In the state of Alabama, one of things that Mark Gottfried's "strengths" has been his ability to recruit the top players in the state. Now, realistically that shouldn't have been that hard. Look at who he's had to go up against. UAB and Auburn. And yet his "success" is highly debatable. Several "big time" guys have left the state to go elsewhere.

However, his biggest loss so far may be a recruit for the 2009 class. DeMarcus Cousins a 6'10" 260 lb star from Mobile made his decision to go to UAB rather than Alabama. But really, that's old news.

However, the Birmingham News ran a column on him this past Wednesday. You know, one of those standard "It's summer and let's do a feature on how someone has changed for the better" columns.

Cousins, who is the No 6 ranked senior in the nation (according to Rivals.com), does give one juicy little tidbit.

"I'm not going to say any school or any coach's name," Cousins said, who's now at LeFlore in Mobile. "But I've been told somebody will buy me a car and my mom a house. I've heard it several times. I tell everyone I can't be bought."

Fun speculation time... I wonder who it could be?

People that think they are "in the know" may just be filling his head with these fairy tales. Or do you really think this is going on? Who would it be?

As an Alabama fan, we always hear these rumors about Mississippi State paying players. After all, who would ever make a decision to go there? And as for Alabama? Have you seen the players parking lot? I'm doubting it happened there.

But it could be a national school. What do you think????