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The Satellite Camp saga has been an ongoing topic in the last few years. Penn State really kicked it off with camps in Atlanta alongside Georgia State. It was Jim Harbough's camp in Prattville in conjunction with a local high school in the heart of Auburn and Alabama country that really set the debate in full motion.
I really think it would have been just an off-hand topic if Harbough hadn't then decided to hold part of Michigan's spring practice at IMG Academy. That was the time frame when the NCAA met and decided to impose a nation-wide ban similar to that already in place in the SEC and ACC.
Of course, that ban lasted barely three weeks before it was rescinded at the end of April. Prior to that, SEC teams made their intentions known that if the ban were lifted, they would be jumping in full-bore.
Auburn has definitely jumped in with a number of plans for June with Auburn's coaches. Gus Malzahn mentioned his intentions of sticking within Auburn's main recruiting footprint of Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. The first two camps announced were in Mississippi and Georgia. Those camps will be at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (June 3rd) and Stockbridge Woodland High School (June 9-10).
This morning a third camp was announced, as Auburn will be taking part in a camp with FCS Mercer in Macon, also on June 3rd and 4th.
Don't forget to sign up for our Elite Camps! We're bringing in universities from all over the southeast! #MUvment17 pic.twitter.com/lWxHNTXSEN
— Mercer Football (@MercerFootball) May 9, 2016
As you can see, the SEC is taking this thing very seriously. However, Jim Harbough and Michigan seem intent on winning whatever race this is supposed to be as they're now scheduled for 20 some odd camps in June.
I'm curious to see how long this lasts, though. If it pays no dividends on the recruiting trails, then I wouldn't be surprising to see this whole issue fall back into obscurity within a year or two. Coaches aren't going to want to spend valuable time they could be out on the road visiting specific prospects or taking some much needed summer time off if it's of no value. Not to mention the schools aren't going to want to pay for the coaches to travel and spend time at the camps.
Until that happens, though, it's still a big topic, so we'll keep you somewhat updated on where and when Auburn's coaches will be taking part in this new activity when the SEC's internal ban is officially lifted at the end of the month.