Tonight word came out that Nick Saban has just got the commitment from coveted defensive end Craig Sanders.  This was Saban's 12th commitment for the 2010 class.  At this rate, he could conceivably sign the entire class before fall.

Now we know that this is improbable because there are always the athlete that waits until the last second, but Saban is racking up incredible athletes at an incredible pace.

The message Saban is sending the athletes is strong, clear and loud.  We're going to sign great players, we're going to have to have top recruiting classes and we're going to contend for National Championships.  Line up with us now or get in line with the losers.

No coach has ever had three No. 1 recruiting classes in a row.  It's not that Saban can't do it, it's just that the slots are getting tighter and the number of players he can bring in next year may be fewer than years past.

Twelve commitments and counting, this is about half the entire expected class and Saban has yet to get going with defensive backs which he said was a priority this year.

"We need to sign a few more defensive backs and defensive linemen and we're always evaluating people who could come in and be play makers." said Saban.

If Saban does in fact wrap up early, will he further infuriate other coaches by starting the clock on the number of 2011 signees?

With Saban, don't count out anything.