Alabama Football: 5 biggest recruiting steals of Nick Saban era

5. Cyrus Kouandjio, Class of 2011

Stolen from: Auburn Tigers

Cyrus Kouandjio was widely thought of as the best offensive tackle in his recruiting class. Every team was hoping to land him before the Tide finally did. One team high on his list was Auburn, Alabama’s bitter rival. They thought they had Kouandjio. In fact, he committed to the Tigers on National Signing Day on national television.

The Kouandjio story thickened after he failed to sign his letter of intent. A few days later, he signed to join the Crimson Tide, upsetting many Auburn fans. These rivalries are always intriguing through the recruiting process. Players sign up to be loyal to one team against their rivals, but they were moments away from joining those rivals. Although Kouandjio inevitably chose the Tide, he was so close to being an Auburn Tiger. He was a true steal for Alabama, and he helped fortify some of the Tide’s best offensive lines.

Although he was only one recruit, it feels like the Tide got two offensive linemen. Cyrus’s brother Arie also joined the Tide later for them to be on the same team. If the Tide had lost on Cyrus, they could’ve easily lost on his brother as well.

This is the crazy thing about recruiting in state. When rivals go after guys, one player can change the future of both teams. I’m not saying that Kouandjio is the reason that Alabama has a dynasty over Auburn, but he was a key piece for the Tide.