Alabama Football: The Top 4 2013 Recruits the Tide Are in on

The Alabama Crimson Tide is fresh off a BCS National Championship victory and dominating this year's recruiting class. But if you know anything about college football, it's that you can't sleep and can never settle for what you have. You have to stay on top of the competition and always strive to do better.

While this year's recruiting class is pretty much wrapped up, it's time to take an early look to next year's class. Of course, there are going to be several players interested in Alabama and there are already a few who have given their verbal commitment to the Crimson Tide as well.

While a verbal may not mean much this early in the process, it does show that Nick Saban and company aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

Here are a few 2013 prospects that Alabama is already interested in.

RB Altee Tenpenny

Tenpenny looks to be one of next year's top running backs, as he has blazing speed, running the 40 in the 4.4 range. He's a strong runner, but is best when he gets in the open field and is able to make a move on a defender. He's a playmaker and is a threat to take it the distance every time the ball is in his hands.

With the way Alabama produces running backs and with Eddie Lacy likely on his way to the NFL draft after next season, Tenpenny will likely see the field soon.

It's important to know that although he has given his verbal, he does have offers from schools like Oklahoma State, Tennessee, Auburn and Arkansas, which is where he's from.

TE O.J. Howard

O.J. Howard is another player to give his early commitment to the Tide, but expect the offers to pile up as we get more into next year's process. Howard is a tight end at 6'5", 225 pounds, but also has the ability to play the outside linebacker position. He gets down the field in a hurry as he runs the 40 in the 4.6 range, which is just flat out unfair.

If the Crimson Tide is able to hold on to him, they'll have a fantastic downfield threat for the next 3-4 years. 

LB Reuben Foster

It may be extremely early in this year's class, but Foster is a 5-star player on most top recruiting sites already. Like everybody on this list, he is extremely fast for his 6'1", 240-pound frame and plays the game with a very aggressive style. He'll lay out a big hit when given the opportunity and he has the speed to chase down the fastest running backs and receivers.

Alabama could also use elite linebackers and Foster has already given his verbal commitment. But schools like Auburn, Georgia, Clemson and Miami also have offers on the table as well.

CB Artie Burns

With the recent losses for the Crimson Tide on the defensive side of the ball, adding a speedy cornerback like Artie Burns would be another huge addition for Alabama. Burns should be a top-10 corner in this year's class as he comes out of Miami. He has great size at 6'1", 175 pounds and can keep up with the fastest receivers stride for stride.

He's given his verbal commitment to Alabama, but also has Miami, Florida State and West Virginia interested as well. 

Randy Chambers is a B/R featured columnist that covers college football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail].