Inside Nick Saban's recruiting pitch

Despite a 7-6 record in his first season at Alabama, $4 million-a-year man Nick Saban compiled a recruiting class that has been widely acclaimed as the finest in the country. Rivals.com, Scout.com and SuperPrep all gave the Crimson Tide the top spot after Wednesday's National Signing Day.

As always, the 10 Spot wants to go inside the numbers. Specifically, what is Saban's recruiting pitch? Here's an exclusive list of his favorite lines to prospects:

10. We've kicked Louisiana-Monroe off the schedule

9. Son, I can show you how to be an NFL pariah

8. What kind of girly name is "Auburn" anyway? Might as well go to "Chestnut Highlights University"

7. And who do you think built the 2007 Dolphins?

6. I'm telling you, Les Miles is still going to Michigan

5. You'll be exposed to more assistant coaches in four years here than anywhere in the country

4. We're not on probation at the moment

3. No, it's just a high-tech headset; they're certainly not horns, if that's what you were thinking

2. Come help me build a championship program for the next guy

1. I'm rich, bit**!

Comments (242) Add A Comment

February 7, 2008 10:22 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

1a) Gonna change our nickname from Crimson Tide to Papa Was a Rolling Stones.

BKJ - no 10 Spot, no…

Jacksonville , FL

Total Comments (6092)

Big Tuna, I think you are hitting your creative pinnacle.

Jenevere Fair Ghost

Total Comments (6147)

February 7, 2008 10:23 AM ET

I'm betting it will be the only time he gets ranked "first" all year.

gill_

Total Comments (12241)

I meant Saban, not big tuna

February 7, 2008 10:24 AM ET

1b) Bow down to the Almighty Red Elephants. Our record is 5-0 just by showing up!

He promised bigger SUV's and better specimens, fresh from Arizona

4. We're not on probation at the moment
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I think after getting the number 1 class, that might just change...

Gir

Buffalo, NY

Total Comments (4816)

February 7, 2008 10:25 AM ET

1c) I'm one-up on Petrino already.

February 7, 2008 10:26 AM ET

You'll be exposed to more assistant coaches in four years here than anywhere in the country

Not sure if I understand this one...what with all the recent teacher/student scandals lately...

11) No, son, don't hang up. It's really me. It's California and Oregon that send out fake recruiters.

February 7, 2008 10:28 AM ET

JPJ - Speaking of that story, didja notice that the kid made the whole thing up? That's gonna linger for him, what a sad twist.

February 7, 2008 10:30 AM ET

*sighs*

Just brings up memories of the Alabama fan I dated with auburn hair.

Anthony Verna

New York , NY

Total Comments (5975)

In the name of full disclosure, I do own a "Nick Satan" T-shirt that Stew Mandel bought me in Baton Rouge. I wear it often.

The 10 Spot

Total Comments (6586)

February 7, 2008 10:32 AM ET

11. Don't worry about the '07 Dolphin disaster, I was dealing with the last guy's mess.

Kari - DaPrez

Geneva , IL

Total Comments (7945)

Pete, you don't have extra copies to send to Dolphins fans?

Speaking of that story, didja notice that the kid made the whole thing up? That's gonna linger for him, what a sad twist.
Gir
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No! I missed that part. Oh, man. Why would he do that? Was he just hoping one of the schools would feel sorry for him and say, "That's too bad. Here, we'll go ahead and let you come here."?