The CheckerBoard

More like 3 and out. Guy is that good and probably wont be a safety at the college level. Will more than likely move to CB.

I agree. If you go back and read Bell's past quotes and watch his videos you will notice that he describes Saban as "all about his business". Nobody really says Saban is a relationship guy, he wins games and puts players in the NFL. Those last two will be hard to overcome, obviously, but if Bell is looking for the "college experience" then he will want UT if CBJ can convince him winning is right around the corner. I don't know where he will end up, but at least he has done his due diligence to find the right place for him. Best of luck to Bell on his future and if he doesn't pick UT then I hope he picks OSU.

Vol in the end...2 yeara to play with Jaques Smith and 1 before the NFL draft to be the next Eric Berry.

The comment in the article about Bell's emphasis on his relationship with the coaching staff is interesting to me. Which way does it cut for us? On the one hand, if i were to compare the personalities of Jones, Meyer and Saban, i would say that Jones would be the more relationship friendly, but that's just based on seeing all three of these coaches in interviews and press conferences. I've never sat in a living room with them while they tried to recruit me. Given Saban and Meyer's success in recruiting, you would have to believe they come across more accessible in the living room setting than they do on TV.

The other part of the relationship equation, though, is the "stability" factor. I mean, what good does it do to have a fabulous relationship with your coach if there's a chance he wont be there that long. At first blush, i might be inclined to say that this does not favor us, but thinking about it for just a bit, im not so sure. First, it's not like Urby is a 30 year coach at OSU..and he seems to get a bit antsy after a certain period of time at each of his coaching stops. Now, i doubt he's leaving OSU in the next couple of years, but he doesnt have the greatest track record for long tenures at any of the places he has been..Granted, he's an Ohio native, and maybe this is his dream job, but history is not on his side for staying an extended period in Columbus.. Same can be said for Saban, and with all the rumors out there about his NFL prospects, does a recruit wonder how much longer he will be at Bama?

CBJ, on the other hand, JUST got hired. He's clearly not going anywhere in the very near future. Dooley got several years to turn the program around and you figure Jones will get at LEAST that long. So, maybe the stability deal doesnt work against us as much..assuming recruits go through this same kind of analysis. Whats more, as i've said in other threads, i truly believe this is the BEST time for Jones to land big recruits. Why? He has NO track record in the SEC to run against. As of right now, he can continue to say "4 conference championships in 6 seasons.." So, his track record NOW is probably as good as it is going to get for at least the near term, since i dont see any conference championships in our immediate future.

Finally, if Bell is truly a vol fan, which seems to be an uncontested point, i have to think that is a factor. I cant speak for anyone else, but i, as a VFL, would find it impossible to suit up in any other color but orange. Maybe it's different being a 5 star recruit, but i still believe, if Bell is truly a fan, he has gone to games and imagined himself running through the "T", with 100,000 plus cheering him on clad in his orange and white.. So, im going to be optimistic, that when Bell makes his decision, it's one that will be rung in by a chorus of "Rockytop"..

It's undoubtedly true what you say..I guess looking at it objectively AND subjectively, though, i can say if recruits are committing to a school because of a position coach, given the environment in college football and the turnover in staffs, that's pretty short sighted. Not saying it doesnt happen all the time, but it's still a bit myopic in my view.

As for being a Vol fan, i can say (SUBjectively) there are not enough dollars in the world to ever make me wear crimson and white. Those are colors you wear after you have lost a bet..But (OBjectively), the Vols have put a ton of players in the NFL who are doing very well for themselves...In fact, i think UT may have more players on NFL rosters than Alabama (though i know these numbers are constantly changing)..in any event, historically, UT has proven to be a hot bed for NFL talent..

+1 Frosty and Bgos

I think something to remember is Saban is a DB coach, so going to Bama as a DB means you are getting taught by the best in the business who will be there until he leaves. Saban has had years to form a relationship with him as well, which makes this especially tough IMO.

That being said, his decision not to commit yet and to give UT a chance means we have a decent shot IMO.

Reading between the lines of what daddy Bell said, I think perhaps, you are right. Some minds may have to be changed in the Bell house for UT to land Bell. If Jones & Co. can swing this deal it will be big for the UT FB program.

I have that sense too. This weekend will help us a lot. There is also this. I believe that uncommitted recruits schedule their last visits at the schools they prefer. This is not always true, but I think it is more often than not. Maybe--and I admit that I am grasping for some sign of hope--this is why UT gets the last OV with Bell. I am very glad that this staff gets the last weekend to present the opportunity and share the message.

And I might hate it, but I cannot blame a young man for choosing Bama. They are in the middle of an epic run. Looking forward to when CBJ leads UT through ours. Vols!!

I would say Bama has the advantage, but kudos to CBJ and staff for going all out to recruit this young man. That effort ensures to me that this staff will leave no stone un-turned and even if he doesn't choose UT, no one can say we didn't try.

sorry but that is where you are wrong...if hes not a vol....he will be at Ohio st