Josh Moon has no paranoia of stairs

[Saniflush]

Chizik's classiness shows up Saban

Auburn did not win re cruiting on Wednesday.

Not in the nation. Not even in this state.

The Tigers did, however, win the high road.

In a move that has the potential to be a game changer for recruiting in this state and in the SEC, Auburn presented its 20 football signees in the 2012 class with four-year scholarships, instead of the standard one-year deals.

Basically, AU promised that if these 20 student-athletes will maintain the minimum required grade point average and stay out of trouble, they will have a scholarship at Auburn for the next four years.

They won't be cut because they slip down the depth chart.

They won't be processed out of the program because a better, younger player comes along.

Instead, Auburn is going to act less like a football factory and more like an institution of higher learning.

That's a problem for some colleges. Particularly the one that resides in Tuscaloosa.

The one whose coach couldn't even make it to National Signing Day before processing out two players.

Nick Saban, college football's king of oversigning, medical redshirting, greyshirting and roster manipulation, turned in one of his all-time worst performances this year. Thanks to a new rule from the SEC that capped signing classes at 25 -- Alabama signed 26, so obviously the rule's working great -- Saban was even more pressed than usual.

Bad news for Darius Philon.

After already jerking an offer within the last month to Georgia running back Justin Taylor -- who ended up signing with Kentucky on Wednesday -- Alabama yanked a scholarship offer from Philon within the last week, and possibly as late as Wednesday morning.

(It's unclear when the offer was yanked because Philon, who was visibly upset, refused to speak with the media. His coach, Kerry Stevenson, who should have been outraged over one of his players being jerked around like that, instead said he wasn't sure when the offer was pulled and blamed the SEC's new rule for putting UA in "a bind." Thanks for looking out, coach.)

Philon had been committed to Alabama since September and even wore a UA hat to his Signing Day ceremony at Vigor on Wednesday. But when it came time to sign, the three-star-rated defensive lineman quietly left the stage without signing a national letter of intent.

Why?

Because a couple of highly rated players decided to switch their college choice to Alabama.

That left Nick Saban with a dilemma: Take the highly rated guys or honor your commitment to Philon, who has been so committed to UA that he refused to even take another recruiting visit.

We all know Saban's choice. We could've guessed it before he made it.

Philon later that day signed with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Honestly, taking the high road from Saban is the easiest win Gene Chizik will ever get. It's like winning a Good Ideas for Space Exploration Contest over Newt Gingrich.

And that's what makes Auburn's decision to offer four-year scholarships so brilliant.

It takes advantage of Saban's one glaring weakness -- his ruthlessness.

For years, Saban has treated college football like a cutthroat business. He's skirted recruiting rules, danced around scholarship limitations and been surrounded by more career ending injuries to third-string players than any coach in the history of organized athletics.

The NCAA and SEC have passed legislation to slow him down.

But the effectiveness of those rules will pale in comparison to the effectiveness of parents choosing Auburn over Alabama because they feel a bit more like the AU coaching staff has their child's best interest in mind, that it's not completely about the Ws.

Saban was asked about offering four-year scholarships to Alabama players. He refused to comment on it specifically, but did say he felt the practice caused many legal problems back when four-year deals were the norm decades ago.

But it doesn't really matter if he does start offering them. Because even that changes his MO and drastically limits his ability to oversign without the threat of a lawsuit.

That's a problem for Alabama.

And it's a big win for Auburn and the rest of the SEC.

After the last month of college football, it's obvious that they needed one.

[djsimp]

Oh shit, Josh Moon wrote that? Did someone hack his account? Has he been possessed by an alien encounter? Someone check this mf'rs pulse because he is apparently outside his body.

[Buzz Killington]

Honestly, taking the high road from Saban is the easiest win Gene Chizik will ever get. It's like winning a Good Ideas for Space Exploration Contest over Newt Gingrich.

I LOL'ed my shorts reading this.

[GH2001]

Amen.

He's 100% correct.

[RWS]

And what sucks is one of those recruiting visits Philon refused to go on was Auburn. Then he went to an Alabama camp the same week AU had wanted him to come up there, so AU told him to suck it.

Alabama straight up fucked this kid, and it's embarassing.

[GH2001]

And what sucks is one of those recruiting visits Philon refused to go on was Auburn. Then he went to an Alabama camp the same week AU had wanted him to come up there, so AU told him to suck it.

Alabama straight up fucked this kid, and it's embarassing.

At least you are being objective for once. Maybe there is hope for you in the non goat world.

[AUChizad]

Link:
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20120202/SPORTS04/202020351/Commentary-Chizik-s-classiness-shows-up-Saban

[War Eagle!!!]

Very nice article.

If more people in the media would write more shit like this, things around the state would be different. The problem is, 95% of the media will blame the NCAA, the SEC or the recruits and nothing will ever change. The Alabama fans that don't eat and drink this shit probably don't realize what is going on and the god damn media is too scared to ever say anything...

