I will never be convinced that Colonel Reb hurt their recruiting in at least the past 15 years. Their all around crappy tradition and low profile probably had everything to do with it. A black teen football star (nor even his parents) are going to analyze the symbolism of Colonel Reb...no teen football star would do that, regardless of race. Football stars are going to go where they believe they can get the most out of being on the team, whatever "the most" means to them.
I submit that they could be the Ole Miss Klansmen and still get top recruits if Coach Saban were there. This is an absolutely ridiculous move that has everything to do with being politically correct.