Korren Kirven Signs with Alabama: Breaking Down Bama's Top Expected Signings

The rich get richer this offseason in college football. The Alabama Crimson Tide won the 2012 BCS National Championship, and are currently near, or at, the top of every team recruiting leaderboard.

The Tide currently have 27 commitments with defensive tackle Korren Kirven signing his National Letter of Intent earlier this morning.

Alabama has talent to replace on both sides of the ball, and will receive immediate contributions from many of their fresh faces arriving on campus next fall.

Nick Saban and his staff haul in recruits as well as anyone in the nation. Their 2012 recruiting class is no different.

Here is a breakdown of the Tide's five best expected commitments:

Cyrus Jones, WR

Alabama sorely missed Julio Jones' presence in the receiving corps last season. Cyrus Jones is expected to alleviate some of that stress on national signing day.

Cyrus Jones is not cut from the same cloth as Julio Jones, but he is dynamic in his own right. He stands 5'11'' and excels in the open field.

He is not going to outmatch anyone physically. However, he is extremely elusive in the open field and sets up blockers well.

Tide fans will enjoy Cyrus Jones' versatility. He can catch passes or be used on sweep plays around the corner.

If he does not pan out at wide receiver he could make a smooth transition into the Tide's backfield.

Just get the ball into his hands. As long as that happens, everyone will be very happy with what Cyrus Jones becomes.

Reggie Ragland, MLB

Reggie Ragland is expected to keep his talents in his home state of Alabama on national signing day.

The top-rated middle linebacker in the 2012 class will make an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide.

According to scout.com's Andrew Bone, Ragland reminds many people of former Tide linebacker Rolando McLain. He is a physical specimen, and displays excellent football instincts in the middle of the field.

The Tide linebacking corps loses Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw from last season. Ragland will be ready to fill Hightower's vacancy as early as Week 1 next season.

Ragland had 91 tackles last season, 21 of which were for a loss. He was a first-team All-State selection.

T.J. Yeldon, RB

Alabama has had great running backs over Nick Saban's coaching tenure.

Mark Ingram passed the torch to Trent Richardson. Richardson will pass the mantle to Eddie Lacey and Dee Hart, and those two will eventually hand the reins to T.J. Yeldon.

Yeldon is expected to sign his National Letter of Intent with the Tide over in-state rival Auburn.

The Tide will appreciate Yeldon's size, and burst at the line of scrimmage. He was an All-State running back in the state of Alabama after scampering for 2,000-plus yards and 31 touchdowns this past season.

Yeldon will have to wait his turn in the crowded Alabama backfield, but he will be ready when his time comes. Something Tide fans have become pleasantly used to over recent years.

Korren Kirven, DT

Korren Kirven committed to Alabama on national signing day.

The defensive tackle chose the Tide after also visiting Maryland, Tennessee and Virginia Tech.

Kirven is not a nose tackle in the mold of Josh Chapman for Alabama, but he brings a pass-rushing presence to Alabama's front three.

He is quick off the ball, and understands how to get penetration into the backfield. Alabama is used to getting penetration from their linebackers, but Kirven's presence will be an added bonus to Nick Saban's aggressive scheme.

Kirven has the talent to challenge for playing time from day one in Tuscaloosa. Tide fans should be very happy with Kirven's finished product.

Landon Collins, DB

The Crimson Tide not only defeated LSU in the BCS national championship game, but they also beat the Tigers in the race for their most coveted defensive recruit.

Barring a last-second change of heart, Landon Collins will wear crimson next season despite living less than an hour from Baton Rouge.

The Crimson Tide could use Collins early, and often, next season. He attacks the ball like a linebacker, and excels in run support.

Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick will not be patrolling the Tide's defensive backfield next season so a new playmaker must emerge.

Collins is that guy, and will showcase that as soon as he steps on the field.