Well played, Alabama24.
I sat on a flight from ORD for a few hours next to one of Lane Kiffin's assistants that he retained at LSU. It was a fascinating conversation about how an SEC staff views the current landscape. When he referenced a 5-star DT that had been on campus a few days prior, I joked that I thought the SEC had quit investing any energy into the trenches since any 5-star will be a free agent as soon as he hits the field and they can always poach veteran OL/DL from less well-heeled programs who they can plug and play. He smiled and asked which G5 school I attended.
Even though LSU has the 4th highest payroll in college football, he told me that Lane quits recruiting any prospect if the first words out of their mouths are about finances. This assistant claims Lane considers that a character issue that will come back and bite them in the lockerroom regardless of athleticism. This assistant seemed firm on that position.
He kept talking about how important ethics are to the new AD the governor appointed. I immediately referenced Will Wade and you could see the guy shudder. He stated that everything Wade had done is legal by today's standards and the only reason he was singled out from the sting is because he was stupid enough to speak overtly on the call. He reminded me Bill Self was just as guilty.
Fun conversation for a few hours after a logn day of work.
- By jmclaughlin
- By Chippy