Can Alabama pull surprise by landing Owens?

The battle for ESPNU 150 Watch List linebacker LaDarius Owens (Bessemer/Jess Lanier) appears to be coming to a close.

Alabama had its odds stacked against it from the beginning with the coveted prospect having grown up an Auburn fan and his uncle having played for the Tigers. In fact, his uncle was the first African-American to play for Auburn.

Despite all that, however, Alabama coaches worked hard on Owens, and it paid off as the Tide seemed to move to the forefront with Owens last spring. Then Auburn and, to some degree, LSU started to come on strong to make it a tight race.

The prevailing sentiment now is that Owens, who is expected to announce his decision this week, will choose Auburn. Of course, in recruiting, and in dealing with adolescents, nothing is definitive.

Can Alabama pull the surprise and land the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder?

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