Viewpoint: Recruiting tougher for football coaches

Recruiting has changed a lot in the last couple of years. In 2007, the NCAA banned coaches from text messaging high school recruits, much to the chagrin of technology-friendly coaches. This year, the NCAA banned football coaches from recruiting off campus from April 15 to May 31. It's been called the “Saban rule” after Alabama coach Nick Saban, a talented recruiter but also one of football's most zealous coaches in the recruiting game. The reason for the rule stems from a growing concern over the last few years that head coaches have spoken with recruits on spring visits, which would be an NCAA violation. Now, head coaches are relegated to sitting in their offices, writing e-mails and sending hand-written letters. The burden of recruiting