Alabama's Nail Biting Time as National Signing Day Draws Near

Larry Burton  (PCB, Fl.) For the first year in three years, Alabama goes into National Signing Day without a No. 1 recruiting class seemingly locked up. There are some players they've been trying to sway late in the game to solidify a top five class, but will they come through?

With Keenan Allen visiting other schools late in the process, plus his desire to find a place that may take his big brother as well, does this give Alabama reason to worry about losing their No. 1 recruit?

In this case, yes. Alabama doesn't have a need for his older brother Maynard, so if Keenan is intent on playing at a school that takes them both, Alabama may be left without it's No. 1 prospect.

This will be an interesting story to dissect after signing day. Bama fans are hoping that Allen is just trying to help his brother land in another program while he stays faithful to his commitment at Alabama.

Other schools are hoping to offer both and hope they can land this big fish and leave Alabama with an empty net.

Shon Coleman was a solid Auburn commitment, until the bigger schools took notice and came calling. With James Carpenter only having one more year to start at left tackle, this is a player that Alabama could certainly use in the coming years.

He was also visiting University of Miami this weekend and this is one recruit that it seems no one is counting in their corner 100 percent.

With the recent signing of JUCO cover cornerback Dequan Menzie, a great shot in the arm for Alabama 26 of the 28 slots that Alabama has are already filled, unless Allen picks elsewhere which would leave them three spots.

That would leave the Tide few spots to squeeze in the aforementioned Shon Coleman or maybe four star defensive lineman Calvin Smith who might be a late prize to be snagged.

Also in Alabama's sights, along with many other schools, are offensive linemen Arie Kouandjio and James Stone. Either one of those would be a great late snag, both would just be too lucky to have happen.

Will Nick Saban pull a rabbit out of his hat and surprise us all with one we didn't see coming? You can't put it past him.

With Florida and Texas fighting it out for the No. 1 spot this year, something Alabama has done the last two years, just finishing up with a top five class would be quite an accomplishment. Will it happen? Stay tuned.