Tag: Cadillac Williams

Four-star RB Alvin Henderson chooses Penn State over Auburn

A late push by Penn State erased Auburn’s chances of landing the talented in-state running back on Thursday.

Penn State made a late push in [autotag]Alvin Henderson[/autotag]’s recruitment in an effort to steal him away from the state of Alabama, and it worked.

Henderson, a four-star running back from Elba High School in Elba, Alabama, chose Penn State on Thursday over Auburn, Florida State, Oregon, and Miami. Auburn head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and the newly hired offensive coordinator [autotag]Derrick Nix[/autotag] worked to maintain their relationship with Henderson following the departure of former running backs coach [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag]. The effort worked for a while but was not enough to close the deal.

Henderson was expected to commit on April 4, but the announcement date was altered by a week thanks to a late visit to State College. In a recent interview with Tom Loy of 247Sports, Henderson cited that Penn State has recruited him the hardest despite him not mentioning their involvement in his recruitment until the final stages. In their recruiting pitch, Penn State tells Henderson he can be the next great star.

The thing about Penn State is that they consider me as a dude that can come in and be the next Nick Singleton or Kaytron Allen. They are going to leave this year and they consider me the dude that can replace them. Their development at the running back position over the past few years, it’s real. They believe in what coach (James) Franklin has done. They want me to jump on the train and carry the torch that the running backs have started over the years.

Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class is still strong despite Henderson’s decision to commit to Penn State. The Tigers rank No. 8 in 247Sports’ rankings thanks to the commitments of [autotag]Malik Autry[/autotag], [autotag]Jakaleb Faulk[/autotag], and [autotag]Devin Williams[/autotag]. Auburn’s class added a talented offensive lineman earlier this week in [autotag]Carde Smith[/autotag], and are in prime position to land four-star linebacker [autotag]Eric Winters[/autotag] and three-star cornerback [autotag]Dante Core[/autotag].

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Auburn in battle with ACC program for four-star RB Alvin Henderson

Henderson has been high on Auburn’s radar for some time. Can Hugh Freeze and staff keep this talented running back in-state?

Four-star running back [autotag]Alvin Henderson[/autotag] has been high on Auburn’s radar for quite some time. Now, they will have to battle an ACC program to keep him in state.

Henderson recently talked with Chad Simmons of On3 about his recruitment ahead of spring practices, and he says that Auburn and Florida State are the two schools that are recruiting him the hardest.

Henderson developed a strong relationship with former running backs coach [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag], has his thoughts on Auburn changed since Williams’ departure? He tells Simmons that he has worked to build a relationship with new offensive coordinator/running backs coach Derrick Nix. From the day Nix was hired, he has emphasized just how important Henderson is to the 2025 recruiting haul.

“Coach Nix was like, ‘You’re Coach Freeze’s No. 1 priority and he told me day one that we have to get you,’” Henderson said. “Ever since coach Nix came to Auburn, our relationship has been tight. I went up there and took a visit and he showed me how he wants to use me.”

However, stability is important to Henderson. Henderson wants to play for a program that will have consistency within its staff during his time on campus.

“One of the main things that is going to separate any school in my recruitment is somewhere where the coaching staff and my position coach will be stable,” Henderson said. “I am also looking for somewhere where I’ll be able to engage with a head coach who pays close attention to the running back position and be successful and win on and off the field. Also, I want to go somewhere where me and my mom feel like home.”

Florida State holds the edge over Auburn currently, as Henderson has called the Seminoles a “no. 1 school for him.” He also plans to announce his commitment this summer.

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Raiders to hire former NFL RB Carnell ‘Cadillac’ Williams to be running backs coach

Former NFL RB Cadillac Williams to be Raiders running back coach

A few weeks ago it was former NFL RB DeShaun Foster who was set to take the running backs coach job in Las Vegas. But Foster got the opportunity to be head coach at UCLA and took it. So, now it’s another former NFL running back who is getting the Raiders RB coach job. Former Buccaneers first round pick Carnell ‘Cadillac’ Williams.

Jon Gruden made the Auburn product the fifth overall pick by the Buccaneers in the 2005 draft. He played seven NFL seasons, six in Tampa and the final season with the Rams.

The past five years Williams has been the running backs coach at his alma mater.

In 2022, he was named the interim head coach after the firing of Bryan Harsin, Williams went 2-2 over the final four games of that season and was retained as associate head coach and running backs coach by Hugh Freeze when he was brought on as head coach last season. Williams resigned after the season.

Paul Finebaum shares thoughts on Auburn’s recent coaching changes

The SEC Network analyst believes that Auburn is moving in the right direction, but Freeze should explain his methods.

The month of January for Auburn football has been filled with staff changes across the board.

