It is about equal. Both Saban and Miles pretty much locked down the state but Saban had more consistent years of LA talent with not much need to go out-of-state for prospects. Saban went outside our borders and got who he needed though when LA did not have the athletes we needed. Miles had a few years of weaker in-state talent to deal with and found himself in a position where he had to go out-of-state even more than when Saban was here. Miles has done a great job at snagging the talent outside of our borders but the next few years there will not be as big of a need to do so with the depth within the LA borders. Therefore, they both did what they had to do to get the talent here given their specific situation with very similar results.
To me, the most impressive thing about Miles' recruiting is the fact that he finished with a top five recruiting class the year of Katrina. That year, most of the in state prospects were, like me, refugees and no one really knew where they fled to. Cell phones in the coastal area codes were non functional for months. People had new phone numbers and addresses....in just about every state in the union. And Miles finished with a top five recruiting class....despite the total chaos that ruled our post Katrina lives. No coach in the history of college football, except Marshall University, had to deal with those type of circumstances. So all of you Saban knob slobberers that want to give Miles no credit for recruiting....just keep on slobbering...:tigereye:.
The reason I give the edge to Miles, and it isn't a significant one, in terms of recruiting is because of his personality. He's going to be able to relate to more parents and players than I think Nick does. You're right though in that each did a lockdown job on Louisiana and essentially accomplished what they needed to. No argument from me there, I just think that Miles opens himself up to more of a variety of players to recruit. It's a poor example now, but Perrilloux didn't want to play for Saban. We'll see though, how things continue to play out will ultimately be the true judge. Anyway, I believe Saban has acquired a better staff to develop the players. Obviously the head coach doesn't coach up each position, but once Dunbar returned to the NFL we've really seen the DL for example decline rapidly. We've had a lot of turnover in our staff, and I think all Les needs to do is acquire the right assistants. I have high hopes for year two under Chavis and Cooper on defense. Concerned about Crowton still, but Billy Gonzales could be a remedy.
With Perrilloux's sense of entitlement, I can see where playing for a Saban type coach would create some pause. The on field traits that get's discussed so much is not the personality these kids are seeing on recruiting trips. The press has said many times that Saban's very engaging and has a good sense of humor. They have of course mentioned his personality is multifaceted. The players are quick to qualify all that stuff anyway. Tell you the truth it's hard to bring up Les Miles and recruiting. Considering the controversy of the past two seasons, he hasn't skipped a beat. Players aren't flinching in their desire to play at LSU. Nationally, I'm seeing him recruit a consistent top 5 team. That's why I'm somewhat surprised only two players have been singled out for all SEC. The All- freshman team, I don't remember LSU having a player on it. Meyer's has the more fertile soil and Miles doesn't have to fight Auburn for recruits but I think Saban has the better eye for the football player. I know, I know, I 'm highly prejudice. All three can recruit.
All three can recruit....and the fact that all three can; makes all three better at recruiting. The best players in the nation want to play on the SEC stage. If there were four great recruiters...It'd be even better.
