Alabama Crimson Tide

[GBJs]

Yes, all are part of the WWABC.

While I don't doubt many coaches and the fans of their universities wish there was some way to slow down The Saban, he simply uses the same rules as everyone else does. 25 per year, 85 max. I think those numbers are bullshit because if a university can afford to offer a scholarship to a deserving athlete, they should be allowed to. I do understand why though, because Boise St in theory can't afford as many scholarships as Alabama, or Auburn, etc...

The great thing about the link you posted is one of the many links embedded in the article. Select your link and you will find this one...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/w ... index.html

or I can save you the trouble... as of that January 2011 article, Auburn averages a full 2.2 more players signed per season than Alabama over THAT 5 year span... Yep. Auburn 28.8 players, Alabama 26.6...

[GBJs]

Obviously, the article was only inclusive of seasons with Saban in Tuscaloosa. Before that it was probation, and sometimes IIRC Shula had hard times finding 25 who WANTED to sign with Alabama.

As far as Auburn's blatant oversigning, I don't know what you guys are doing with them...

[Professor Tiger]

I never mentioned oversigning - i.e. signing excess players.

I only mentioned The Saban's apparent frequent use of medical hardship scholarships to get rid of excess underperforming players. Those are two different things. Far as I can tell, both practices are perfectly legal. Everybody else in the SEC would do it too if they had so many great players coming in year after year that getting rid of slightly underperforming superstars was even an option.

BTW, I drove through B'ham today and waved at the Healthsouth building. I'm not sure if AA waved back. He might still be waiting for me to apologize for quoting a WSJ article he didn't like.

[GBJs]

Well, I guess YOU didn't mention oversigning.... but that's one of the key words in the SI article you linked.

And that's surely the insnuation behind the wsj article ie... if Saban wasn't oversignng he wouldn't be "encouraging underperforming" players to leave the game and make room for up and coming blue chips.

[GBJs]

It still amazes me though that not one of the players could pass a physical. I don't know how the wsj could have missed that.

[Professor Tiger]

All I know is, if The Saban lands Derrick Henry and/or Derrick Green, then Kenyan Drake and/or T.J. Yeldon had better not get a severe case of jock itch, or they might wind up shelving library books for their tuition money.

[AlabamAlum]

That was an opinion piece by the WSJ. It was poorly researched and wholly inaccurate. Remember some of the things on Auburn by The NYT, ESPN and SN?

Again, so Saban forced the doctors to say these players were injured when they really weren't and when he didn't even have to? Scholarships are one-year renewables. All he has to do is say, "Well, bye." And, the players, save one in Zeke Knight who went to Stillman against all sanity, never played anywhere else? C'mon. Do some critical thinking.

Again, other than Kirchman, who you got? Playing players who are injured and can't pass physicals is a huge liability. Who was the AU player who was suing Hugh Nalls and Auburn for just that? Name escapes me....

[AlabamAlum]

Oh, and we may have to pass on taking Dee Liner from y'all. Heard he was arrested.

[GBJs]

Henry, very possible. I think he still signs with GA though. Often the first commit is where they really want to go. TJ has all the potential to be an excellent back. Weren't y'all recruiting him at one time?

...couldn't resist...

[AlabamAlum]

#1 LB in the nation and #3 player overall, Reuben Foster, has flipped his commitment from Alabama to Auburn.

I hate that many Alabama fans are alleging impropriety. Just like when TJ or Brent flipped to Bama, only a moron would make an accusation without more hard evidence than a 17-year-old changing his mind.

[GBJs]

We'll do fine with him, or, without him. Should be a quality player.

[AlabamAlum]

Agreed.

[Professor Tiger]

I am happy to hear that Mr. Foster has seen the light. But I won't get really excited until he signs the LOI in February. A lot can happen in 6 months. We all remember Calloway and Kouandjillo went from Bama to Auburn then back to Bama.

Peaches is probably already drawing up adoption papers for Foster.

[Professor Tiger]

Yeldon’s speech when he flipped last year:

"Over the last few weeks, I've really put a lot of time and thought into where I want to go to school and continue my football career," Yeldon said in the statement. "I am blessed to be in a situation where I have several great opportunities and I appreciate everyone involved who has helped me get to this point.

"I want to make an announcement so I can put this behind me and get to work on the things I need to do to prepare for college both athletically and academically. I am going to enroll at the University of Alabama in January.

"I have a lot of respect for Auburn, the coaches, and all of the people there, but at the end of the day I feel like the University of Alabama is the best situation and fit for me and my family. I am 100 percent confident with my final decision. I feel great about it and I'm excited to get started."

Reuben’s when he flipped today:

Over the last few weeks, I've really put a lot of thought and time into where I wanted to (continue) my football career. I am blessed that I am in the situation where I have several great opportunities, and I appreciate everyone attending this meeting.

I want to make an announcement so I can put this behind me and get on with all the work that I need to do for high school and get prepared for college, both academically and athletically.I am going to enroll at Auburn University.

I have a lot of respect for Alabama and the coaches and all the other people that are there. But at the end of the day, I felt like Auburn University is the place for me and my family and had the best situation for me and my family. I am 100 percent confident with my final decision. I feel great about my decision, and I'm excited to get started.

Hmmm. Sounds like a big middle finger to me. Maybe Reuben CAN'T flip back now. I sure hope so.

Also, the Dawgs are getting nervous that Foster might pull one of their top recruits with him:

http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/college ... fid%3d7980

In speaking to Matthews briefly this afternoon, DawgNation asked whether the Foster news would change his commitment to Georgia. Matthews hesitated, then said, “Yes.”

[AlabamAlum]

Yeah, that's Trooper.


Anyway, here is a pic of Foster and his daughter at his flip. Hope he has a good senior year of HS and has a good college career.

[Professor Tiger]

Assuming he stays, we're glad to have him.

Ever since Tubby, we've had linebackers that are fast. But UA, LSU and UGA have linebackers that are fast and big. Fast and big is better. Foster is that kind of LB.

[10ac]

A senior in highschool with a 2 year old daughter.

[AlabamAlum]

I think she's 3, and he just turned 18. So, he had her when he was 15. Too young, but it happens. Apparently, he is taking good care of her and has her in a stable environ.

[Jungle Rat]

Stepping up for his pre-ejaculation. Good to see.

[GBJs]

I think Saban may have told him to flip...word is he pulled a hamstring very badly at "The Open" last weekend in Oregon (Nike camp of some sort). That will keep Nick from having to use one of those medical hardship thingys on him in a year or two.