re: Would you want to use a scholorship on a rich recruit?

There are already a few kids on Bama's roster who are assumed on scholly who are, according to a contact, already paying on their own (parent's) dime. Just a few that I've heard:

Tyler Love
Wilson Love
David Ross
Harrison Jones (i believe Barrett may also pay a portion & have some academic scholly $ as well)

I think there are 2 more and a Bryant Scholarship player as well. Point being - this is already done at some schools, but it is typically requested of legacy players and not players whose family had no previous ties to the university.

Also, Bama doesn't have to get under 85. They are already at 85 counting Carter, but not counting the above.

ETA: there are rules about a player who is a "walk on" who was also recruited. Sometimes the player pays his own way only after a period of time on scholly.