[Kaos]

Link:
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20120202/SPORTS04/202020351/Commentary-Chizik-s-classiness-shows-up-Saban

Holy shit.  The comments are so typical. 

>  This is Mike Slive's fault, not Saban's.

> Kid has an attitude. Showed it yesterday.  Bama doesn't want that.

> Auburn does it too.

> Hey Josh, got any updates on the "Felony Four" or why Dyer REALLY left?

> Josh is the ultimate Barn homer and HATES Alabama

> This is the way the football world will be in the state for a while. Auburn's worst nightmare, Alabama on top of the football world and Auburn back to being who they have always been.

> Players can change minds, what's wrong with coaches doing it?

> "Bammer" is putting some major league butt-hurt on all of you, and you are howling like school girls. Check and see how many guys reverend Chizik has processed out since his arrival.

> Already making excuses for the next 50+ years without another National Championship.....


You know that movie Chizad put out there as mine?  I'd shoot every single one of these motherfuckers.  Some of them twice. 

[Godfather]

Chizik doesn't want to win football games.

[AUChizad]

Holy shit.  The comments are so typical. 

>  This is Mike Slive's fault, not Saban's.

> Kid has an attitude. Showed it yesterday.  Bama doesn't want that.

> Auburn does it too.

> Hey Josh, got any updates on the "Felony Four" or why Dyer REALLY left?

> Josh is the ultimate Barn homer and HATES Alabama

> This is the way the football world will be in the state for a while. Auburn's worst nightmare, Alabama on top of the football world and Auburn back to being who they have always been.

> Players can change minds, what's wrong with coaches doing it?

> "Bammer" is putting some major league butt-hurt on all of you, and you are howling like school girls. Check and see how many guys reverend Chizik has processed out since his arrival.

> Already making excuses for the next 50+ years without another National Championship.....


You know that movie Chizad put out there as mine?  I'd shoot every single one of these motherfuckers.  Some of them twice.

As predictable as the sun rising.

As mentioned, anyone says anything remotely critical of Saban, and they're Barner shills. Bammers start threatening to cancel their subscriptions, etc. "PAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWL. You believe the nerve 'a 'is guy?"

What's extra sad is the national media swings from his nuts too. It's amazing that he can go on ESPN yesterday and bitch about how when a kid makes a commitment, he expects them to honor it, as he is simultaneously pulling this shit, and no one in the media says "Wait...what the fuck did you just say? Are you being serious, you hypocritical fucking asshole?"

[Townhallsavoy]

I bet Finebaum ignores it.  And like I said in a different thread - once Alabama starts winning, no one will care. 

[JR4AU]

Kerry Stevenson, who should have been outraged over one of his players being jerked around like that, instead said he wasn't sure when the offer was pulled and blamed the SEC's new rule for putting UA in "a bind." Thanks for looking out, coach.)

  This is Mike Slive's fault, not Saban's.

What is it that's not understood about this NLOI is not "Grant In Aid".  I don't care if you have 50 NLOI's on NSD, come August, only a MAX OF 25 can sign a Grant in Aid to play football.  That's if 25 won't put you over the hard cap of 85.  I'd be surprised if bammer doesn't have more than 60 scholarship players on their roster at this time.  So, guess what?   That means even more "processing" is to come if they do have more than 60.   

Bottom line, if you're a commit in a class of more than 25, you better know where you stand in the pecking order, because someone's getting fucked. 

I got no problem with greyshirting, IF the kid is told that from the very beginning, or in a reasonable time prior to signing day.  "Processing" a player on signing day, then blaming the SEC?  Fuck Saban!  Fucking asshole.  I don't see how he does it.  He must be like Clinton and have two distinct personalities.  But this is the thing...if you're a 3 star croot, and you commit to bammer, especially early, you do so at your own peril.  When will these players and their families or mentors catch on to his bullshit?

[War Eagle!!!]

Holy shit.  The comments are so typical. 

>  This is Mike Slive's fault, not Saban's.

> Kid has an attitude. Showed it yesterday.  Bama doesn't want that.

> Auburn does it too.

> Hey Josh, got any updates on the "Felony Four" or why Dyer REALLY left?

> Josh is the ultimate Barn homer and HATES Alabama

> This is the way the football world will be in the state for a while. Auburn's worst nightmare, Alabama on top of the football world and Auburn back to being who they have always been.

> Players can change minds, what's wrong with coaches doing it?

> "Bammer" is putting some major league butt-hurt on all of you, and you are howling like school girls. Check and see how many guys reverend Chizik has processed out since his arrival.

> Already making excuses for the next 50+ years without another National Championship.....


You know that movie Chizad put out there as mine?  I'd shoot every single one of these motherfuckers.  Some of them twice.

