Tide shine in state on ESPN Watch List 
September, 27, 2012
9/27/12
3:30
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
Since before Nick Saban arrived, the University of Alabama has always had the same philosophy in recruiting. Make the in-state players a priority and keep the top talent close to home. That idea hasn’t changed under Saban’s regime.
Last year, Alabama let Florida State and LSU steal some of the top in-state players, but the Crimson Tide still signed five of the state’s top 10 players, including four players ranked in the ESPN 150. Running back T.J. Yeldon (Daphne, Ala.) is already making an impact as a true freshman.
This year, the depth might not be what it has been in years past, but the top two players in the state, Reuben Foster and Dee Liner, are committed to Auburn. Still, Alabama once again has five of the top 10 players in the state committed.
Last year, Alabama let Florida State and LSU steal some of the top in-state players, but the Crimson Tide still signed five of the state’s top 10 players, including four players ranked in the ESPN 150. Running back T.J. Yeldon (Daphne, Ala.) is already making an impact as a true freshman.
This year, the depth might not be what it has been in years past, but the top two players in the state, Reuben Foster and Dee Liner, are committed to Auburn. Still, Alabama once again has five of the top 10 players in the state committed.
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ABOUT TIDE NATION
Greg Ostendorf
Greg Ostendorf joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama football and basketball recruiting at the Tuscaloosa News and Rivals.com. Ostendorf graduated from the University of Alabama and currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at gsostendorf.espn@gmail.com.
Alex Scarborough
Alex Scarborough joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama athletics and high school football for The Tuscaloosa News. He currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at alexscarborough.espn@gmail.com.