National Signing Day 2012: Which School Will 5-Star DE Eddie Goldman Pick?

Eddie Goldman has made his decision. 

After garnering offers from every major program in the country, Goldman looks to have narrowed down his top school options to Alabama, Auburn and Florida State.

With the cancellation of an in-home visit by the Alabama staff this past week, the Crimson Tide seem to be on the outside looking in.

Goldman is a player who has the size to make an instant impact at all three schools, but that is not a major concern for Goldman. 

Developing into the football player he is capable of being is Goldman's main goal.

He has been a man amongst boys at the high school level.  He was able to fly past opponents to reach the backfield, and if he couldn’t beat his man, he tossed him to the side.

As signing day draws to within hours, let’s take a look at the three schools that are in contention and how Goldman would fit in their scheme. 

Come Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST, we will know Goldman's destination.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama runs a 3-4 scheme that focuses a lot of attention on the talent of the nose guard. 

Goldman is a tough gap filler who can hold the line, but he also has a tenacious fast attack motor that can help him penetrate into the backfield.

At Alabama, he would be less of a playmaker and more of a plugger who would look to hold the line and control the gaps, making the middle rushing lanes nonexistent.

Goldman would have the ability to get up field on passing downs and still be able to use his athleticism in the backfield.

Alabama has a good bit of depth on the defensive line and would likely give Goldman time to develop before hitting the field. 

Goldman could fit the Alabama defensive scheme; his athleticism will allow him to rotate around the line in any defensive front. 

Auburn Tigers

Auburn is a team that has a lot of returning experience at the defensive line position, but none of the current players are firmly entrenched in their positions.

One of the benefits to Goldman that Auburn does have is development and playing time.

The Tigers have shown that they can build talented NFL ready linemen. 

The Tigers have also shown a propensity to rotate the front four often in the past three seasons, keeping their linemen on their feet and fresh throughout the entire game.

Goldman may not start in the first game at Auburn, but he would likely see time from day one. 

He's a good fit for both positions on the defensive line, because he's strong enough to fill the gaps and quick enough to stunt in the pass rush.

Florida State Seminoles

The Seminoles have been the frontrunner for Goldman’s signature for quite some time. 

Florida State has put a full-court press on some of the top talent in the country and it has paid dividends with their recruiting class.

The Seminoles utilize a 4-3 defense that is much like the Auburn defensive front. 

There will be multiple sets that the Seminoles will utilize, even multiple fronts at times, but their base defense is the standard 4-3.

Goldman would fit well in Mark Stoops' scheme, but there are a number of talented defensive linemen who are ahead of him on the depth chart.

Again, immediate playing time doesn't seem to be an issue for Goldman, but that could not hurt the situation for him at all. 

Goldman would be an instant impact guy for the Seminoles over time, and would likely fit the nose tackle position very well. 

Where Goldman Ends Up

Goldman has vetted all the programs that he will attend and has narrowed his choice to one. 

When he announces tomorrow, Goldman will have numerous coaches and fanbases hanging in the balance, awaiting the word of where he plans to attend.

Florida State has been rumored to be the leader for quite some time; Alabama seems to be his No. 2 pick. 

With the departure of Sal Sunseri to Tennessee, Goldman's interest in Alabama cooled a bit, which launched Auburn into the picture.

With the cancellation of the in-home visit attempt by Alabama, it appears that they are out of the race.

Auburn coaches were able to make an in-home with his family this weekend, but Goldman was not in attendance.  At this point, it looks like Florida State with Auburn being the dark horse candidate.

The way Goldman's recruitment has gone, however, I wouldn’t be surprised to see any of his finalists receive his fax.

Projection: Florida State