Click here for linkAlabama and Auburn filled big recruiting needs for the Class of 2013 at the most critical position, quarterback.
Alabama went for polish. Auburn went for potential.
The consensus opinion of recruiting analysts: Both programs found a potential leader for the future.
"I've said it before, this is a great year for pocket quarterbacks," said ESPN's Tom Luginbill. "Both Alabama and Auburn got a good one."
Let's start with Cooper Bateman, Alabama's quarterback commitment. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound resident of Salt Lake City is ranked the No. 4 pro-style quarterback by 247Sports.com and No. 6 by ESPNU and Rivals.com.
"Because of the departure of (former Alabama backup) Phillip Sims -- and maybe even more so because of questions about quarterback and depth and talent -- this was a big commitment," Luginbill said. "For two years, Alabama was unable to secure the first guy (on the recruiting list).
This year, they did, and it's pivotal.
"In a really strong class of pocket passers, Bateman is polished, well-groomed and a guy with poise and anticipation. He fits into their system perfectly."
If incumbent AJ McCarron, a rising junior, returns for his senior season, Bateman can spend a year getting used to the system before competing for the starting job.
Tim Watts of BamaOnline.com said that if McCarron does depart after his junior season, Bateman may be in the mix as a true freshman after graduating early and joining the team for spring practice in 2013.
"If AJ stays for his senior year it will obviously be a longer wait for Bateman. But if he were to leave early, there is no experience behind him and it could easily be an Alec Morris-Bateman battle the next season," Watts said.
Like Luginbill, Watts believes this was a huge commitment for Alabama, which could contend for another national recruiting title.
"One reason being he's a tremendous talent and a top 5 national quarterback, and Alabama was certainly looking to land one in this class," Watts said. "The thing I love about him is he's a top-notch quarterback prospect with the entire skill set and an early enrollee. He has a high football IQ."
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