AUBURN -- Greg Knox surveyed his bounty.
Six-foot-2-inch Devin Aromashodu sprinted on a fly pattern. Ben Obomanu dashed down the left sidelines. The 6-foot-1, 184-pound freshman chased down the ball thrown by Brandon Cox.
Montavis Pitts snared the football on a five-yard curl route. His hips twisted as he turned upfield.
Knox barked out orders. Nothing seemed to satisfy Auburn's receivers coach during the first day of fall practice.
In reality, Monday was circled on Knox's calendar. He's been waiting since signing day to get Auburn's receiving corps of the future on campus. The 2002 signing class made its debut during two practices on Auburn's intramural fields.
The future begins Sept. 2 in Los Angeles. The Tigers open the 2002 season on a Monday night in L. A. Memorial Coliseum against Southern California.
"With these guys being so athletic, it's a great gift," said Knox of his six newest receivers. "They've got to spend time in that playbook. There's not one that stands out. They're heads are swimming.
"You can see the talent. As soon as they learn exactly what's going on, these kids are going to be able to help us."
Aromashodu, Obomanu and Pitts officially began auditioning for starting roles on Monday. Unofficially, their work began in June during voluntary workouts with Auburn's quarterbacks. Tigers Coach Tommy Tuberville said as many as four newcomers could see immediate action at wideout.
Two starting jobs are up for grabs. Tuberville said the 2002 recruiting class is the fastest of his seven years as a head coach. Veterans sophomore Silas Daniels (8 catches-85 yards-1 TD in 2001), senior Marcel Willis (14-142-0) and sophomore Joe Walkins (12-124-0) failed to secure starting positions during spring practices.
Pitts' campaign for playing time came three days after his high school graduation. He walked with his Loachapoka High School class, on Friday, June 17. Auburn coaches called him the following Monday.
Pitts said he didn't take advantage of his lone free weekend. He was headed for Auburn on June 20.
"I chilled out," said Pitts, who was a high school quarterback but was recruited as an athlete. "I didn't know they would call so early. I'm glad they did. I found out what it takes. College is different than high school."
An opportunity for immediate playing time lured Obomanu to Auburn. The Parade All-American made 31 catches for 460 yards and nine touchdowns during his senior season at Selma High School. Obomanu said the arrival of Auburn's receiving recruiting class brought a smile to his position coach's face.
"Knowing the wide receiver position here was lacking, it looked kind of interesting knowing I could come in and play early," Obomanu said. "(Knox) was happy to see me. He emphasized he wanted to get quality receivers."
Six-foot-5, 234-pound Baldwin County High School product Anthony Mix practiced with the receivers on Monday. Knox said Mix has the potential to be a great receiver but if he continues to grow, his future might be at tight end or defensive end.
Aromashodu's goals are modest. His first objective is learning the system. Then, he hopes to earn playing time this year.
The Miami Spring, Fla., resident said his goal entering two-a-days is a starting job in 2003.
"I just want to get in the rotation, get used to playing in a different speed of football," said Aromashodu, who made 17 receptions for 417 yards and four touchdowns last season. "It's exciting to have a chance to play."