Several have been replaced while others have been promoted. Among the changes are the departures of former Tiger players [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Zac Etheridge[/autotag]. Changes such as those have caused an uproar from the Auburn fanbase, and an SEC analyst feels that it is only right for head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] to address their exits.

Radio show host Paul Finebaum was a guest on Monday morning’s edition of McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning on Jox 94.5 in Birmingham, where he discussed the recent moves within Auburn’s coaching staff. He says that Freeze could lower confusion within the fanbase by explaining the moves, especially the one concerning Auburn’s interim head coach during the final two games of the 2022 season.

“When you have one of the most famous players in your history depart without explanation and then another one who is, I believe a captain and very popular, you have to explain these things, or if you don’t you’re going to lead people to wonder,” Finebaum said. “I don’t need to remind you (Cole Cubelic) because you were at the epicenter of the Cadillac Williams thing on national television 14 months ago how popular he was and what an emotional story that is.”

Even though the loss of Williams and Etheridge stings Auburn fans, Finebaum understands that those moves are expected due to the need to hire new coordinators. Despite the change, Finebaum still feels that Auburn is on the right track with its recent hires.

“I think that’s part of it. I think when you unload your top two coordinators and there’s change and there’s chaos, you really are going to draw the wrath of the crowd,” Finebaum said Monday. “Having said all that, I think some of the changes have been positive. I think Hugh Freeze realized he needed an upgrade and I think he’s got it. I still think the sour taste at the end of the season is pretty hard to deal with, but I would still argue that if you take a deep breath and look forward, Auburn is in very good shape.”

Auburn has hired [autotag]Derrick Nix[/autotag] to serve as offensive coordinator while [autotag]Charles Kelly[/autotag] returns to his alma mater to take over the co-defensive coordinator role. Matt Zenitz of 247Sports reported Sunday that former Texas A&M defensive coordinator [autotag]DJ Durkin[/autotag] is a target to work alongside Kelly in a coordinator role.

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Derrick Nix is reportedly a favorite to join the Auburn offensive staff in 2024

Nix has spent the last 16 seasons as an assistant coach at Ole Miss.

Auburn head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] may not have to look far to find his next offensive assistant coach.

According to a report by Phillip Dukes of Auburn Undercover, Ole Miss wide receivers coach [autotag]Derrick Nix[/autotag] is one of the most popular names to join Auburn’s staff ahead of the 2024 season.

The longtime positions coach, who has no relation to former Auburn quarterbacks Patrick and Bo Nix, has been with the Rebels since 2008 when he started as the running backs coach.

Nix stayed in that role until 2020 when he took over as the receivers coach. He added assistant head coach to his resume last season as well. During his time as the running backs coach, Nix helped develop future NFL players such as Brandon Bolden, Jordan Wilkins, and Dexter McCluster.

While none of the aforementioned trio were considered stars coming out of high school, Nix was able to work them into stars. That presence could prove huge for an Auburn team that consistently recruits talented running backs.

Nix was also been linked as a possible fit for the vacant offensive coordinator job. A move to OC could make more sense for the long-time positions coach, as it would be seen as a promotion instead of a “lateral move”.

He could also ease into the role with head coach Hugh Freeze reportedly taking over play calling duties in 2024.

Whether Nix replaces the recently resigned [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag] or takes over as the new offensive coordinator, his signing would be welcomed by an Auburn staff suddenly in flux.

With the recent retirement of Alabama head coach Nick Saban, Auburn has a chance to narrow the talent-gap between themselves and the Tide. That starts by building a great coaching staff.

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Two assistants resign from Auburn coaching staff

Two prominent assistants resign from Auburn, both played for the Tigers.

Hugh Freeze’s coaching staff on the Plains has undergone some change in the past 24 hours, as a pair of assistant coaches, Carnell “Cadillac” Williams and Zac Etheridge, have both announced their resignations from Auburn’s coaching staff.

Williams announced his decision late Thursday night, while Etheridge’s was announced early Friday morning.

A former star running back at Auburn from 2001-04, Williams has spent the last five seasons as the Tigers running backs coach, while also serving as the interim head coach after former head coach Brian Harsin was let go in 2022. Under the leadership of Williams, the Tigers would go 2-2 to finish out the 2022 season, which included a pair of victories over Texas A&M and Western Kentucky.

Etheridge, who was also a former on-field star for the Tigers from 2007-10, has served as the defensive backs coach at Auburn since 2021. According to 247Sports as well, Etheridge is now set to take an assistant coaching position at Houston.

Social media reacts to Cadillac Williams resigning from Auburn’s staff

Cadillac Williams has resigned from Auburn’s coaching staff.

