There are many reasons why Bessemer, Jess Lanier linebacker Ladarius Owens should end up signing with the Auburn Tigers next February. Family connections, history, being a lifelong fan of the Tigers, and pressure to support a new staff are just a few.

There are only two reasons for him to sign with the Crimson Tide. Linebackers coach Sal Sunseri and Head Coach Nick Saban.

Owens grew up a lifelong Auburn fan as was the majority of his family. Watching the Tiger's take on Georgia, LSU, and in state rival Alabama while dreaming of playing at Jordan-Hare during football games in the back yard.

The thought of anyone in his immediate family cheering "Roll Tide" back then was unthinkable.

There was the pride in growing up knowing his Uncle James was the first African-American to ever play football at Auburn and the thought of following the legacy he set. 

Auburn's new coaching staff, headed up by Gene Chizik, is under pressure to close the talent gap with rival Alabama that has opened up in recent years. To do so they need to make sure legacy players and life long fans like Owens stay true and sign with the Tigers.

The Tigers have made Owens one of their main focuses this summer. Losing him would be a blow to both their roster and their pride.

There was hope in Auburn circles that Owens had chosen the Tigers after returning home from a brief visit down on the Plains recently and setting a date for his announcement.

That changed a few days later when he announced that instead he would wait till after the season was over. One reason he said, was to see which direction his favorite programs were headed.

The other was that despite many hours of prayer, he had been unable to gain peace about his decision.

Popular logic was that Owens was preparing to announce his commitment to Auburn. Delaying his announcement worked in the Tide's favor for now. The longer they could stretch things out, the more time they have to sell him on coming to the Capstone.

Owens has visited Tuscaloosa regularly this spring and summer. Each time he has gotten a chance to spend time with linebacker coaches Sal Sunseri and Nick Saban, the Tide has risen in his estimation.

Still, as much as the Tide would love to add him to an already talented linebacker core, he's likely the Tigers to lose. All they have to do is produce on the field this season and show that their program is headed in the right direction.

What that will take, your guess is as good as mine.  Does it take eight or nine wins for the them to be considered headed in the right direction in Owens mind?

Seven?

Who knows. 

What we do know is the Tiger's have a pressing need for linebackers. For whatever reason the Tiger's linebacker roster barely has the numbers to fill a two deep roster, if that.

Owen's would be guaranteed of significant playing time next fall if he signs with Auburn in February and still has a pulse when the 2010 season begins.

The same can't be guaranteed with Alabama. Owens would face an uphill battle to earn a spot on Alabama's depth chart as a true freshman.

With his speed he would likely be most suited to play on the outside. If he were willing to move inside though there could be a spot opening up if Rolando McClain were to opt to leave early for the NFL.

Common sense says if the Tigers have a good season and appear headed in the right direction, they should pick up a commitment from Owens shortly after the season ends. The ball is in their court.

If they struggle again this season or have an average year and suffer another embarrassing blowout to Alabama, Owen's family may yet have to learn to learn to say "Roll Tide".