You know how that old saying goes: if you can’t beat ‘em, invade their own recruiting backyard.
With the NCAA rescinding its previous ban on satellite camps late last month, coaching staffs from all over the country have been fanning out to vast expanses of the nation to ostensibly teach young prospects at such camps but, more to the point, increase their recruiting coverage. Chief among the fanners is Michigan and Jim Harbaugh, who have a camp schedule that, for the moment, includes 26 stops both inside and outside the continental United States.
Like last year, one of Harbaugh’s stops will be in Alabama; unlike last year, the Crimson Tide will be able to return the favor as, al.com reported, UA will be represented at the Sound Mind Sound Body Football Academy’s camp in Detroit on June 9-June 10. Nick Saban won’t be in attendance, though, as his special assistant, Bobby Williams will represent the Tide.
Williams took over as Michigan State’s head coach when Saban left for the LSU job, and maintains deep ties in the state. Alabama rarely pulls recruits from that area of the country, although the football program’s first Heisman winner, Mark Ingram, hails from the state.
Arguably the best part of the Tide heading north of the Mason-Dixon Line? Several Big Ten schools are expected to be a part of the Detroit camp -- including Harbaugh and his UM staff.