Fan Day presented by Golden Flake: 'a special time'

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AUBURN, Ala. – No matter which quarterback wins Auburn's starting position, 9-year-old Caleb Weeden will have his picture with QB1.

At the front of a line that stretched 100 yards in Auburn's indoor practice facility, the third-grader posed standing between Joey Gatewood and Bo Nix Saturday at Fan Day presented by Golden Flake.

"It's going to be interesting," said Caleb's dad, Albert. "I know Bo Nix because one of my friends, Kenny Hill, used to coach him when he was in Scottsboro. And Mr. Gatewood, I'm sure it's going to be some great competition, but that's what you want. You want competition every day. That's what makes everybody better. We'll see how things go into the fall."

Arriving two-and-a half hours early, Auburn fans Frank Best and his daughter, Jackie, were among the first to meet head coach Gus Malzahn.

"Because you've got to go see the boss first," Frank said.  "I hope that we have a national championship and go all the way this year. Our strength, I think we have a good quarterback that he's choosing to lead the team. I think Gus Malzahn has a good plan in place for that, and I think we will go all the way. I know that I've got faith in them."

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn at Fan Day

The Pappoe family drove from Atlanta to get autographs on their Auburn poster. One signature looked especially familiar: Owen Pappoe, a freshman linebacker who has impressed teammates in his first preseason camp.

"Sometimes you're still in awe that you have a child that's part of the Auburn football program," said Owen's father, Lorenzo.  You never thought a day like this would come."

Growing up, Owen focused on basketball before switching to football, becoming the nation's top-rated high school outside linebacker in his class.

"Now the rest is history for us," Lorenzo said. "It's a pretty good feeling."

Owen is studying in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.

"I'm pretty big on academics, and I told him we have to make sure we marry [academics and athletics]; both have to go together," Lorenzo said. "It can't be one without the other. While you have the opportunity to get a free education, utilize that but also give your best when it comes to football.

"And if God blesses you and you get a chance, and maybe good enough to get to the pros, then it's icing on the cake. If not, you still have a solid education.  I'm pretty excited and happy for him."

Team Pappoe: Auburn freshman linebacker Owen Pappoe with his family 

As a player at Fan Day, you never know what you might sign. There are always posters, flags, helmets and various articles of clothing. This year, Kam Martin signed everything from a mirror, to a picture somebody drew of him, to a little kid's arm.

For Martin, though, it's a way to give back to the Auburn fans.

"It's pretty cool," the senior running back said. "It's truly a blessing. These fans, they pay a lot of money to come to the games. They show a lot of support. So it just means a lot to come out here and sign autographs and tell all the fans 'thank you' for what they do."

Fan Day also serves as a reminder every year that the season is just around the corner. Only three remain until Auburn takes the field against Oregon in Texas – the same state where Martin grew up. 

"Three weeks from today we'll be playing in Texas," Martin said. "I can't wait."

Auburn's soccer, volleyball and equestrian teams, along with Auburn and the cheerleaders, also spent the afternoon engaging with fans.

"It's their first chance to get around the fans," volleyball coach Rick Nold said. "When you look having all the new people, this is their introduction into Auburn volleyball. Great experience for them."

"Fan Day's always a great time," said soccer coach Karen Hoppa, in her 21st season. "It's really fun to kick off the season. For our kids to be able to sign autographs for two hours and interact with the Auburn family, it's a special time for our team."

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer

Greg Ostendorf contributed to this story.