On this week's Monday Night Football ESPN's Jon Gruden had this to say about the Alabama Crimson Tide, "This 49ers team is as physical on both sides as anyone. They remind me of how Alabama plays."
A few days later, Alabama is making sure that all of its recruits are aware of the comment as well, mailing out this weekly flier to recruits, which Cecil Hurt tweeted last night.
The straightforward message is simple: Jon Gruden's impressed by how Alabama plays football.
But could it be something more, could this be a subtle recruiting shot at Gruden, Tennessee's top candidate to replace Derek Dooley?
Using Gruden's own words as an endorsement of Alabama?
It's diabolical, downright sinister, it's, it's Nick Saban at his very best -- pretending to praise Gruden while at the same time using his words to advance your position is the perfect move for Nick "the Process" Saban.
So is the first shot in the great Saban vs. Gruden recruiting war?
Or is it merely a sign of how valuable the top recruiting football program in the nation believes that Jon Gruden's seal of approval is?
Either way, it's an interesting move since some have questioned how good of a college recruiter Gruden would be.
Personally, I believe that Gruden would be an unbelievable recruiter.
Remember when I asked whether Gruden could be UT's Nick Saban?
Two weeks ago I wrote this:
"5. Gruden would recruit like a superstar.
Yep, he would dominate on the recruiting trail.
Can you imagine the reaction when Jon Gruden shows up at a high school game? When Jon Gruden does an in home visit? Is there any quarterback in the country who wouldn't love to play for Gruden after watching those quarterback camp videos? Is there any player who wouldn't be impressed by Gruden's ability to groom them for a job at the next level? You think parents would trust Gruden to get their sons ready for a pro career?
Plus, he's charismatic as hell.
Imagine that charisma plus a Super Bowl ring.
This guy would kill in recruiting."
Based on sending this mailing to every recruit, Alabama certainly seems to think Gruden's pretty valuable on the recruiting trail.
So do you think it's a coincidence or is Saban taking a shot a potential recruiting rival?
Time will tell.
In the meantime, Vol fans, the Gruver continues to grow.
