Defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks and cornerback Jerraud Powers both said Monday they had yet to think about the possibility of going pro early.

Most scouting services project Marks as a mid- to late-first round selection, while Powers is pegged anywhere from the third to fifth round.

The deadline for eligible players to declare is Jan. 15, 2009, and both players said they will explore plenty of resources before they come to a decision.

“I haven’t really been thinking about it,” Powers said. “A lot of people have been asking me about it, but that’s a sort of a situation that after the Alabama game, I’ll go to the coaches and talk to them about it, see what’s the best opportunity and what the best situation is.”

Marks said he will put all his trust in head coach Tommy Tuberville and defensive tackles coach Don Dunn.

“I’ve thought about it. But I always think that I’m not good enough. I always think I’m not good enough to be that person in that spot,” Marks said. “Before the season even started, Coach Tub told me, if it’s time to go and you’re guaranteed a high pick, then he’ll let me know that it’s time to go.”

Walking wounded
Tuberville said Monday at his weekly press conference that several players, both on offense and defense, are scheduled to have surgery of some sorts the week after the Iron Bowl.

“It’s been that kind of season,” Tuberville said.

Tuberville wouldn’t discuss specific players, but said a win Saturday, which would make Auburn bowl-eligible, could further postpone those surgeries.

“Some are minor injuries and some aren’t,” Tuberville said. “We’ll discuss that next week after this game’s over.”

Tray wants to play
Since Tray Blackmon had season-ending surgery on his wrist, rumors have swirled that Blackmon’s status with the team going into next season is 50-50 at best.

Tuberville said recently that Blackmon had picked up a part-time job to help support his children and had an open invitation to return for next season.

Marks, who lives with Blackmon, said Monday that the junior linebacker just recently had his cast removed and was already thinking about suiting up next season.

“He can’t wait to come back next year. He’s doing real good,” Marks said. “It’s not like he’s down about himself or he’s throwing everything away because he couldn’t play one year.

“He’s ready to come back.”

Don’t bite me
Powers said Monday that his favorite Iron Bowl memory came last year, when he intercepted a pass against D.J. Hall in the end zone during the first half of Auburn’s 17-10 win.

But it’s probably not the moment that will stick in his teammates’ and fans’ heads.

“I’m pretty sure people don’t remember that,” Powers said, “considering the dog bit me last year.“

After successfully defending a pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter, Powers swung his arms, mimicking a referee’s call for an incomplete pass, and was bitten on the left hand by a police dog.

Powers said he will be on the lookout for surly dogs before Saturday’s kickoff.

“I’m going to go to the officers around the stadium and ask them about it,” Powers said. “I don’t want a repeat of that. That was a crazy situation.”

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