Could Xzavier Dickson Signing with Alabama Help the Tide Land Isaiah Crowell?

Xzavier Dickson loved to say things that kept the press guessing.

He had said that he was going to flip a coin to decide his school; of course that never happened, and the big defensive end prospect from Griffin, Georgia ended up deciding early for Alabama.

Lots of schools wanted him and many thought he may land elsewhere, but choosing the Tide and choosing it early may help the Tide land someone else the Alabama coaching staff wants: Isaiah Crowell.

The recent Under Armour All-Star Game saw Dickson and Crowell paling around. Following his announcement for Alabama, Dickson was overheard telling Crowell he should come roll with the Tide, too. Given the friendship between the two, such an offer from a friend certainly doesn't hurt Alabama, who is in the underdog role on most analysts score sheet for Crowell's services.

It is thought that Georgia holds a slight lead, but Georgia's poor performance this season and the embarrassing bowl blowout coupled with talk of Richt being in the hot seat may just help Alabama as much as the prospect of Crowell getting to play with a new friend.

With Alabama now looking at another running back, Louisiana's Jeremy Hill, that could work to put additional pressure on Crowell to somehow signal his intentions to the coaching staff.

Alabama just signed a terrific running back, Demetrius Hart, and should they have Hill commit before Crowell, there simply may not be room on the roster for another running back.

Hill was almost a sure lock for LSU, but then he began to look elsewhere, including Auburn who is putting on a big push for him.

And while Hill may not be the man Alabama wants to land, pursing him may show Crowell that they won't just stand still and wait.

Xzavier Dickson knows this, too, and is trying to do his part to help the Tide land the shifty running back.

Will it be enough? Time will tell and that is running out in a hurry.