it.

    "Look, I am an offensive lineman and I smash people for a living," Ziemba said. "I don't care whether we run or pass. My job is simply to smash people. The bottom line is are we winning. That other stuff is not going to be a factor with me."

    Harris, from the same high school that produced current Razorback tailback Felix Jones, rushed for over 2,000 yards this season and found the end zone 36 times in a variety of ways.

    "I had a great time on my official visit," Harris said. "It was amazing. They treated us very nice.

    "The thing that stood out to me the most was watching the bowl practice," Harris said. "It was great. The coaches seem to be great coaches and it was just amazing to watch them get ready for a bowl game."

    Harris got to hang out Jones and spent time as well with Razorback star and Heisman Trophy runner-up Darren McFadden.

    "Felix was my host on the visit," Harris said. "We had a real good time hanging out together. We went bowling and we went to the mall. We did a couple of other activities. It was real fun."

    Harris definitely noticed the production from the running backs in the current offensive scheme, and that only helped to entice him to pledge for the Razorbacks.

    "As a running back you definitely notice that the running backs are doing great there," Harris said. "Darren McFadden is one of the main reasons that I committed. He finished second for the Heisman. It does not get any better than that. Plus they had two 1,000-yard rushers. That definitely grabs your attention."

    Razorback Central
    July 6th, 2009
    Henry Leaves Razorbacks
    July 5th, 2009
    Henry Leaves Razorbacks

    Reader Comments (39 comment(s))


    The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.

    el Carg wrote on Dec 19, 2006 12:37 AM:

    " Ziemba's parents went to Auburn, right? "

    blue wrote on Dec 19, 2006 5:28 AM:

    " this kid can smash for the tigers, itsjust a matter of choice for him,, waaaaaaaaaaaar eagle "

    Jersey Rick wrote on Dec 19, 2006 6:59 AM:

    " I've spent time in both places, and I can't imagine ANYONE that would rather live in Auburn than Fayetteville. If you do, you deserve to be stuck on the plains...Ziemba visiting Auburn and seeing what they have to offer can only help Arkansas' chances. Lee, Arkansas had 3 O-Linemen make All-American this year, how many did Auburn have? Wouldn't you rather block for McFadden and Jones than Kenny "I'm not as good as my brother" Irons? I thought so. Although, you would definitely make more money at Auburn. They have some of the highest paid athletes this side of OU. "

    Scoop54 wrote on Dec 19, 2006 7:09 AM:

    " I've been to every football venue in the SEC except Fayetteville (and Little Rock) and can tell you an Auburn football weekend is an exciting experience. "

    Jon in Auburn wrote on Dec 19, 2006 7:23 AM:

    " Hey Jersey Rick, You sound like you probably wear red and white, too. Don't be a closet Bama fan. I've never been to Fayetteville but I'm sure it's a nice place to visit. You've obviously never been to Auburn but you sure seem to have a chip on your shoulder. Go have some egg nog and try to get over whatever it is that's bothering you. All that little rant did was let everyone know you're bitter about something. "

    Mel wrote on Dec 19, 2006 7:32 AM:

    " I've been to Arkansas and it's as close as I have ever been to a 3rd world country--I am serious! "

    AU Guy in SC wrote on Dec 19, 2006 7:35 AM:

    " Ziemba needs to do what's best for him! Obviously Arkansas' program is heading in the right direction. My question would be do you want to play or ride the pine? At Arkansas they have all kinds of O-Lineman committed. That's obvious from all the recruits, already committed, being on campus during this "unofficial visit". Auburn doesn't have that many. Playing time is important to kids nowadays! I'd love to see him on the Plains next year! I can personally tell him that he can step right in and play at Auburn. It's "Tailback U" baby. You know we've got talent! "

    AU in Destin wrote on Dec 19, 2006 8:08 AM:

    " Arky 'might' be headed in the right direction......maybe.. AU IS the right direction....without a doubt.... WDE "

    Hinkdog in Alpharetta wrote on Dec 19, 2006 9:08 AM:

    " I believe when Ziemba visits the Plains he will be hooked. He is from Arky, and I bet he wants to get away from HOME as most 17-18 year olds do. AU GUY is right about playing time, there is no doubt that he will get some time if he comes to Auburn! And Jersey Rick's comment about the Kenny is really ignorant... Kenny is the best running back in the SEC... he was hurt this season... remember last year? and so what if we were still sleeping when Arky beat us this year. If the game was a night game, the tables would be turned. With all things in perspecive, at the end of the day, it is just a football game. You will find that us Auburn fans will support our team no matter what! Win or lose, we will still have our AU PRIDE. So I have 2 words for you.... War Eagle! www.auburntailgaters.com "

