Alabama Recruiting 2012: Why Eddie Goldman Is Better off Picking Florida State

With National Signing Day right around the corner, all of the nation's top prospects are doing their last bit of homework before they make their final decision. This includes wrapping up those official visits, talking to coaches one last time and getting opinions from family and friends to try to figure out where they'd like to play their college football.

One of the top prospects that will likely make his decision rather quickly is defensive tackle Eddie Goldman. He's considering schools like Auburn and Miami, but the schools that appear to be the front-runners are Alabama and Florida State. He will make his decision on the morning of National Signing Day and will instantly bless a defensive line with a great pass-rusher and run stopper.

Here are a few reasons why Goldman should pick Florida State over Alabama. 

Being comfortable

Believe it or not, being able to trust the coaching staff and being comfortable at the program plays a huge factor into players' decisions. Just look at top safety prospect Shaq Thompson if you don't believe how important it is to trust the people that are recruiting you.

Recruiting Goldman for Florida State was Odell Higgins and for Alabama it was Sal Sunseri. The problem is that Sunseri is no longer a member of the Crimson Tide, as he recently took the job to become defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Volunteers.

Here's a few things Goldman said about both coaches.

"I like coach Odell [Haggins] at Florida State. We have a good relationship. I like coach Sal [Sunseri] at Alabama. He's a real dude."

Here's more on what he said about the Florida State coaching staff after his visit with the Seminoles.

"

After last night and that environment, he is definitely taking a strong look at FSU, but the coaches, wow. Coach Haggins, Coach Stoops, head coach Jimbo Fisher. Haggins reminds me of a brother, like family. The coaching staff is outstanding.

"

Need I say more? 

Defense

I know Alabama has one of the greatest defenses in all of college football, but they will struggle early on. They will be missing a few key players that have either graduated or left early for the NFL, after all.

On the other hand, Florida State has what's shaping up to be one of the top defenses in the country that will allow Goldman to contribute right away. The Seminoles have already landed two of the top defensive ends in Mario Edwards and Chris Casher. They also picked up players like Justin Shanks and Dante Fowler, who will also contribute nicely to this defensive line.

Not to mention, you're talking about a defense that was tied for first in the ACC and sixth in the country last season with 41 sacks. With returning players, the recruiting class that's coming in and possibly Goldman, this is going to be an extremely scary defense next year and for years to come. 

Easier conference

A lot of the top players in the country like to join the SEC because they'll end up facing the toughest competition every week in the country. However, what about joining a team that's in a watered-down conference, that can compete with the toughest teams in college football?

Florida State is oh so close from being a national championship contender and there aren't too many teams in the ACC that will actually be able to compete with them.

The SEC, on the other hand, is only getting tougher, with teams like Georgia, Auburn and Florida returning talented teams and recruiting well. You also can't forget about teams like Missouri and Texas A&M joining the conference. The SEC is going to be a dogfight like it is every season and there are chances you won't even make a BCS bowl game if you end up losing one or two games.

In the ACC, you wouldn't have that problem and have an easier road to the BCS National Championship.

At the end of the day, isn't that what they're all playing for?

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]