A Look At Alabama's Five-Star Recruiting Targets

The University of Alabama couldn't look more inviting to a football recruit. A national championship, Heisman trophy, and great coaches and players have come to the program. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban and company are looking to take advantage of this, going after many of the nation's top recruits.

These are some targets who have earned the coveted five stars of recruiting (Per Rivals and Scout.com).

Jadeveon Clowney 

Clowney could be considered a long shot, since most speculation is that he will stay in South Carolina and play for the USC Gamecocks or Clemson Tigers. But in the article below by Larry Burton, a few good reasons are given as to why Clowney should come on down to Dixie.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/412000-could-jadeveon-clowney-be-the-cherry-on-alabamas-2011-recruiting-cake

Cyrus Kouandjio

One would have to assume that Alabama would be Cyrus' natural leader considering his brother Arie, another coveted recruit, signed with Alabama's 2010 class. Cyrus has said he is wide open and has visited other schools like Penn State and Maryland, but Alabama is believed to have the inside track.

Isaiah Crowell

This explosive RB from Georgia is currently very high on the Tide, who will battle in-state Georgia for Crowell's signature. I would estimate the Bama's chances at around 65 percent or more for Crowell, even though it's always tough to beat out the home state school.

Trey DePriest

For Trey DePriest, an Ohio native, what's there not to like about Alabama? With Nick Saban and Jeremy Pruitt tutoring him in a defense that allows linebackers to shine, combined with his great talent and the loss of stud LB Rolando McClain, it's pretty much a Bama vs. Ohio State battle for DePriest.

Rodney Coe

Alabama would love to add this hybrid RB/LB to its roster. Coe stands at 6'3" and 240 pounds with good speed, hands, and vision. It is not currently clear who stands out for Coe, but it appears the Tide have a shot.

Nick O'Leary

O'Leary is short for a tight end, standing at 6'3", but makes up for that by his good blocking and consistency in getting open. O'Leary recently visited Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Bama is in his top four along with UNC, FSU, and Miami.

Tim Jernigan

This big DT from Florida is going to be a tough pull from the Gators, who is Jernigan's natural favorite. Tide coaches are going hard after Jernigan, who is one of the best DT prospects to come along in years.

James Wilder

Like Jernigan, this Florida resident will be hard to steal from UF. The speed, strength, and toughness of this hybrid RB/OLB makes him coveted by schools across the country. The Tide will have a shot, though.

Conclusion

Alabama should be able to land at least two or three of these big-time recruits, and since they already have two five-star commits, Brent Calloway and Ha'Sean Clinton Dix, that's a very impressive class.