Cam Newton's Dad didn't want son to be a 'rented mule'...signs with Auburn

On how they chose Auburn: ``We both decided what to do a few days before we went to Gene Chizik, but Cam was apprehensive. He was leaning toward Starkville. He had that relationship with Dan Mullen and there was a comfort level there. I didn't think that was the right place for Cam. They just don't have all the moving parts. Cam was going to have to be the star. He'd have to do everything himself. I didn't want him to be a rented mule. Auburn has far more varsity players returning, they have more skill players, they're attracting more highly recruited players and it's right down the street."
On if MSU was the early leader: ``Absolutely they were. Auburn came on strong at the end. A lot of people pre-supposed that (Cam) would hook up with Dan Mullen. He made an official visit around Thanksgiving and that went really well. I just wasn't sure about it. I like Dan Mullen and I think he has a very bright offensive mind. He's just having to go against the odds in Starkville. I just didn't want Cam to be blinded by an affiliation. It was important for us to study Auburn, to study Malzahn and Chizik. Auburn has bright minds, too."
On how Auburn's recruiting has picked up since Newton's commitment: ``It's greatly encouraging. You can see the momentum snowballing. They've gotten several big commitments and they'll probably get more with the shake-ups we've seen at Tennessee and Florida. Auburn is making a big move."