Previewing Alabama's Loaded Recruiting Weekend

All eyes of the college football world will be tuned into the happenings on the field between Alabama and Ole Miss on Saturday.

However, a quick glance into the stands will feature a talented group of stud recruits who will be in attendance, as noted by Hank South of BamaOnline.

Among the visitors scheduled to be inside Bryant-Denny Stadium are a number of current Tide commits, as well as top targets in the current and future cycles.

What names should Tide fans be playing close attention to and which prospects will command the attention of head coach Nick Saban and his staff over the weekend?

Let’s break down the Tide’s loaded visitor list.

Commits Return to T-Town

Nine members of the Tide’s 2016 class, which is currently rated No. 6 in the nation, are scheduled to be in attendance.

Four of the Tide’s five in-state commits are expected, as are out-of-state 4-star defensive lineman pledges Khalid Kareem—who will be on his official visit—and Raekwon Davis.

Additionally, a pair of 2017 4-star Tide pledges in running back Cam Akers and receiver D.D. Bowie headline the crop of juniors already bound for Tuscaloosa.

Overall, Saban and his staff will have plenty of help in the stands when it comes to their efforts in making the weekend a huge success.

Top 2016 Targets On Hand

There will also be several interesting targets to watch in the crowd who are still on the market.

In-state 5-star linebackers Ben Davis and Lyndell Wilson have been on Saban’s radar for quite some time.

The Tide will also welcome in a stacked group of defensive linemen who rate among the nation’s best.

A pair of 5-star defensive tackles in Rashard Lawrence and Dexter Lawrence highlight the interior prospects visiting. Meanwhile, 5-star defensive end and current Auburn commit Marlon Davidson and 4-star defensive end Jeffery Simmons are touted pass-rushers who will be on hand.

A pair of 4-star receivers in A.J. Brown and Keith Gavin, plus 4-star safety Nigel Warrior are also targets who are either trending or ones the staff hopes to make a strong impression on this week.

Overall, Alabama has a chance to make a move with a handful of coveted targets this weekend.

2017 and Beyond

While the Tide already have six commits for 2017 on board, this weekend represents a chance to build a foundation with a number of prospects who already hold offers.

The Tide will host a number of young quarterbacks, with 2017 4-star passers Jake Fromm and Tristan Gebbia leading the way.

Jack West, who already holds an offer, is a 2018 quarterback prospect expected to attend.

Gebbia’s teammates at Calabasas (Calif.) High School—5-star athlete Darnay Holmes and 4-star receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr.—are expected to accompany him to Tuscaloosa this weekend.

Some defensive prospects to watch include 5-star corner Deangelo Gibbs, 4-star corner AJ Harris and 4-star linebackers Will Ignont and Breon Dixon.

Given the hype surrounding the game and an atmosphere that should be electric with a prime-time tilt and ESPN’s College GameDay in town, Alabama is sure to be the center of the recruiting universe this weekend.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.