Recruting is recruting is recruiting...

foster could be poster child for college recruiting...

saga is the only word to describe what happened to bama's latest five star player

     I was really pumped up to watch Reuben Foster commit to Alabama again.  As we all know this was his second time to commit to the Tide. He took a mulligan on his first decision and decided to go to Auburn. Alabama fans were irate.  Auburn was a bunch of no good thieves. A lot of Tide fans then threw Foster under the bus. He was considered to be a traitor. Then he became a nut case. And, of course, he was vastly overrated. Some claimed that Alabama really didn't even want him. You know who you are.

      I have to admit to being upset about the whole thing as well. But having been involved in college basketball recruiting gave me a little insight into a few things. First, recruiting a great football player is child's play compared to getting a five star basketball player. Second, we all tend to forget what it is like to be the age of these recruits and immaturity. There is nothing wrong with Reuben Foster today or yesterday. There was nothing wrong with him when he decided he really wanted to go to Auburn. Foster looks like a man. But he is not quite ready to throw off the benefits of childhood. Someone once said that being a teenager was the desire to have the benefits of being an adult but the responsibilities of a child. In Foster's world it also involves keeping a child alive and well. I know a lot of sure enough adults that can't do that to this day. Foster, like a lot of recruits is a man-child. He can run like a lion, but chase catnip like a kitten. He's right where he is supposed to be for his current age group. I hope we can all remember that.

     I've seen this played out a hundred times. High school star become the center of attention and public ridicule at the same time. When two masters want you to serve them you will always be one or other. Here's a young man who likes to please people around him. He made promises that his heart dictated. He probably was very sincere when announcing for Bama and then Auburn. What I really liked hearing was Fosters' statement that he  was making a business decision. Business decisions are things adults are forced to do. Bama's latest recruit took a big step toward adulthood last night. Just because he said Bama at the right time doesn't make what he did the reason why his decision was so good. But what was the basis of that decision was, in fact, very good. He did what was best for himself (for a change) and his daughter. Despite all the blind alleys and curves this kid faced in his recruitment he ended up making an adult decision. He did so under a lot of public scrutiny and finger pointing. In the end he stepped up to the camera, looked us square in the eyes, and let us know this was his decision and why. He apologized to those who might have hurt, and then moved on with his life. I suspect we are getting a really good person as well as player for the Capstone. Welcome home, Reuben. We all endure something of a saga to end up where we want to be. You just figured out quicker than most.

p.s. Keep the tattoo as a souvenir of your journey