Top Recruits Who Will Become Key Figures in the LSU-Alabama Rivalry

Alabama and LSU resume a storied rivalry Saturday when the Crimson Tide travel to Baton Rouge for an annual SEC showdown. The conference heavyweights often battle off the field as well, routinely competing for elite talent along the recruiting trail.

These coveted high school standouts could ultimately alter the outcome of future matchups between these marquee programs, making a successful signing day paramount on both campuses. We examined the latest prospects destined to compete in this perennial clash between title contenders.

5-Star DB Kevin Toliver (Jacksonville, Florida)

Credit: 247Sports

LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis landed another top defensive back prospect early in the 2015 recruiting cycle when Kevin Toliver committed as a sophomore. Despite flirtations with Florida State, Virginia Tech and Ohio State, the 6'2", 185-pound Trinity Christian Academy star is still set join the Tigers next season.

Toliver, rated second nationally among cornerbacks in 247Sports' composite rankings, anchors the back end of a defense that features fellow top prospects Jeffery Holland (uncommitted) and Victor Alexander (UCLA pledge). He helped lead the team to a state title in 2013, tallying 36 tackles, two interceptions and 11 offensive touchdowns.

Rarely targeted during the course of a game, Toliver shadows opponents downfield with elite speed and smothers them at the line of scrimmage with impressive physicality. His length and closing speed quickly eliminate passing windows and create headaches for quarterbacks.

"I'm definitely a physical cornerback. That's how I like to play," Toliver told me at The Opening.

That's good news for LSU, which must contend with an intimidating group of Alabama receivers on an annual basis. The Tigers have been waiting more than two years to get Toliver on campus, and he has a strong chance to contribute immediately.

5-Star QB Blake Barnett (Corona, California)

Southern California quarterback Blake Barnett inserted himself into the future of this rivalry after ending a six-month commitment to Notre Dame. The 6'4.5", 200-pound passer reopened his recruitment this spring, following up that decision with visits to Oregon and Alabama.

It didn't take long for Barnett to join the Crimson Tide's top-ranked recruiting class. He pledged to the team in mid-June and claimed MVP honors at Elite 11 finals just three weeks later.

Rated the nation's top dual-threat quarterback in 247Sports' composite rankings, Barnett is set to bring a new element to Alabama's backfield. 

"Coach (Lane) Kiffin and Coach Saban were very fond about the idea of their quarterback being able to run the ball several times in each game," Barnett told me this summer. "It's something they were looking for, and it made sense as a fit for me."

His legs have helped Santiago High School stay in postseason contention this fall. He has 1,109 yards on the ground and 19 rushing touchdowns since taking over as starter last season, per MaxPreps.

"(Alabama is) going to do some things to get me on the move and out of the pocket," he said. "There will be chances to make plays with my feet every game."

Barnett also does damage with his arm, evidenced by 5,100 passing yards since 2013. He has an opportunity to become a multiyear starter in Tuscaloosa and redefine the offensive approach in Tuscaloosa.

4-Star RB Derrius Guice (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

Credit: 247Sports

The dynamic Catholic High School standout is a scintillating rusher who uses an elite blend of speed and power to punish defenders. He committed to LSU in May, spurning offers from Alabama, Tulane and Texas.

Derrius Guice, rated fourth nationally among running backs in 247Sports' composite rankings, gained 1,101 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground as a junior and has developed into an absolute workhorse during his senior season. The 5'11", 219-pound playmaker is a bell-cow back who carves up opponents early and puts them away late.

He rumbled for 239 yards and four scores on just 14 carries in the first half of an October victory over St. Amant High School, per Jerit Roser of The Times-Picayune. Breakaway capabilities will make him a strong change-of-pace option at LSU.

Guice has also displayed the ability to overcome adversity, rebounding from a spring practice suspension that was enforced for undisclosed reasons, per The New Orleans Advocate. The experience ultimately proved positive for his maturation process.

"I’d say it was a reminder to stay focused," Guice told Robin Fambrough of The Advovate in June. "I got hung up with outsiders. I let things distract me and keep me from focusing on my main goals, which are to graduate from here, try to win a state championship and then go off to LSU.”

He is expected to visit LSU this weekend for the matchup with Alabama. Guice could find himself at the center of the action within a few years.

5-Star WR Calvin Ridley (Pompano Beach, Florida)

Calvin Ridley carries clout as the country's top-ranked receiver and validated praise by claiming overall MVP honors at The Opening. The Monarch High School star committed to Alabama in April while visiting campus with teammate Shawn Burgess-Becker, who also pledged to the Crimson Tide.

A fierce competitor, Ridley attacks the defense with a level of tenacity Alabama fans will embrace. They'll also appreciate the fact that he gained a head start in his development with Crimson Tide quarterback commit Blake Barnett during action at The Opening.

The duo carved up defenses en route to the title in a seven-on-seven tournament loaded with elite talent.

"We really found a rhythm together," Barnett told me. "He's such a talented receiver, and it's big that we have a chance to build some chemistry before we both arrive at Alabama."

Ridley is a threat to score on any play, evidenced by his 1,131 yards and 12 touchdowns on just 41 receptions last season. Due to age restrictions in Florida high school athletics, he only suited up for the first three contests of his senior campaign.

Though he was sidelined after turning 19 years and nine months, Ridley made the most of an abbreviated season. His three-game stretch included 18 catches for 420 yards and six touchdowns.

He'll arrive in Alabama with a chance to replace Tide legend Amari Cooper as the team's go-to target.

4-Star RB Nick Brossette (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

Credit: 247Sports

Nick Brossette committed to LSU before his junior season and remains on track to join fellow 4-star Louisiana running back Derrius Guice on campus next year. Despite increased interest from Notre Dame and Texas, the Tigers have managed to hold onto this key pledge three months shy of signing day.

Brossette, a 6'0", 207-pound University Lab High School prospect, has grown extremely familiar with LSU's culture while growing up in a community that adores the team. He has an opportunity to become another program icon, especially when heralded freshman Leonard Fournette eventually moves on to the NFL and opens an expansive spot in the backfield. 

His high school career is filled with achievements, and he became the state's all-time leader in touchdowns as a junior. Brossette has spent his senior season piling on that total, setting a mark that will be difficult to top for years to come.

He jumped into the nation's top-10 list among all-time scorers earlier this fall, according to Sonny Shipp of 247Sports, by notching his 124th touchdown. LSU hopes Brossette reaches the end zone at least a few times against Alabama during his collegiate career.

5-Star DB Minkah Fitzpatrick (Jersey City, New Jersey)

Credit: 247Sports

Minkah Fitzpatrick has the potential to become Alabama's next star defensive back. The St. Peter's Prep playmaker is a menace at cornerback and has the range to line up at safety if Saban determines that's his ideal spot based on roster needs.

The 6'1", 198-pound defender is instinctive and can do a lot of damage with the ball in his hands. He serves as the top target for Notre Dame quarterback commit Brandon Wimbush, hauling in 20 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns through eight games this season, per MaxPreps.

Fitzpatrick has added six rushing touchdowns, 25 tackles, two interceptions and a pick six. He emerged as a top-tier player in pass coverage last fall, disrupting 21 attempts during a run to the state title game.

Fitzpatrick will encounter a crowded secondary situation in Tuscaloosa but has the skills to work his way into the rotation as an underclassman. He'll be an integral part in Alabama's efforts to limit an excellent stockpile of LSU receivers.

"I'm ready to compete with the best and against the best," Fitzpatrick told me this summer. "Alabama gives me a chance to do that."

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report national recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.