Tough to say that Bama has much better athletes than you.
Just like there's a huge difference between being in the top 10 and down around 50, there's a big difference between being in the lower top 10 and being at the top of the top 10. It's the difference between getting kids that are almost guaranteed NFL locks, who will almost always been difference makers at the college level, and getting kids that right on the verge. It's why The Hat can be a complete idiot when it comes to coaching at LSU, because he has the athletes to cover up his mistakes.
Here's a comparison of Auburn vs Alabama in recruiting during those same years...
2014 so far: #9 (Bama: 1)
2013: #8 (Bama: 1)
2012: #10 (Bama: 1)
2011: #7 (Bama: 1)
2010: #4 (Bama: 5)
2008 and 2009 we were in the lower teens I think, not good classes at all :(