In an era of uber-security surrounding college recruiting, where violations are all to common, it might seem silly for the NCAA to tread so lightly on Facebook.
The social networking platform, and a place where most high schoolers probably spend more time than their email accounts, is barely monitored by the NCAA. Whereas texting between coaches and recruits got so out of control that the NCAA banned it in 2007, coaches can send as many Facebook messages to recruits as they wish.
And that's exactly what Ole Miss defensive line coach Chris Kiffin did in his pursuit of the nation's top offensive line recruit, Laremy Tunsil.
Hugh Kellenberger wrote in the Jackson Clarion-Ledger that Kiffin sent 800 Facebook messages to Tunsil during his recruitment, to go along with 400 to Tunsil's girlfriend.
"A lot of coaches have (staff) guys run their Facebooks, but I wanted it to be like if you're texting somebody," Kiffin told Kellenberger. "I asked about his family. A lot of it is daily motivational. There’s a target on your back. Good luck against whomever. It’s just striking up conversation."
Kiffin's savvy strategy paid off on signing day, when Tunsil spurned essentially every other school in the country in favor of Ole Miss.
It's unclear how many other coaches across the country take advantage of this Facebook loophole, but if they don't, they probably should consider it. Whereas coaches are prohibited from sending recruits instant messages, text messages and from writing on their Facebook walls, coaches can exchange as many private messages as they want with a recruit.
And even if it takes a combined 1,200 notes, if Facebook messaging lands you Laremy Tunsil, it's probably worth it.
(H/T to Crystal Ball Run)
