Alabama Football: Hot Shot Playmakers on Offense Nick Saban's Still Wooing

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) With over half of his 2012 signing class already in the fold, you'd think that Nick Saban would be a happy man and be easing up on recruiting. But then, you don't know Nick.

With less than six months left to go, Saban is still looking for some offensive playmakers. Here's a list of whom he is wooing and the effort that's being extended on them.

Keep in mind as you look at this long list, that Saban would happy signing just one of these. It's obvious that Saban doesn't put all his eggs in one basket.

Quarterbacks

On the hot list is Jameis Winston, the 6'4'', 218 pound quarterback considered the nation's No. 1 dual-threat quarterback from Hueytown, Ala. He's also a pro baseball recruit.

Next on the list and a little cooler on the hot list is Gunner Kiel, another 6'4'', 220-pounder from Columbus, Ind. He's considered the No. 1 pro-style quarterback in the the nation.

Seems to be leaning toward Indiana, but it's down to them and Alabama in most of his friends' eyes.

Beyond these two, most Alabama fans don't know the other quarterbacks under consideration.

There's pro-style QB Greyson Lambert, another 6'5'', 203-pounder from Jessup, Ga., who is also being sought after by at least 10 other schools.

Then there's Anthony Alford, a dual-threat QB from Petal, Miss., who is only 6'0'' and about a 175 pounds. He's got about six other schools wooing him.

Chad Kelley has at least 11 other schools that have offered him and even though he's committed to Clemson, Saban has kept communication open with the 6'3'', 211-pound dual-threat quarterback from Buffalo, N.Y.

Faton Bauta may only be a three-star QB from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., but that hasn't stopped 15 other schools from going after the 6'2'', 212-pound dual-threat QB.

Ford Childress is yet another 6'4'', 220 pound quarterback who runs a pro-style offense. He's from Houston, but has already given a verbal to West Virginia, but Saban hasn't cut ties with him just yet.

In total there are nine other quarterbacks besides the ones listed above. Some have already committed to other schools and some aren't exactly warm on Saban's hot list, but still, seeing how he went after 16 quarterbacks in total to just to sign one shows that Saban has more than just one or two back up plans.

And if he didn't sign one this year, that's not a problem, but it would be if he didn't get one next year.

That is why Saban, year in and year out, leads other coaches in recruiting. He's tireless and has a plan and works it every day.

Something tells me whatever happens, Alabama will be all right.