Saban lures in-state talent Milliner

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With today's news of Demarcus Milliner's commitment, the Crimson Tide have once again landed one of the top prospects, if not the top player, in Alabama.

Milliner's stock has truly soared this spring. He has great speed, ball skills and smooth hips for a taller perimeter defender. While he is being recruited to play corner, he's a playmaker with the ball in his hands and has great movement skills. I would not be surprised if this Under Armour All-American sees snaps on offense during his career in Tuscaloosa and becomes an immediate threat in the return game with his blazing speed. (He could eventually replace Javier Arenas in that facet of the game.) With his size and great room for physical development, Milliner could also remain at safety; his versatility as an athlete is outstanding.

The Tide have signed back-to-back, top-three recruiting classes and their 2010 class is shaping up to be a great one, as well. Alabama has commitments from 12 players (along with two JUCOs) with close to half residing on the ESPNU 150 Watch List. In each of the past two seasons, Alabama has signed the top player on its home turf -- Julio Jones in 2008 and Dre Kirkpatrick in 2009.

Alabama's local recruiting dominance can't be going over well on The Plains. It will be interesting to see if Auburn can find a way to compete head-to-head with Alabama for the great in-state talent. The Tigers have created a tremendous recruiting buzz this spring under Gene Chizik, but right now the Tigers have a smaller class and just one Watch List prospect.

Billy Tucker is a recruiting coordinator for Scouts Inc.

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Billy Tucker

Scouts, Football Recruiting

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• Recruiting coordinator for ESPN RecruitingNation.
• Nearly a decade of college coaching experience.
• Was recruiting coordinator at nationally-ranked Division II colleges.