No. 1 LB Reuben Foster commits to Alabama despite tattoo committing to Auburn

alabamagamedayr | February 5, 2013 at 10:28 am | 3 Comments

Team Nitro lineback Reuben Foster (2) rushes during the first half at the Under Armour All-America high school Game at Tropicana Field. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Several months ago, superstar Auburn commit Reuben Foster tweeted out a picture of his forearm — with a giant AU tattoo running down the length of the entire thing.

At that point, it seemed as if, and for very good reason, that no member of Tide Nation would ever speak the kid’s name without at least a hint of vitriol and bitterness.

My oh my how times change, even if tattoos don’t.

Despite sporting his support of War Eagle for the rest of his life, he will be forever known for his exploits at the collegiate level as a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Foster announced his decision on Fox Sports South. At 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds, the five-star recruit is the No. 1-rated inside linebacker in the entire country and the No. 16-overall player at any position nationally.

He is an extremely hard hitter and his known for being able to diagnose a play before it unfolds. This vision and knowledge of the game helps him slip past blockers and make big-time tackles.

He was recruited by defensive coordinator Kirby Smart. However, one might be hard-pressed to consider the Reuben Foster saga a ‘recruitment’ at all, but rather a straight up clownshow. Foster initially committed to the Tide two years ago before deciding to commit to in-state rival Auburn and coach Gene Chizik. He got that tattoo, but as everyone knows, ink has far more staying power than do college football head coaches.

Chizik lost his job, and the program lost its commitment from Foster. The young man then went on to state that what was going to be important to him was the daycare facilities available to his daughter before taking a surprise official visit to San Diego State, of all places.

As it turns out, he was just going because a friend of his was headed out there. Upon his return, he made one last visit to Auburn, but ditched out in the middle of it to head to Tuscaloosa instead.

As it turns out, Foster’s recruiting journey came full circle. In spite of all the indecision, theatrics and plain old clownish behavior, Foster is now officially a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Once again, the Tide brings in the type of superstar talent that will immediately compete for playing time — and immediately make the Tide a favorite for yet another BCS national title.

Oh, and if you were wondering about the tattoo, he’s keeping it as a memorial to his cousin.