Four of the coaches -- Weis, Shannon, Tuberville and Richt -- could invite a guest on the tour with them. Tuberville brought Auburn athletic department photographer Todd Van Emst. Weis brought Mike Bennett, who has been shooting pictures of Irish football since the Gerry Faust days. Shannon invited Miami Senior Associate Athletic Director Tony Hernandez, and Richt brought Air Force Col. Billy Francis, his brother-in-law.

Richt didn't arrive at Scott Air Force Base until May 21, several hours before the tour left for Germany. He stepped onto a shuttle bus, sat down and asked, "Does Tuberville have his son with him?"

"No, all he brought was his photographer."

Richt chewed on that for a second, and then it dawned on him.

"Aahhh," he said. "Recruiting."

A few minutes later, Tuberville got on the bus and sat down across from Richt. They began discussing how cold it might get on the plane.

"I brought five Georgia stocking caps if you get really cold," Richt offered.

That didn't faze Tubervile.

"I'll do anything to keep warm," Tub said.

"Good," Richt said. "I've got my picture phone."

Aahhh, recruiting.