Isaiah Crowell Visiting Alabama, Georgia and Auburn: Who Has the Edge?

Isaiah Crowell, the top-ranked running back recruit in the country, is down to three schools. He'll make his official visits to Alabama, Georgia and Auburn this month and will undoubtedly be a prized landing for each school. 

Slated to visit Auburn Jan. 21, Crowell could get an early look at the Tigers post-National Championship game. At Alabama, Crowell would certainly help the Tide improve upon their already impressive recruiting class. Georgia, which is hoping for a turnaround year after a tough 2010, is pinning its hopes on the Columbus, Georgia native staying in state. 

But all three schools remain very much an option for the 5'11'', 210-pound Crowell. Where will the explosive running back fit in best? Find out as we break down his options and find out which school has the edge.

Auburn: Can the Tigers Reload?

After a run to the National Championship game, Auburn should seem like the No. 1 option for Crowell. Right? The short answer is yes, but it still remains to be seen if it is the ideal place for the running back. 

The Tigers will clearly miss the production of Cam Newton, the quarterback who has rushed for nearly 1,500 yards this year. But Michael Dyer has had a solid freshman season with 950 yards and five touchdowns and should be poised to carry the ball quite a bit next year. 

Still, in Auburn's 11th-ranked recruiting class, there is a noticeable absence of a top-notch rusher. Crowell could certainly fit in well with the athletic recruits the Tigers have gained commitments from already, including Quan Bray, Kris Frost and C.J. Uzomah.

Alabama: Does the Commitment of Dee Hart Mean Crowell Will Go Elsewhere?

Hart, the ninth-ranked running back in the class of 2011, offered his verbal commitment to Alabama Saturday at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. And it should be safe to assume that there's already too many cooks in the kitchen as far as Crowell is concerned.

Crowell and Hart are similar runners and could certainly succeed in the same backfield. But both players already have their eyes set on their prospects and growth towards the next level. Sharing the ball with another extremely talented back would only hurt their value in the eyes of the NFL. 

Add in the fact that the Tide, even with the departure of Mark Ingram, would have two running backs returning, and there just aren't enough touches to go around. 

While Crowell would have certainly succeeded at Alabama and undoubtedly catapulted the Tide's third-ranked recruiting class to the top of the charts, it simply won't happen now that Hart is there.

Georgia: Staying in State Will Be the Best Option for Crowell

The Columbus, Georgia native has been high on the Bulldogs all along and the Bulldogs have put together a terrific recruiting class to support the nation's top-ranked running back if he so chooses to stay in state. 

Playing time and touches should be no issue for Crowell at Georgia, who will return Washaun Ealey but lack the dominating running back needed to contend the rugged SEC. Crowell's breakaway speed and power will help push the Bulldogs over the edge and into contention next season. 

Currently ranked eighth, according to ESPN.com, the Georgia 2011 recruiting class has five ESPNU150 signings and 11 four-star players. Crowell would jump in well with four-star wide receivers Justin Scott-Wesley and Chris Conley. 

As if their current running back situation wasn't a perfect fit for Crowell, the Bulldogs' 2011 class features balance across the field in every position, except for running back.