Louisiana recruits, anywhere but here (Bama Land)

I tried to resist writing this, but decided I might sleep better if I did. I need to vent.

Living in Alabama I believe have a different perspective than those who don't. College football is THE obsession. There is no pro team or any pro sports for that matter. College football is king and they derive a great deal of their state pride from the success of their football program (be it Bama or Auburn) as do we. As a Louisiana native I know we are obsessed as well but at least there are different outlets (Geaux Saints!) I also understand the allure of Bama as an elite program but it would seem to me that pride in your home state, and the fact that LSU is a whisker away from that same pedestal, would be sufficient motivation for players to stay at home.

I cannot understand how someone born and raised in Louisiana can fail to understand the pride, joy (and pain) the success or failure of LSU football means to the fans. It's one thing to go to another program (be it SEC or otherwise). It is a whole other thing to play for our arch rival (maybe that's not official, but to me they are). Essentially it feels like a spit in the face, or worse.

Our ex-coach has the advantage of connections he made while being our head coach. It's not fair but I don't think that keeps him up at night. I also am aware of the amount of wealth in the city of Birmingham. Not to mention it is the home office of the SEC (compare schedules). So I am more than suspicious this is not a level playing field

That's it. I feel a little better. I try to be mature and understand these are kids trying to make the best decision for their future. But apparently I need some work in that area. I just think it's hard for them to recognize a deal with Satan (sorry, Saban) when you are so young and naive. I think few in their native state will forget or forgive their disloyalty. I know it would be perceived the same in Alabama. You almost never, if ever, see the same thing happen in Alabama for a top recruit (Jamarcus exception, once again lured by Saban). I suppose some La. players have decided they can live with that, and so should I. It's just a game after all.