By Jack Carey, USA TODAY
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Cam Newton's arrival at Auburn elevated the Tigers' program from Outback Bowl status to its first appearance in the BCS national championship game. Along the way there were distractions, controversy, comebacks, jaw-dropping performances and a Heisman Trophy.
Newton likely will be remembered by Auburn fans the way astronomers recall a comet: a brief, brilliant flash across the sky that disappears quickly, the likes of which are rarely seen again.
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If Newton announces in the next few days that he's heading for the NFL draft, the Tigers' quarterback spot could fall next year to current sophomore Barrett Trotter, who went into Monday night's contest having played six games this season, completing six of nine passes.
The Tigers have received a verbal commitment from Kiehl Frazier, a highly regarded Arkansas prep quarterback from Shiloh Christian, one of Tigers offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn's former coaching stops in the late 1990s.
He's the kind of recruit the Tigers are going to need and expect if they're to continue to successfully compete in the Southeastern Conference.
Coach Gene Chizik says the ultra-successful season has helped line up a solid class, currently rated 10th by Rivals.com
"We feel great about our recruiting class," he says. "I think this game, obviously, and the publicity that Auburn's gotten over the last month, is invaluable. And I think recruits have definitely taken notice."
Newton's likely departure wouldn't be the only hole that needs to be filled.
The Tigers have four senior starters, including All-American tackle Lee Ziemba, on the offensive line, which has paved the way for Newton's runs and protected him when he drops back.
"We're really going to miss those guys," Malzahn says.
The defensive front will also take a hit if junior All-American tackle Nick Fairley comes out early. Some draft projections have him going in the top three.
Fellow tackle Zach Clayton is a senior, as are end Antoine Carter, linebacker Josh Bynes and defensive backs Zac Etheridge and Demond Washington.
But the Tigers' cupboard will not be completely bare.
While the receiving corps loses Kodi Burns and Terrell Zachery, expected returnees include Darvin Adams and Emory Blake. Tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen is a sophomore.
Running backs Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb are also due back. Dyer set a school freshman rushing record this year and had run for 950 yards going into Monday's game.
Defensive end Nosa Eguae has played just one year, and also due back are linebacker Daren Bates and defensive backs Mike McNeil and Neiko Thorpe.
An unanswered question going forward, however, is what, if anything, will come of a probe into the eligibility issues surrounding Newton.
While he was cleared to play last month, an NCAA investigation into the matter is not necessarily closed, and could continue long after Newton leaves.
As Southern California discovered last summer, final decisions on such cases can take years to resolve.
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