Crock Pot Recruiting #7

National Signing Day is one of my favorite days of the year. The fact that The University of Georgia already has 13 student-athletes on campus from the class of 2013 is huge. Hopefully, these young men are acclimating to the rigors of the classroom and the weight room in preparation for next season. I'm sure they're already adjusting to the inherent distractions of college life (inserts picture of a beautiful coed...) God, I miss Athens. It truly is a huge advantage to have this many dudes already enrolled. Conversely, for any blue-chip recruit that hasn't gone on-record as to where he will be matriculating and playing some football, the wait is nearly over - for both school and prospect. As always, there are several highly coveted players that are weighing all of their options as the clock winds down.

One of those recruits is a home-grown product, out of Norcross. He is 5-10 and weighs around 195 with speed, good hands and the ability to make the first "would be" tackler miss. He rushed for almost 2300 yards this past season with 26 touchdowns and is a threat to take it the distance each and every time he touches the rock. I really, really like his game. It's down to Alabama and Georgia, with the Dawgs getting an official visit and one more in-home with Coach Richt. The school is doing their part in getting this kid signed, sealed and delivered. I'm going to try and do mine. Let's immortalize him in food, yes?

CROCK POT RECRUTING INSTALLMENT #7

Alvin Coca-Kamara Chicken

Yep, Alvin Kamara is not only a tremendous athlete, but perhaps one of the most photogenic prospects to ever lace up a cleat. This kid smiles. Like, always. I've never not seen a picture of him doing anything else. You know who he reminds me of in that regard? Hines Ward. I hope the two end up having more in common than just a great set of gnashers for the camera. C'mon down, Alvin. Become a Dawg!

Ever tried Coca Cola chicken in a slow cooker? This tried-and-true Southern delicacy is a staple in many homes, and there are probably several variations on this simple but utterly fantastic recipe. Here's the one that MomTheDawg has made throughout my life. Alvin, I'm re-naming this in your honor and adding a little spice. Now, am I risking running afoul of the NCAA? Probably not. As my English wife would say, "they could cock-up a piss-up in a brewery." As far as I am concerned, they can go probe themselves. Meanwhile, UM will probably get off and A.J. Green just got suspended 2 more games. I digress just a little bit. Back to the recipe at hand.

Here's what you'll need:

• A whole cut-up chicken*, or a large package of boneless chicken thighs, drumsticks, whatever. Parts is parts. It is up to you if you want to leave the skin on or off. There's a ton of fat in chicken skin, but this is also where most of the chicken flavor comes from, too. In fact, most of the flavor in anything generally comes from fats. See there? I just learned you sump'in.
• One small bottle of Ketchup. I like to use a small bottle of Heinz HOT ketchup because I'm sassy that way.
• One medium onion, sliced. A few garlic cloves sliced or chopped.
• One can of Coca Cola. It's The Real Thing, folks. No substitutes.

Here's what you do:

• Put the chicken parts in the Crock Pot. Mix the ketchup with the Coke and pour it over the chicken. Add your onion and garlic. Cook on HIGH for about 5 or 6 hours. That's it. Simple and Superfine.
• Serve with white rice, maybe some creamed corn (add lots of butter;), some crowder peas (now I'm really going south GA on you), maybe some Au Gratin potatoes. Folks, it's that easy and it is delicious.
• For those of you who don't have a slow cooker, fear not. You can simply add everything to a pot and just let it cook on medium-high, uncovered for a few hours. In fact, you'll end up with a slightly thicker gravy because it tends to reduce a bit better than the Crock Pot method, but the taste is the same.

Yep, the coaches are busy and everyone is waiting to see how the last of the blue chips shake out. So far our 2013 class, both with the enrolled kids and committed guys, is shaping up very nicely. However, a few more players of Kamara's caliber could make this class something very, very special. This season's class is rather large which is fine by me. You know what they say? The more recruits, the more Crock Pot recipes. Life is good...

Until next time, (Dawg) Bone Appetite!

*Auburn fans substitute chicken for the chicken. This one's too good not to share.