LOS ANGELES -- In the days leading up to official-visit weekends, recruiting fans are often treated to a list of players who are scheduled to attend. But what often goes overlooked are the group of people that will never be found on an official visit list: moms, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and whoever else accompanies the recruit on the visit. Often, they are every bit as important to recruit as the player himself.
In the last few weeks, two public verbal commitments have played out akin to soap opera storylines.
When safety Landon Collins (Geismar, La./Dutchtown) committed to Alabama during the Under Armour All-America Game, his mother wasted no time in telling the nation that LSU should be her son's destination. Crimson Tide coaches no doubt like the position they are in for Collins, but they likely would rest easier knowing the entire family was on board.