I didn't even read those before I posted...

[Snaggletiger]

The comment about Chizik "processing" players got me thinking.  Have there been any players who have been, what we're truly defining as processed?  I'm asking because I really can't recall.  We have certainly had some players leave for various reasons.  Players like, Rozelle Gayden (sp?), Aubrey Phillips and..did Ed Christian leave?  My understanding was there were persistent injury problems and they decided to give up football.  Of course the Felony 4 go without saying.  They what?  Oh, they're so gone.

Nobody with AU has ever publically come out and said what happened to make Auburn and Dyer part ways.  Lot's of rumors but I think logic tells you "processing" is not what happens when one of the best backs in the nation leaves. I also recall a DB from south Florida, forget his name, and a couple others being booted but I seem to remember them being discipline problems of some sort.

I'm not saying Chizik doesn't have a history of it, just don't recall specific instances of a player being moved out because it didn't look like they were all that and a bag of chips, or they found someone better.  Tuberville definitely did it a coupleof times in his first 2 seasons.  He was pretty open about it and said he'd release the kids and help them get on somewhere else if need be.  Am I looking through Chizzy orange glasses or has he really not done much of teh processes?

[JR4AU]

The comment about Chizik "processing" players got me thinking.  Have there been any players who have been, what we're truly defining as processed?  I'm asking because I really can't recall.  We have certainly had some players leave for various reasons.  Players like, Rozelle Gayden (sp?), Aubrey Phillips and..did Ed Christian leave?  My understanding was there were persistent injury problems and they decided to give up football.  Of course the Felony 4 go without saying.  They what?  Oh, they're so gone.

Nobody with AU has ever publically come out and said what happened to make Auburn and Dyer part ways.  Lot's of rumors but I think logic tells you "processing" is not what happens when one of the best backs in the nation leaves. I also recall a DB from south Florida, forget his name, and a couple others being booted but I seem to remember them being discipline problems of some sort.

I'm not saying Chizik doesn't have a history of it, just don't recall specific instances of a player being moved out because it didn't look like they were all that and a bag of chips, or they found someone better.  Tuberville definitely did it a coupleof times in his first 2 seasons.  He was pretty open about it and said he'd release the kids and help them get on somewhere else if need be.  Am I looking through Chizzy orange glasses or has he really not done much of teh processes?

Processing due to discipline/attitude problems is totally acceptable.  Doing it to clear a spot on the depth chart, or to "cull" your recruiting class is Saban's way.

[Saniflush]

I have not seen Chiz do it. 
Tuberville booted some of Tot's guys when he first came in but I cannot recall the names.

[JR4AU]

I have not seen Chiz do it. 
Tuberville booted some of Tot's guys when he first came in but I cannot recall the names.

You have a handful on every team that has an attitude.  A new coaching staff comes in, first thing they do is identify these kids, and boot them, or make life so hard, they quit.  It helps you get the attention of the rest of the team, and it cuts out cancers.


But, if you, or the previous staff gave a kid a scholarship, and the only problem the kid has is he's just not good enough to play, but he wants to stick it out (Neil Caudle comes to mind), then you, IMHO, owe him at least the chance to get his education on scholarship, and be somewhere on the depth chart. 

[GH2001]

What is it that's not understood about this NLOI is not "Grant In Aid".  I don't care if you have 50 NLOI's on NSD, come August, only a MAX OF 25 can sign a Grant in Aid to play football.  That's if 25 won't put you over the hard cap of 85.  I'd be surprised if bammer doesn't have more than 60 scholarship players on their roster at this time.  So, guess what?   That means even more "processing" is to come if they do have more than 60.   

Bottom line, if you're a commit in a class of more than 25, you better know where you stand in the pecking order, because someone's getting fucked. 

I got no problem with greyshirting, IF the kid is told that from the very beginning, or in a reasonable time prior to signing day.  "Processing" a player on signing day, then blaming the SEC?  Fuck Saban!  Fucking asshole.  I don't see how he does it.  He must be like Clinton and have two distinct personalities.  But this is the thing...if you're a 3 star croot, and you commit to bammer, especially early, you do so at your own peril.  When will these players and their families or mentors catch on to his bullshit?

Philon wasn't in a class of more than 25 until the last minute. He was screwed, plain and simple. If Saban wasn't 100% on him, he shouldn't have offered him. Excuse this all you want on the player, Mike Slive, the NCAA, whatever, but this was dirty. You can win just fine without doing this to 1-2 players a year.

Plus the fact that he swayed him away from his original choice only to tell him, "no thanks" at the last minute. Philon was with us 100% and Saban went and fucked all that up for him and us. Fucking dickhead.

[Godfather]

I have not seen Chiz do it. 
Tuberville booted some of Tot's guys when he first came in but I cannot recall the names.

Robert Baker could still run a route and catch a ball dammit!