There is no doubt the Auburn coaching staff has definitely turned up the volume when it comes to recruiting. And fans and players all across the country, not just the state, are sitting up and taking notice.

First there was the infamous “Tiger Prowl” as Auburn coaches cruised around the state of Alabama, making pit stops at the high school homes of some of the states most celebrated players.

This past weekend, Auburn took it to the next level, reaching out to recruits from everywhere. It was Big Cat Weekend, and what an event it was.

There were out-of-state stars such as Shaun Kitchens, a receiver from College Park, Ga., Antonio Goodwin, also a receiver, from Atlanta.

Eric Mack, from South Carolina, was there. According to Scout and Rivals.com, Mack is the second best offensive guard in the country.

What about Khairi Fortt, from Connecticut?  Some people think Khairi may be the best outside linebacker in the country. He was in Auburn for the festivities.

But here’s the kicker. In attendance were the two best running backs in the United States.

Marcus Lattimore was on the plains. The South Carolina product is rated No. 1 by Scout.

Lache Seastrunk, from the Lone Star State, was in Auburn. Seastrunk is the top rated back according to Rivals.com.

What a bold move by the Tigers, not just bringing in some of the best college recruits in the land all on the same day, but bringing in the top two running backs in the country – at the same time.

You have to believe that at least one of these young men will choose to play on the same field that Bo Jackson, Carnell Williams, Joe Cribbs, Stephen Davis, Rudi Johnson, Ronnie Brown and Kenny Irons once called home. What if they both decide to wear Orange and Blue?

Unfortunately, the event has grabbed some negative attention, and it appears that officials in the Auburn athletic department are checking to make sure that some secondary NCAA rules were not violated.

Although these student athletes were having the time of their lives at a pep rally-style rolling of Toomer’s Corner, the NCAA hates it when the kids are having too much fun.

Auburn officials had to know that since the cream of the crop of the college football recruiting list was on campus, that every NCAA eye was going to be on them as well.

The main issue is whether or not members of the media who were in attendance and who interviewed some of the players was a violation of the NCAA rule that says a member school cannot publicize a prospective student-athlete’s visit to the institution’s campus.

One report had an Auburn assistant coach introducing the players, which would have been a more serious violation. Apparently this did not happen.

Being that the NCAA rulebook is twice as big as the Obama national healthcare plan, it is almost impossible at times, not to break a rule. But chances are these mediocre rules infractions (if there were any) will not result in any negative action.

Should half of these players decide to sign with Auburn, it could turn the “tide” as far as recruiting in this state, and possibly in the country.

There is obviously a new sheriff in town and he appears to be holding nothing back.

So far, I am impressed.

-Hit ‘em straight.

Dale Jones is a staff writer for The Islander.