re: Is Nick Saban a better recruiter/talent evaluator or coach?

Coach Saban at UA is for them to determine. Coach Saban at LSU did several things well. Dinardo had actually got some decent talent but after about a decade of mediocrity (to be generous) the will, the confidence was not there. I remember clearly him saying the club had a 'deer-in-the-headlights' look at times, something to be gotten ridden of. Saban as a motivator proved himself top notch by guiding them to confidence, will, swagger (in time) as evidenced by taking a 2-9 team and winning CCG/BCS in two years then again another two years later (the swagger was displayed in 03 when several players openly said they wanted USC and that OU did not belong before the game ). He recruited tremendously of course. The better teams did not have apparent weaknesses so I would say his talent evaluation is excellent. to LSU's Coach Saban, good will and best wishes. UA's Coach Saban, well... don't get in the way..