Ladies and gentlemen, the inevitable has happened: 5-star linebacker Reuben Foster, a former Alabama-turned-Auburn commitment who cemented his pledge to the Tigers with an enormous forearm tattoo of the Auburn logo has changed his mind. Now he’s headed back to the Crimson Tide, Auburn tattoo and all.

Reuben Foster has re-committed to Alabama, despite his preseason commitment and tattoo of Auburn allegiance (Twitter) More

In an almost surreal Monday night press conference, Foster reversed course and announced his commitment to Alabama, the school he was originally committed to before transferring to Auburn (Ala.) High in Spring 2012.

The move to Auburn High preceded a rather dramatic initial commitment switch from Alabama to Auburn, a move which led to a press conference at Auburn High where Foster showed off a brand-new forearm tattoo of the Auburn logo and held up his daughter, who was wearing an Auburn cheerleader’s outfit.

[Also: Recruit considering Ole Miss and Mississippi State receives death threats]

Now, Foster is claiming that his heart was never far from Alabama, even when he was playing at Auburn and committing to play for the Tigers in college.

"I've been loving Alabama since a pup,” Foster told the assembled media at his conference on Monday night. “[I was] raised as an Alabama fan from my mom and my dad.

"I'm super excited. They can put me at that next level so I can take care of my little girl and my family."

Foster told Al.com that the entire recruiting process has been overwhelming. The superstar linebacker is clearly ready to put the entire recruiting process behind him, even if no school will count on his signature until receiving the fax making his future destination official.

Reuben Foster's tattooed forearm, particularly awkward now that he has committed to Alabama — Twitter More

"The experience has been overwhelming,” Foster told Al.com. “It's all this pressure. Smoke and mirrors."

Smoke, mirrors and tattoos. Here’s hoping Foster is OK with a future playing with forearm sleeves … or that he knows a good tattoo laser removal specialist.

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