It will go in cycles most likely. Saban has a lot of buzz right now, and it's hard to recruit against buzz. At some point during this season, that buzz will likely go away. It may be too late to do a lot of recruiting in Mobile this year, but I don't think we can say he's locked it up long term. There's still a couple Mobile area guys we may yet land. The #1 of course being Julio Jones. If we can pull him out, it will make losing out on the other ones worth it. The kid is the most impressive Alabama skill-position recruit since Cadillac Williams. The other one is Glenn Harbin, the DE. Saban's already gotten commitments from about half-a-dozen defensive ends. If he's smart, Harbin will look elsewhere (or maybe he doesn't have an offer anymore). Harbin was probably someone Bama would take if he'd have committed before those other guys, but those guys just got in line first. I understand he is not a "take" for us at this point because we have a couple higher rated players at that position we're waiting on, but if guys like Ageyere (sp?) don't come here, he may get in position to get a commitable offer from us. Otherwise, I suppose he'll probably go to Auburn.
Barron was always a Bama guy. But lets see if you can steal DJ Fluker next year... Hes a big ole boy. :wink:
As for Mobile: Mobile has always been a huge Bama area. Its not like some border towns where their is a lot of diversity, its mainly Alabama and Auburn with LSU and Ole Miss in there too. Lately, the Prichard schools have been going to Auburn but that seems to be changing. As Potted Plant mentioned, everything is cyclical. It all depends on what is the "cool school" at the time and if they have friends there. Having Chevis, Phelon, and Sidell makes a big difference. We should all thank Jamarcus for coming here, he changed the way Mobile recruits think. However, Bama broke in and got a few, though St. Pauls is a HUGE Bama school. I expect them to be the "it" school for a while until some top player starts another trend, like Jamarcus.
It hasn't been for the last decade. For some reason, and I don't know why, starting with DuBose the concentration on Mobile guys hasn't been there. Auburn has done well (I won't go into the reports I've received on why) and so have you guys. I was happy to see Saban get involved with coaching camps and fund raisers down there...it'll pay off in the long run.
Mobile is a natural area for LSU to recruit because LSU is actually closer to Mobile than Auburn or Tuscaloosa are. As for Barron, we were never really in it with him from what I understand. I still say, "Watch out of Julio." I don't have any inside information, but this kid is playing everything VERY tight right now and I know we're trying hard with him.
Julio actually plays against Barron this week. As for the distance, not a big factor. I live in the middle of Mobile next to the Interstate. 198 miles to Bama and 200 to LSU. Bama just takes longer to get to because you have to go through every town that can fit the word Thomas into it.