    TigerLilly wrote on Dec 19, 2006 9:15 AM:

    " Auburn has won more games than any team in America, other than USC and Texas, in the last 3 years. Lee, I can just visualize you and Kody wearing the navy blue and orange UnderArmour uniform playing for the Tigers. War Eagle! "

    TigerAB wrote on Dec 19, 2006 11:53 AM:

    " If Fayetteville is so nice why when asked about it did Lou Houltz say..."It's not HELL, but I can see it from there." If not for McFadden, Nutt would have been out of there this year anyway. And McFadden may be out after next year.....Tuberville has a consistant winner in Auburn and doesn't have to use a one good season to lure talent. I think Z is going to love the plains....War Eagle "

    moops wrote on Dec 19, 2006 12:31 PM:

    " Auburn. It's only 200 miles to PC Beach, FL from Auburn. 108 miles to ATL. 109 miles to Bham, AL. 54 miles to Montgomery, AL. And it is a GREAT college town. "

    NC War Eagle wrote on Dec 19, 2006 2:50 PM:

    " Ahhh - Carolina Hog must have been a dual math / geography major. He can really read that mileage legend on the map..... "

    wow wrote on Dec 19, 2006 3:19 PM:

    " First off the papers in Alabama must really be great since all of their residents are reading Arkansas'. Next, I've been to Auburn and Fayetteville, and their is no doubt that Fayetteville is the better place to live, I can just imagine Alabama's tourism ploy sounding something like "Come to Alabama, the place that's at least 100 miles from anything" "

    PayattentionUA wrote on Dec 19, 2006 3:28 PM:

    " NC Hog and Jersey Hog, How did Sam Walton ever let you geniuses get out of Arkansas? It's amazing! Congrats on the mashing your Hogs gave the Tigers this season. McFadden is a real stud. Don't let it go to your heads though. Auburn is loaded for 2007. 19 of the 21 Nation's Top Ten Requiting Class were redshirted this season. "Z" will have a difficult time not getting a redshirt. I hear he is a stud and has well educated parents. You guys sound desperate to get "Z". One thing is for sure; "Z" will get a degree before he leaves Auburn. Now squeal like a pig! "

    swensks wrote on Dec 19, 2006 3:46 PM:

    " Blocking for McFadden and Jones - to me - is obviously more favorable than blocking for any other D-1A's current crop of running backs. McFadden is hands down the best RB in the SEC. However, if Ziemba redshirts and McFadden leaves as a JR, Ziemba won't even get the chance. At the absolute best, he'll block for him for McFadden for 2 seasons. How's Arky going to fare when McFadden leaves for the NFL? Back to 8-4 every season with one surprising victory and 3 really bad losses? With the exception of 1998 (and Stoerner's epic "Hand of God" play against UT), Arkansas hasn't been what many would call a football powerhouse. Broyle's might as well fire Nutt and hire Mike Shula...I hear he'll work pretty cheap these days. That said, Auburn has a steady string of great RB recruits and there is no end in sight. If you need some evidence, check the NFL rosters...Rudi Johnson, Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams. Kenny Irons will probably get drafted as well, despite his incomplete season. If Ziemba can keep from being short-sighted, I believe that he'll see that there is likely going to be more offensive talent at Auburn over the next 5 seasons than there will be at Arkansas. And can anyone provide a link for Jersey Rick? I'm sure he actually has evidence of Auburn paying players...he just forgot to post it. "

    BlakeAU wrote on Dec 19, 2006 3:48 PM:

    " Ziemba went into Arkansas 50/50 and came out 50/50. Thats the best news AU could hope for. Now when he comes to Auburn on his official he will have Arkansas waaaay in the back of his mind. He's an Auburn lock, and we will be stealing more of the top Arkansas talent just like Kodi Burns!!!!!!!!! "

    Down on HDn wrote on Dec 19, 2006 4:28 PM:

    " It doesn't matter if he signs or not.. he is talented enough that he may fall into the area as others recently have where their talent and the attention that comes with it scares HDN and brings out his insecurities. He would run Ziemba off before long anyway. "

    Hog25 wrote on Dec 19, 2006 5:22 PM:

    " Hey Au Guy in SC--what's this about Auburn being tailback U? Now, I know you guys do have some good tailbacks but as far as you being Tailback U then I will have to differ with that designation. I think, if you look at tailbacks then the Razorbacks are definite Tailback U and they far outpace Auburn or any other college since we not only have Darren McFaddin but also Felix Jones. Both rushed for over 2500 yards. Compare that you any other two backs in the country and we are probably second to none. Ziemba needs to be blocking for those guys and he can become an All American just like Jonathan Luigs is as a sophomore. Go Hogs!!! "

