Three Tigers Named to PHIPPS First-Team All-SEC Offense

June 24, 2005

AUBURN - Auburn senior Marcus McNeill and juniors Courtney Taylor and John Vaughn have been named to the PHIPPS preseason All-SEC Offensive First-Team, it was announced Friday.

McNeill returns for his senior season with the Tigers after starting 28 games through the first three years of his career. The offensive tackle was a 2004 Coaches' All-SEC First-Team and Associated Press All-SEC First-Team selection. The Decatur, Ga., native is also a 2005 The Sporting News Preseason First-Team All-American.

Taylor, a junior, led the Tigers with 43 receptions last year and was second with six touchdown catches. The wide receiver has caught at least one pass in 25-of-26 career games. He has started 18 of his 26 career games played. Of his 43 receptions last season, 34 went for a first down. The Carrollton, Ala., native has also been named to the 2005 Athlon Sports Preseason All-SEC First-Team.

Vaughn, a junior, connected on 12 field goals in 15 attempts last season. He was 2-for-2 from 40-49 yards last season and made three field goals as Auburn defeated Virginia Tech, 16-13, in the NOKIA Sugar Bowl. The Brentwood, Tenn., native made 10 of his last 11 field goal attempts last season. He has also been named to the 2005 Athlon Sports Preseason All-SEC First-Team.

McNeill, Taylor and Vaughn open the 2005 season when Auburn hosts Georgia Tech Sept. 3 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The game starts at 7:45 p.m. CT., and will be aired by ESPN.