Will Auburn Capture The National Championship Of Recruiting?

For two consecutive years, Nick Saban, along with his staff, solidified their ability to recruit by taking first place in the recruiting wars of college football. Two years ago, worrying was prevalent when Auburn fans contemplated the consequences of Alabama's number one class versus Tommy Tuberville's class ranked twentieth. Looking back with hindsight, Tuberville's 2008 class actually finished somewhere between 27 and 35 because its two five star recruits, Raven Gray and Jermaine Johnson, never played a down on Pat Dye Field. Despite having very little time, Gene Chizik put together a great recruiting class in 2009 with a rank of nineteenth. But, once again, Alabama finished at the top. Although the two recruiting seasons appeared similar on paper, a change had taken place and it was felt nation wide by Auburn fans, college football analysts, and most importantly, by future recruits. Instead of drooping their heads in worrisome despair, Auburn fans recognized and applauded the efforts of Gene Chizik and his staff, and the results that were attained. The difference between the recruiting classes of 2008 and 2009 were not much different on paper for the Auburn Tigers; however, a change in attitude had taken place and it was clear that Gene Chizik and his staff were on a mission to establish Auburn as a major player in the recruitment process from that day forward.

That change is now evident and it is quite clear that Gene Chizik and his coaching staff are accomplishing their goals. Because Auburn is a great school with an excellent football program, it is not difficult for the Auburn coaches to win the hearts and minds of high school seniors and junior college prospects. Auburn was a great school with an excellent football program when other coaches had the reins; so what has changed? People want to be a part of something positive. Time and time again after committing to Auburn a recruit will say they chose Auburn because of the coaches and because it feels like family. Gene Chizik and his coaching staff have created and are creating a very positive atmosphere. Highly ranked football prospects want to be a part of the positive atmosphere.

When a coaching change took place in December 2008, an attitude change took place as well. Will this change bring a Recruiting National Championship to Auburn for 2010? It appears very likely but no one can say for certain. Auburn definitely has a chance to finish with more five star players than any other team in college football, or at least wind up in a tie. Marcus Lattimore looks more and more like an Auburn commitment with each passing day and there is word that he will take an unofficial visit to Auburn this weekend. Also, five star wide receiver, Markeith Ambles, may be interested in the Tigers, as there is news that he will visit the plains on the last weekend before signing day. One thing is for sure, the Crimson Tide are going all in for Ambles but if Auburn brings him into the fold, it will certainly enhance the recruiting picture for Auburn for years to come. Last year, a player of his caliber would not have picked Auburn over Alabama but as Bob Dylan once sang, "time are a changing," and this year, things are a lot different and Auburn is a handsome choice for quality players wanting to make a name for themselves. Also, there is word that Clemson commit, Victor Beasley, a four star linebacker, according to ESPN, is still interested in Auburn but the main four star defensive prospects left on the table for Auburn are Jeffrey Whitaker, Byran Jones, Michael Thornton and Corey Lemonier. There are few and precious scholarships still available for 2010. As a result, Auburn may sign over the limit with the anticipation that one or two will not qualify academically. To reach the top spot and win the coveted National Championship of Recruiting, Auburn will need to land commitments from Marcus Lattimore, Markeith Ambles and at least two of the four star defensive prospects. Two years ago, Auburn fans were in despair over Alabama's success with recruiting. At that time, Auburn fans wondered what would happen to their beloved Tigers in the coming years being that Alabama was scooping up all of the good recruits. My how the tide has turned; no pun intended. If Auburn doesn't wind up with the top spot, they still have a chance at finishing in the top three and that is cause to worry, but not for Auburn fans!