    Hog25 wrote on Dec 19, 2006 5:27 PM:

    " Hey you can have Kodi Burns. We are really glad you guys got him. He's really a run only quarterback with a very average arm. Now he may develop in 2 or 3 years so if you guys have time to wait then he might be a "find" for you. We are going to get another player at quarterback that Kodi couldn't beat out anyway so all I say is "We are glad you have him and good luck". "

    AUnupe wrote on Dec 19, 2006 8:00 PM:

    " As I understand, Ziemba is very religious and is relying on his faith in God to lead him in the right direction. He appears to be a 17 year-old who has his head on straight. Unlike some other coaches who recently jumped on the religious band wagon, CTT has openly shared his belief in God for many years. CTT walks the talk... he benched his best defensive player for 6 games this year for under-age drinking. How many other coaches would do that? AU players pray before, during and after the game. They even fall to their knees when an opposing player is in injured. "I am a Hard Fighting Soldier on the battle field. I keep on bringing souls to Jesus by the service that I give", is more than a line from a song. With CTT and his Tigers, it is a way of life. I know Cadillac and Ronnie B. personally and they are both still genuinely humble young men. In fact, Caddy was singing a gospel song when he heard is named called as the #5 pick in the NFL draft. I believe AU has everything that Ziemba is looking for. As AU alum, I would love to see him in Orange and Blue; however, I wish him well where ever he ends up. God Bless him. "

    AUTIGER in Savannah wrote on Dec 20, 2006 2:21 AM:

    " Hey Hog25, check out this list; Current AU RB in the NFL: Fred Beasly, Stephen Davis, Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown, Rudi Johnson, Heath Evans, Harold Morrow, and Tony Richardson. Not to mention previous AU RBs who have left their marks in the NFL: Bo Jackson, Lionel James, James Brooks, William Andrews, Joe Cribbs, and Brent Fullwood. I think only USC, UGA, and Miami are the only schools that can possibly run with this group. And we've had almost as much success with our OL. Don't get me wrong, McFadden and Jones are studs but we breed NFL tailbacks here on the plains. "

    AUTIGER in Savannah wrote on Dec 20, 2006 2:31 AM:

    " Hey Z. We graduate 4 on the OL this year. Depth chart looks GOOOOD for early playin' time if you want it. If not, you can bulk up with Coach Yox (2005 National Strength Coach of the Year). Coach Tubbs recruits character guys. You're #1 on our "most wanted" so you must be a class act. I'm sure your parents have told you that there's no place like The Plains. Hope to see ya on the next Tiger Walk. "

    HoginTX wrote on Dec 20, 2006 7:58 AM:

    " You know after reading the spin from both sides concerning Z, it sounds more like the last 50 presidential campaigns than a chance for a good kid to go to a good school, (which I think both UA and AU are). Z needs to do what's best for him, I'm sure both schools will survive either way. Go Hogs! "

    Biggus wrote on Dec 20, 2006 10:13 AM:

    " If one were looking objectively at Auburn and Arkansas, the inevitable conclusion is that both schools are in transition on offense. Both seem to be groping for identity. That said, I don't know how anybody could stand to live in Auburn. I guess it's just a few years, but still...and for the Auburn fans above, putting down the state of Arkansas is probably not a good tactic for recruiting a young man who lives in Arkansas. "

    mike wrote on Dec 20, 2006 10:20 AM:

    " Hey Mel, I have driven through Bama several times and if you want to talk about third world countries and "Deliverance", I would be glad to. Bottom line is Ziemba is making a choice between two good programs that will help him get to the next level. "

    doubleA wrote on Dec 20, 2006 10:35 AM:

    " Always get a good laugh at Auburn fans making fun of other places to live. That's why most of you don't even live in the same horrendous state, you all move over to GA. Lee will make the right decision and I'll wish him the best regardless. "

    OpineonSwine wrote on Dec 20, 2006 11:27 AM:

    " I've been to Auburn more times than any other SEC venue. It's a great place for a football game and I like the Auburn fans. It's also in the middle of nowhere. I have a house at the beach and it's nye impossible to get to Auburn from the FL panhandle. Auburn is a nice little (emphasis on little) college town, about the size of Batesville, Arkansas. But honestly, it has less to offer than NWA. When you're in college, the distance to B'ham, Atlanta, etc. might as well be in another country. If I were Auburn, I would want recruits to decide based on the football program, not the area. "

    arkbob wrote on Dec 20, 2006 11:35 AM:

