Alabama Football Recruiting: Commits Who Are Ready to Contribute Immediately

The Alabama Crimson Tide may have just won the National Championship, but they are set to return just seven offensive starters and four defensive starters in 2012.

That's it.

No need to look, we already have ourselves the 2012 version of Auburn.

Well, not so fast. 

The Tide's second string probably could have beaten most teams this year, and they have a little thing called the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation. 

I suppose that will help a little bit.

Losing studs like Trent Richardson and Courtney Upshaw will hurt. But, adding the following studs who should contribute right away will help. 

T.J. Yeldon, RB

Richardson is an elite talent, but 'Bama has a tendency of replacing talented guys with more-talented guys.

Eddie Lacy, who has averaged over seven yards per carry during his first two collegiate years, is next in line.

Still, someone has to replace Lacy's role, and that could very well be Yeldon. He won't step in as No. 2 on the depth chart right away, but you have to find ways to get players like this on the field.

Yeldon, who is ranked 12th overall by Rivals and 55th overall by ESPN, doesn't have breakaway speed (4.7 40-time). But, what he does have is quickness with his cuts, elusiveness in between the tackles, and good vision that all make him an effective ball carrier.

When he comes down to it, he just finds an array of different ways to not get tackled.

That's usually what you want from your running back.

Oh, and he is also a great pass-catcher out of the backfield.

At 6'1" and just 210 lbs., he will need to find the weight room, however. 

Landon Collins, S

Mark Barron is departing, and while it's tough to get playing time in this secondary as a true freshman, Collins has a chance to make an impact.

Even if he doesn't make a dent in the depth chart at safety, which is where he's projected to play in college, Collins has versatility.

He's played all over the place on defense in high school and has the coverage skills to play corner, if necessary. What's more, he's effective as a tackler and on blitzes, so there's no question 'Bama will find somewhere for him. 

Collins was impressive at the Army Bowl, and he's not far behind Shaq Thompson as the nation's best safety.

Eddie Williams, Ath.

Eddie Williams is what you would call a special talent.

At 6'4" and 210 lbs., he has the size and look of a big-play wide receiver, which, conveniently enough, he is.

Add in his speed, hands and jumping ability, and you've got yourself a five-star receiver. 

Of course, on the other side of the ball, Williams is even scarier—if that's possible. He would likely play safety because of his range and coverage skills, but with the way he sheds blocks and lays devastating hits, he could play linebacker if he puts on some more weight.

Essentially, he's a big guy who has athleticism and quickness that big guys shouldn't be allowed to have.

He's a "not-fair" type of player.