Yeldon’s Decision Proves Alabama’s Recruiting Battles Are Heating Up

Daphne running back T.J. Yeldon was verbally committed to Auburn since June of 2011, but announced his intentions to enroll at Alabama in January instead of cross-state rival Auburn. Yeldon is Alabama’s top running back in the 2012 class and recognized as a five-star prospect by many scouting services.

We recently profiled fellow Tide running back commit Kenyan Drake, and you could almost exchange Yeldon’s name for Drake’s and still have an accurate picture. Drake had more total yards than Yeldon, yet both eclipsed the 2,000 yard mark. The point being, Alabama went from being mildly concerned about running back depth to sitting pretty with two premier playmakers in the upcoming class. These two players are almost identical in height, weight, running style, elusiveness and play making ability.

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Yeldon’s decision has major impact on recruiting and on the rivalry between Alabama’s top two programs. It also provides insight into Yeldon’s perspective on his future prospects. Deciding to attend Auburn all but guaranteed Yeldon a starting job as a true freshman. Making a decision to attend Alabama would mean having to wait his turn, learn the offense and be patient while becoming mentally and physically prepared to carry the load of a starter.

Some high school players focus on those schools that offer immediate playing time, but it’s rare to find any player who can shoulder the load of being a starter in the SEC as a true freshman at any position. Eddie Lacy, Jalston Fowler, Dee Hart and Brent Calloway will likely be the running back rotation that Alabama leans on next year and it’s unlikely Drake or Yeldon breaks into that top group in their first year.

Without an official statement from Yeldon himself regarding his switching to the Tide after being committed to Auburn, we are left with assumptions and speculation. Without an offensive coordinator, the Auburn offense is a mystery and they have tons of questions on the offensive line. Going into a situation like that would be a risky proposition for a freshman, and learning to play running back on-the-job in the SEC isn’t the ideal situation; just ask Marcus Lattimore.

In contrast, Alabama’s absence of an offensive coordinator is a bit of a formality with Coach Saban at the helm; the offense isn’t going to change with the coordinator and whoever gets the job will mirror Saban’s philosophy of balance. The way Alabama uses running backs lowers the risk of injury and helps players remain productive throughout the season, and throughout their careers. The opportunity to play in his first year doesn’t seem to be important to Yeldon, since he chose to roll with the Tide and is obviously looking at the big picture.

Yeldon’s decision is also a statement to the rest of the in-state recruits, and solidifies Saban’s impact on the recruiting trail. The reaction from Auburn fans has predictably been one of outrage. In their minds, it’s ridiculous to think the top in-state running back would want to play for the team with a Heisman candidate at the position two out of the last three years. Alabama must have cheated to get a recruit away from their “family,” right?

Tiger fans are also convinced it is okay for them to continue to recruit former Tide running back Corey Grant, after he spent a year at the Capstone until he transferred to the Plains. It is okay for the barn coaches to do what they did to Calloway and Cyrus last year, after they were basically locked up by Tide coaches, but somehow this situation with Yeldon is totally different.

Many barners have already vowed to uncover the big conspiracy surrounding the kid’s decision and expose all the cheating by Alabama. I guess that’s easier than admitting they were just out-recruited by a staff with a much better product to offer to the players.

The drama and unpredictability that is college football recruiting is always entertaining, and Yeldon’s recruitment signifies that the season is in full swing. We will continue to update you on the remaining recruiting targets and keep an eye on the committed ones as well. With less than two months until signing day and several top prospects still considering both Alabama and Auburn there is sure to be more unexpected twists and turns, hopefully those too will end in the Tide’s favor.