Recruiting year in general

[aubiescottie 1]

I was one of the first people to say we have to be careful this year and CANNOT have a repeat of last year and frankly, I was worried. I didn't think the sky was falling or anything like that, but definitely concerned. Going into last years recruiting year, I said the 2008 class was not critical but 2009 probably would be and that has come to fruition. One semi-down year is passable, but you CANNOT have 2 downs in a row. That being said, I love where we are sitting and where we are going:

While there's a long way to go, we already have 9 commits. Through the end of JUNE last year, we had 3. For the 2007 class, through the end of June we had 7. Even more importantly, we have 4 from Alabama, including 2 right in their backyard of Bessemer. (They'll tell us they weren't interested in them anyway but we all know the truth) Also we have a big time QB from Mobile, and we all know about last years debacle in that area.

Best thing is, these 9 recruits will recruit for us at the camps this summer: the old snowball effect. Commits can be the best recruiters out there.

And can we get a commit list sticky please?

[Hoopie 6]

Scottie...I agree that we've got good number of quality recruits so far and that those guys can help build recruiting momentum. It is a long recruiting season. If these good results continue we will certainly do well. As I mentioned in another thread, If Scout.com is indicating an accurate picture, I am a little concerned with the direction/priority of some the recruiting.

[PChamp119 96]

What is with all the commitments this year? Is Tuberville trying to satisfy the fans / media by going after higher named recruits and to get them to commit earlier so that there is less pressure off his back in January? Is he going away from his traditional "finding talent that fits our system" and making visits at the end of the recruiting trail to satisfy others? I realize he hasn't made many in-house visits yet, but I'm trying to figure out what is causing the sudden number of commitments to be so high so early this year

[aubiescottie 1]

What is with all the commitments this year? Is Tuberville trying to satisfy the fans / media by going after higher named recruits and to get them to commit earlier so that there is less pressure off his back in January? Is he going away from his traditional "finding talent that fits our system" and making visits at the end of the recruiting trail to satisfy others? I realize he hasn't made many in-house visits yet, but I'm trying to figure out what is causing the sudden number of commitments to be so high so early this year

I think there's 2 reasons:

1. Kids are just committing earlier in general, and I really don't think the commitments are as strong as they used to be.

2. It seems like Saban used the old, "who was there for you first" pitch that obviously worked. UGA also seems to be offering earlier and eariler. Read one post/article that said they have very few offers left to give, if any. Tubberville has always been characterized as a closer, but it didn't work out as well last year, so he's just adapting with the times.

[bigsixfive 341]

Don't look too much into it. You're essentially trying to figure out the unstable mind of a male teenager. Plus, no one has signed anything yet.

My simple answer is we simply didn't need much last year. This year, that's not the case - we've got some needs in the next year or two that need to be met. Couple that with a possible style difference between Franklin/Rhodes and Borges/Muschamp, and we've got a few early "commits".

[The Prowler 1]

Is he going away from his traditional "finding talent that fits our system"

PC, Every player that has committed or we're going after...fits out system.

[SouthLink02 8]

What is with all the commitments this year? Is Tuberville trying to satisfy the fans / media by going after higher named recruits and to get them to commit earlier so that there is less pressure off his back in January? Is he going away from his traditional "finding talent that fits our system" and making visits at the end of the recruiting trail to satisfy others? I realize he hasn't made many in-house visits yet, but I'm trying to figure out what is causing the sudden number of commitments to be so high so early this year

Because getting commitments earlier and earlier is becoming the new "thing" in recruiting.

Schools are recruiting earlier and getting commitments earlier. Richt has been doing this for a few years now as have Texas and numerous other schools.

Some may be worried about them committing TOO EARLY and thus pulling back come signing day but that really hasn't happened that much in my experience dealing with early commitments. Sure you may have 2-3 tops but the high, high majority keep their commitments.

I think it is a huge plus for AU and it shows Tubs is just working harder at it....Saban is pushing him

[PChamp119 96]

Oh, I'm not complaining by any means. It's just that it is a complete 180 from what we are used to

[autiger4life 3]

If anything I would say Tubs is just excited about new skill players that he traditionally would not be able to get as easily.

To say that Saban has anything to do with it is ridiculous. Someone gets first every year, and every year it is development and coaching that makes the difference.

Not to mention each player always says it is the assistant who has the biggest impact, not the HC.

[OldNewby 27]

Oh, I'm not complaining by any means. It's just that it is a complete 180 from what we are used to

Seems like our offensive philosophy is a complete 180 from the past also. If more players are involved in CTF's offense, maybe more recruits like the opportuniy factor at AU, and both parties are willing to commit to one another earlier.