5-Star RB Damien Harris' Commitment Makes Alabama Lock for 2015 Recruiting Title

It's a wrap, folks. 

Alabama effectively clinched its fifth consecutive top-ranked recruiting class Friday afternoon by landing 5-star running back Damien Harris. The coveted playmaker announced his commitment to the Crimson Tide over fellow finalists Kentucky and Ohio State:

Harris, a 5'11", 205-pound All-American, was a four-year starter at Madison Southern High School in Berea, Kentucky. Despite missing substantial time as a senior due to leg injuries, he finished his career with 6,748 yards and 113 touchdowns on the ground.

He solidified his spot as a top-tier recruiting target in 2013, setting career highs for rushing yards (2,621) and scores (42). Harris, who spent six months as a Michigan pledge until January 2014, also considered offers from Florida and Texas A&M along the way.

So why are we so sure this locks things up for Alabama atop national rankings? 

There may be more than three weeks remaining until national signing day, but let's take a look at the numbers.

With Harris on board, Alabama now holds a 24-point lead in 247Sports' composite class rankings, which is defined as "a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings and ratings listed in the public domain by the major media recruiting services." Essentially, it's a melting pot of expert prospect assessments.

The margin between Nick Saban's squad and second-place Florida State is currently wider than the gap that separates the Seminoles and seventh-place Ohio State.

Simply put, it's insurmountable unless Saban leaves Tuscaloosa between now and Feb. 4.

Alabama holds commitments from 10 players who rank among the top five players at their respective positions. 

Name	Position	Hometown	Position Ranking	Overall Ranking
Calvin Ridley	WR	Pompano Beach, FL	No. 1 WR	No. 11
Blake Barnett	QB	Corona, CA	No. 2 pro-style QB	No. 13
Kendall Sheffield	CB	Missouri City, TX	No. 3 CB	No. 18
Damien Harris	RB	Berea, KU	No. 2 RB	No. 31
Minkah Fitzpatrick	CB	Jersey City, NJ	No. 5 CB	No. 32
Deionte Thompson	S	Orange, TX	No. 2 S	No. 36
Daron Payne	DT	Birmingham, AL	No. 5 DT	No. 41
Lester Cotton	OG	Tuscaloosa, AL	No. 3 OG	No. 44
Richie Petitbon	OG	Washington, D.C.	No. 5 OG	No. 55
Desherrius Flowers	RB	Mobile, AL	No. 12 RB	No. 88
Shawn Burgess-Becker	ATH	Pompano Beach, FL	No. 9 ATH	No. 113
Mekhi Brown	WDE	Columbus, GA	No. 7 WDE	No. 122
Hale Hentges	TE	Jefferson City, MO	No. 3 TE	No. 140
Rico McGraw	CB	Nashville, TN	No. 21 CB	No. 147
Adonis Thomas	OLB	Lawrenceville, GA	No. 11 OLB	No. 170
Ronnie Harrison	S	Tallahassee, FL	No. 9 S	No. 179

Blake Barnett (No. 2 pro-style quarterback) and Deionte Thompson (No. 2 safety) are already on campus. The California passer, who played with Harris this summer at The Opening and last week in Under Armour All-America Game action, apparently played a role in the decision:

The latest collection of incoming Crimson Tide talent also includes 5-star prospects Calvin Ridley (No. 1 wide receiver), Kendall Sheffield (No. 3 cornerback) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (No. 5 cornerback). 

Alabama fans may be "suffering" through a two-year national title drought, but reinforcements are en route. The acquisition of Harris ensures no team will welcome more new talent to campus this year.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.