Monday night, five-star linebacker Reuben Foster, a one-time Auburn verbal commitment, announced that he would sign with Alabama.
Two days later, it’s lather, rinse and repeat for another highly-touted former AU commit.
Four-star defensive lineman Dee Liner confirmed growing speculation over the past couple of weeks, announcing Wednesday afternoon that he will be signing with Alabama. Liner had long been an AU verbal, committing to the Tigers in June of 2011 and sticking to that pledge through a three-win season that led to a coaching change.
In mid-January, however, the Muscle Shoals (Ala.) lineman publicly announced that he had decommitted from Auburn. While he would only state that he was reopening his recruitment and did not decommit with a particular team in mind, it has long been thought he would stay in-state with the Tide.
Liner is the No. 7 defensive tackle according to Rivals.com and the No. 61 player at any position. His addition also helped push the Tide back ahead of Ohio State in Rivals’ team rankings.
Don’t shed too many tears for Auburn, however, as the Tigers are putting together a very strong class, particularly along the defensive line. AU currently holds down the No. 9 spot in the country after coming into the day tied with Ole Miss for No. 11.
As for Foster, there was some concern/snark that he might flip back to Auburn on signing day. That turned out not to be the case as the linebacker did indeed sign and fax his National Letter of Intent to Alabama, officially making him the third five-star member of the two-time defending BCS champion’s 2013 class.
And, in a nod to his new head coach, Foster displayed a flash of style as he put pen to paper:
No, that’s not a tanned, bulked-up Nick Saban. Yes, and thanks to the Opelika-Auburn News, that’s Foster honoring Saban with the coach’s trademark hat/vest combo.
Well played, Reuben. Well played.