By Darrell Puckett
It’s sometimes funny to think of college football recruiting. Are we as fans of a specific team going to let a kid that doesn’t attend our school ruin the day? I’ve struggled with this thought of spending so much time delved into recruiting. Does it take away from the enjoyment of everyday life, or add to it? Many people love watching and analyzing their favorite team’s recruiting class, so what’s the big deal?
The most important concept is that of maturity. Are you as a fan mature enough to avoid getting on social media and blast a specific recruit because he doesn’t attend your school? National Signing Day has passed by a few days ago, and another stream of unorthodox fans has arisen.
Auburn High School five-star linebacker Rashaan Evans fooled an entire fan base this NSD. Of course, any recruit that plays at AHS will commit to Auburn no problem, right? Not so fast. I’ll be the first to admit that losing Evans was difficult to handle as a Tiger’s fan, but I’m not going to insult his decision.
Many AU fan’s resorted to Twitter and started to bash Evans, which really surprised me. It’s just recruiting and people that are 60 years-old are Tweeting profanities at this kid. The whole idea is childish and ridiculous. Evan’s chose Alabama because of their schematic system for linebackers. Auburn wanted him to play a ‘star’ position, which is a hybrid between a safety and linebacker. AU lost out because their system isn’t Bama’s. That’s it.
The rivalry between Auburn and Alabama has seen their fair share of recruiting battles. Most remember the T.J. Yeldon, Cyrus Kouandjio, Dee Liner, and Reuben Foster flips. Auburn’s fan base has a lot to be upset about when it comes to losing recruits, but there’s no need for death threats. Sports in general is suppose to be fun, not life threatening.
I’m not trying to call any specific fan base out, but stop and think before you act. Social media is a great avenue for fans to keep up with recruits, but remember that they’re just kids. Taking personal shots and threats at a recruit is absurd, so how about you grow up? Does that sound like a good plan?
NSD is a glorious day indeed, but let’s not take it more serious than life. Regardless of where you wanted Evans to go, you’re still going to wake up tomorrow. Recruiting is awesome, so treat it and others with respect.