Crimson Red Sports

When Petey Smith committed to Alabama in 2009, it was the culmination of one dream: to be Crimson Tide football player. When he announced this week he was leaving, it was because he couldn't fulfill the other dream: to become a starter and star on the team.

Petey Smith is a great linebacker, make no mistake about it, but being on a team with fantastic linemen makes it hard to ever see the field.

And there was the problem. As much as he loved Alabama, he wanted to play, to demonstrate his abilities to people in the stands and prove that he had what it takes at this level. However, seeing the talent ahead of him on the depth chart and the superstars of the future, like Trey DePriest getting ready to jump him as well, Smith decided to leave.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/726887-alabama-football-are-transfers-from-bamas-football-team-hurting-the-program

Very good question pmull. With Goode transferring and all, I wonder if that is why Yeldon picked the barn?

IMO the transfers are leaving for playing time. Goode stuck out 4 years and spring this year but was still # 4 on the unoffical depth chart. I understand a guy wants meaningful playing time and not mop up duty.

CNS and staff are recruiting some excellant backs. I don't worry about losing a recruit anymore. You can never tell if we were really recruiting them hard or not. Sometimes you recruit players in case option 1 or 2 falls through. Sometimes a good player just grew up a fan of another school. As long as we continue to bring in top 5 classes every year there will not be room for everybody.

When starters start leaving we have a problem. Until then I will trust our coaching staff has everything under control.

You have a good point. When the starters start leaving, maybe then we should worry. I guess we are bound to lose out on a couple of top recruits every now and then.