Tiger coaches are "on the prowl"

If you were waiting for a sign of desperation on the Plains, it has finally come.

We are in the midst of the Spring Evaluation period for NCAA football recruiting. That means that nearly every college football coach in the nation is out meeting with high school coaches and watching future prospects. This is the time where coaches really determine what players fit their system and who is worthy of their resources during the season. These two months may be arguably the most important in the recruiting process as relationships are formed with players and coaches that will help schools land a top class in February of 2010.

The Auburn University football coaches have realized the significance of this period and are now showing the state of Alabama and the rest of the SEC that they are serious about recruiting. Gone are the days where Tommy Tuberville went duck hunting instead of recruiting. Gene Chizik has decided to lease a LIMOSUINE to ride throughout the state and their recruiting trail.

Yes, you heard that right. Coach has rented a limo! Oh boy! We are back! The sheer fact that he rented a limosuine is funny in itself, but I am more focused on the image that this displays of the status of Auburn football.

Rental cars are no longer good enough for Auburn, nope, we need to ride "in style."

To me, this exhibits that Auburn is still not ready to challenge Nick Saban and the colossial program that he is building in Tuscaloosa. Saban doesn't need a limo when he goes to evaluate kids. He could show up on a bigwheel, and 5 stars would be committing on the spot.

This is the perception that Auburn coaches are creating. "Well, we know we won't ever be able to measure up. So, let's try as best as we can to distance ourselves from programs that are in our atmosphere, such as Miss St. and Arkansas."

The problem is that the limo is going to distance the Auburn program, it is going to set it back in terms of how other college programs feel about them. No one is worried anymore. Last year, people would say, oh they will be back to where they were a few years ago. Folks, with stuff like this, that's not going to happen.

Picture this. You are a high school five-star recruit. Three coaches show up at your school.

Urban Meyer comes in. Shows you his two national championship rings. Talks about how you fit in their system, and you could be the next Tim Tebow or Percy Harvin. You can play in front of 90,000 fans in one of the most intimidating atmospheres in the SEC. Chomp, Chomp.

Nick Saban shows up. Displays his national championship ring. Gives you a copy of the book that he has written. Tells you that he is building the next powerhouse in Tuscaloosa. You can play in front of 101,000 fans next year. We have the best workout facility in the country, and the most loyal, rabid fanbase year-round. Oh, yeah, and you will be working against Julio Jones everyday in practice to improve your game. 36-0.

And then Gene Chizik shows up in a limosuine with Auburn flags and stickers attached. He punches the horn as he sees you at the field, and the limo blares the tune, "Dixie." He tells you that despite his 5-19 record as a head coach, things are looking up. Yeah, they only have half of the fans that Alabama has, but things are looking up. Yeah, our program just fired the most successful coach in the history of the school and hired me, but things are looking up. Even though we still play second fiddle to Alabama after beating them 7 out of 8 years, we now have this LIMO! Look at how cool it is. There are cup holders in the back. Go on, put a cup in there, and watch it hold. It also plays disco music at night-time.

Sorry, Auburn fans. You can justify this as much as you like, but if it was Alabama doing it, you would be laughing your heads off. I promise you that the majority of college football fans are now laughing at you, instead of laughing with you. If you don't believe that, consider the fact you are the first and last program that will ever lease a limosuine to impress recruits. Good luck, next year.