Everyone knew that it would take a huge story inteed to knock the untimely death of Michael Jackson off the front pages, but such news came today when it was revealed the the 13 year old, 5′8″ brother of Tennessee safety Eric Berry has decided to go ahead and commit to the Vols.

Ok, so maybe the story wasn’t that big…but you have to admit, it’s pretty interesting when you get a commitment from a kid that can’t validly receive an offer for another three years (at the earliest).  This sort of thing is just another example of rival recruiting tactics that are growing more and more ridiculous and entertaining, even if not effective.  Who knew that the top five prospects in the state are limo-adverse?

The question that remains is, “What’s next?”  On the heels of yet another Alabama commitment, which curiously continue to file in even though we tout such outdated tactics such as “winning” and “having a good head coach”, one would have to assume that a rival counter-attack is waiting in the wings.  Let’s explore some possibilites.

(Florida, Georgia, and LSU fans…I’m sorry…there’s nothing we can really say about you.  You’re being “passed” just like Alabama when it comes to innovative recruting.)

Ole Miss – Due to new signing limits, Coach Nutt and friends will be unable to sign 73 recruits as they did in 2009.  This is a real shame, because having seen the young ladies that inhabit The Grove, I can see why a young man would indeed stand in line to attend the University of Mississippi.  However, that presents a problem…you’re getting ready for the game…they’re in The Grove.  Solution?  An all-sorority scout team.  No, they might not give you the best indicator of Saturday team speed, but what top linebacker recruit wouldn’t flock to the only school in the nation where tackling a young lady in a steroid-fueld rage isn’t punishable by imprisonment?  Of course, you’d have to get the girls to volunteer to be a part of the team, but I think this could be easily done with the promise of Vera Bradley shoulderpads.

Mississippi State – In possibly the most popular recruiting tactic ever conceived, I look for the Bulldogs to finally enforce the SEC ban on artificial noisemakers in the stadium.  Whenever a recruit who is considering MSU visits Alabama, Coach Saban doesn’t even talk to them.  He just stands beside them and rings a cowbell for hours.  Usually, the thought of putting up with that every game for four years does the trick.

Auburn – HI!  BILLY MAYS HERE FOR THE TIGER PROWL!  What?  What’s wrong?  Too soon?  Anyway, how can you top the Limotastic Big Kat Spectacular?  Well, you have to do something so unheard of…so out of the realm of reality as we know it…that fans and foes alike will bristle with dismay and amazement upon hearing of the deed.  What could possibly achieve this?  The only thing I can think of is beating out Nick Saban for a top 5 in-state recruit.