A program legend has resigned from Auburn’s coaching staff. [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag] resigned from his role as associate head coach and running backs coach late Thursday evening.

Playing at Auburn from 2001-04, Williams joined [autotag]Guz Malzahn[/autotag]’s coaching staff for the 2019 season and was retained by both [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] and [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag]. He served as Auburn’s interim head coach after Auburn fired Harsin during the 2022 season and led them to an emotional win over Texas A&M in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The move stunned Auburn fans, who took to social media to react to the news and wish Williams the best. Here is a look at some of the top reactions.

Cadillac Williams resigns from position as Auburn’s associate head coach

The former Auburn running back resigns after spending five seasons as an assistant coach under three different head coaches.

The latest move regarding Auburn’s coaching staff involves a program legend.

[autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag], who played for Auburn from 2001-04 and served as an assistant coach for his alma mater over the last five seasons, resigned from his position as associate head coach and running backs coach late Thursday evening.

Williams shared his reasoning for the move in a press release. He says that he is looking to pursue other opportunities.

“After taking time to pray and reflect, I have made the decision to resign from my position with Auburn football to pursue other opportunities. I love Auburn, the players and AU family with all my heart, but this decision is what is best for me, my wife and sons. I am extremely grateful for the coaching opportunity given to me first by Coach Malzahn and most recently by Coach Freeze. These past five years on the Plains have been nothing short of incredible. Auburn is and always will be a special part of my life.”

War Eagle!

Williams first joined Auburn’s football staff during the 2019 season under head coach [autotag]Gus Malzahn[/autotag], and would go on to serve on the staffs of [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] and [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag]. Following the firing of Harsin during the 2022 season, Williams was named interim head coach. During his time as interim, Williams led the Tigers to a 2-2 record which included an emotional home win over Texas A&M.

Williams is also known as an effective recruiter, as he played a role in landing running backs [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag], [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag], and [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag]. He was also the primary recruiter for offensive linemen [autotag]Clay Wedin[/autotag] and [autotag]Bradyn Joiner[/autotag].

Williams’ resignation marks the fourth assistant coach to leave the staff since the offseason began. Defensive coordinator [autotag]Ron Roberts[/autotag] is now a member of the staff at Florida while defensive backs coach [autotag]Wesley McGriff[/autotag] has joined Mike Elko’s staff at Texas A&M. Auburn has also parted ways with offensive coordinator [autotag]Philip Montgomery[/autotag].

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Auburn named a school to watch for former Ole Miss RB Quinshon Judkins

Quinshon Judkins, an Alabama native, has been one of the best running backs in the country over the past two seasons.

[autotag]Quinshon Judkins[/autotag], one of the best running backs in the country, has announced he plans to enter the transfer portal and is set to be one of the top players available.

In two seasons at Ole Miss, he rushed for 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. The loss is a big blow for the Rebels ahead of the 2024 season but a massive gain for someone else, and one expert believes that school could be Auburn.

Brad Crawford of 247Sports included the Tigers on his six teams to watch for the Alabama native, alongside Michigan, Florida State, Alabama, LSU, and Oregon.

Judkins is from nearby Pike Road and turned down a late push from [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag] and Auburn to sign with the Rebels out of high school. The Tigers could also be facing some depth concerns at running back, depending on what [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] decides to do.

The junior is draft eligible and could declare early for the 2024 draft, leaving [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] and [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag] as the only scholarship running backs on Auburn’s roster.

Even if Hunter does return, a 1-2 punch of Judkins and Hunter would help lessen the blow on [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] and the revamped passing attack.

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2025 RB Alvin Henderson: ‘Auburn is doing a good job recruiting me’

Alvin Henderson is one of Auburn’s top targets in the 2025 recruiting cycle.

[autotag]Alvin Henderson[/autotag] is one of the top running backs in the 2025 recruiting cycle and the Elba, Alabama product is a major target for Auburn and [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag].

Henderson has visited Auburn numerous times this season and was back on the Plains for the Iron Bowl. He spoke with On3’s Chad Simmons after the visit and had great things to say about how [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag], Williams and the rest of the staff are recruiting him.

“Since Coach Freeze got there, I have built great relationships,” Henderson said. “They push for me, they have shown me I am the guy they want and they always stay in touch with me. Even after the Alabama game, I heard from Coach Freeze. He is putting a lot of time in and that means a lot.

“The way he and the staff recruits me has made a big impact on me. Coach Freeze wants me in his system and I like how he talks to me about life and football.”

Henderson is the No. 128 overall player and No. 9 running back in the On3 industry ranking. He is also the No. 11 player from Alabama in the 2025 cycle.

While Auburn is pushing hard, they are far from the only school recruiting Henderson, and he is keeping his “options open.”

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