    " welcome to hog heaven lee.looking forward to seeing your pancake blocks as a hog.no other school develops o-linemen better. "

    Tim wrote on Dec 20, 2006 11:43 AM:

    " Speaking from experience, Auburn fans are some of the best that I have come across. I was a student equipment manager for another SEC school for 3 years. We would always set up on Fridays for a Saturday game. At 8:00 on friday mornings, Auburn fans would already be arriving in those large motor homes and setting up for tailgating. They would cook for us mangagers and treat us like their own kids..true southern hospitality. Arkansas folks set up late and never would offer anything. Those hill people are not really southern. "

    oregan hog wrote on Dec 20, 2006 11:50 AM:

    " Shawn Andrews is going to the Pro Bowl. Lee will be next. "

    HawgPharmD wrote on Dec 20, 2006 12:13 PM:

    " Do what is right for you Lee. You know we want you and need you at Arkansas. There is not an Arkansas fan that does not know the names of Brandon Burlsworth and Shawn Andrews. You would be in remarkable company as a Razorback... and here at home... we will remember YOUR name not just that of the running backs! Go Hogs! "

    Hogmary wrote on Dec 20, 2006 1:01 PM:

    " Lou Holtz never said that you can see Hell from Fayetteville. He said the end of the earth. I think the Waltons, Tysons, Shaws and Hunts have a much different opinion of NW Arkansas than any of you folks who have never been here. I would love to have Lee as a Razorback. Maybe he will be an all-pro in the NFL like former Hog Shawn Andrews. Don't forget Bobbie Williams...he's had a fine career in the NFL. I can understand your opinion of Arkansas if you've only been to Tommy Tuberville's hometown of Camden. NW Arkansas is as different from that part of the state as night from day. "

    payattentionua wrote on Dec 21, 2006 9:13 AM:

    " You guys kill me with all this Fayettville is nicier than Auburn and vice versa. I am not going to knock Fayettville. I have never been there to tell you the truth. I have been to Auburn. Anybody who thinks Auburn is in the middle of no where is just an idiot or, you got it, a Bammer. Great Schools (Top 50 in the Country), Interstate 85, High Income, Great access to the best Deer Hunting and Fishing, Lake Martin and very little of the things you don't want. "

    Razorbledsoe wrote on Dec 24, 2006 12:50 PM:

    " I've smoked in both places and the 420 in FayetteNam is FAR better! Cheif Wahoo and Pig Soooiiieee to you all. And Auburn fans...enjoy Dallas on us, Baby! Lee's staying home, too. Ha! "

    Down on HDN wrote on Dec 26, 2006 10:53 AM:

    " Ziemba is a smart kid... He has seen HDn for years and he isn't into the ra ra cheerleading. He will go to Auburn where he thinks he can be led by coahing and fundamental development and win over the years on talent and tuning of skills, rather that coming to AR where the head coach thinks you win by how hard you can cheer. "

    war eagle502 wrote on Dec 26, 2006 6:49 PM:

    " all u arkansas fans have gotten overconfident because u finnaly had a good season Lee will go to the more consistant and better school.........Auburn and yall anre just mad because yall cant keep a star freshman in state. War eagle "

    someone from rogers who has been to both schools wrote on Dec 28, 2006 9:30 PM:

    " auburn fans, i enjoy AU and the football experience. it's exciting. a confusing meshing of mascots (eagles, tigers, plainsmen?), but a VERY fun football experience. add niffer's $1 all-the-time beer, and it's a grand time. but honestly, it is out in the middle of nowhere. you are two hours from anything (minus montgomery.) after that, yes, the beach, atlanta, the Ham, and nashvegas are out there. but auburn is about as rural as it comes... without the university, it would be a blip on the map. arkansas fans, i'm with you. nwa is God's country. lakes, rivers, hills, forests, state and national parks, (AU, chewacla doesn't count. it's downright creepy), cities, AN AIRPORT, more than 10 restaraunts, and an economy that could buy alabama, georgia, and half the united states. as for football, ziemba would do better to go to AR. it's a team on the rise with young players. AU, well after watching this "season of promise" fade away with huge defeats and lucky escapes, I have to wonder about the success of a team that was in trouble so often and not losing a ton of players. good luck with the decision lee! don't listen to people who haven't seen both sides! see it for yourself! "

    k train wrote on Dec 29, 2006 5:29 PM:

    " when your state's #1 attraction is Wal-Mart, you've got problems! Fayetteville is as backwoods as it gets and if the Ziemba kid wants to win and go to the NFL, he'll commit to the AUBURN TIGERS! "


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