National Signing Day 2011: Alabama and the Top Teams Who'll Win on Signing Day

We're less than two weeks away from National Signing Day and the pulse of the recruiting world is starting to kick into overdrive.

Many of the nation's top recruits have already made their commitments, but there's still plenty of elite talent on the market. And of course, a commitment doesn't really ensure anything until a recruit has signed on the dotted line.

National Signing Day is sure to be filled with some surprises, some betrayal and, of course, some winners and losers.

Here are the top teams that are going to win on Signing Day.

Miami

Miami isn't a team you hear much about these days if you're having a recruiting conversation—unless, of course, you're talking about decommitments.

The Hurricanes lost some big pieces after they fired Randy Shannon, but new coach Al Golden has been extremely aggressive since coming to town and he's not just targeting the big fish left on the market—he's also looking for 3-star gems in his backyard.

Golden has received commitments from six prospects in the last week, half of whom grew up a short drive from campus. Golden is also primed to reel in top-shelf talent on Signing Day in the form of defensive end Ray Drew and safety Marquise Lee.

Add in a shot at tight end Nick O'Leary, and this ugly duckling of a class could turn into a late swan.

Notre Dame

Aaron Lynch

Notre Dame has had a wild ride, but when the roller coaster finally stops the Irish should have one of the best recruiting classes in the country.

Aaron Lynch, Justice Hayes and Jordan Prestwood all jumped ship in a two-day span in November. Lynch had a change of heart a couple days ago and headed back to South Bend and the Irish brought a friend along with him in 5-star defensive end Ishaq Williams.

With 5-star running back Savon Huggins ready to make his decision on January 28 and the Irish sitting pretty in the race to sign him, National Signing Day should be a sigh of relief for Notre Dame, which has bounced in and out of the top 10 more than anyone.

Auburn

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - JANUARY 11: Head coach Gene Chizik of the Auburn Tigers stands with the (L-R) Associated Press, Football Writers of America, MacArthur Bowl and the Coaches trophys during a press conference for the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game

With four major commitments in the last month, Auburn has simply been on a roll during arguably the best season in school history.

The national championship will only continue to boost recruiting efforts that have really picked up steam as we approach the finish line in February.

Auburn will probably land 4-star cornerback Erique Florence and 4-star offensive tackle Antonio Richardson next, but there's a good chance it doesn't stop there. The feeling here is there's at least one more Brent Calloway-sized surprise waiting for the Tigers on Signing Day.

Georgia

Isaiah Crowell

Georgia had one of the top early recruiting classes, but the Bulldogs have been very quiet over the past few months. That should change over the next couple of weeks.

Georgia has the inside track to sign 5-star running back Isaiah Crowell, is considered the leader to land the nation's No. 1 tight end Jay Rome and should get its hands on 4-star defensive end Deion Barnes as well.

With those three on board, the Dawgs are right back in the top 10.

Florida State

Karlos Williams

Florida State has recruited as well as anyone over the last couple of months, and there's still more to be had out there for the Seminoles.

The first order of business will be turning 5-star safety Karlos Williams' soft verbal into a signed letter of intent. After the way he played in the Under Armour All-America Game, we have a feeling he'll end up being the best safety from this class.

With Florida State leading the hunt for the Dwyer pair of Nick O'Leary and Jacoby Brissett, as well as having the best shot at 5-star outside linebacker Tony Steward, the Seminoles have an outside shot of passing Texas for the best class in the country.

Alabama

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Eddie Lacy #42 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after rushing for a touchdown during the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mi

Alabama has had one of the strongest recruiting classes all year, maintaining a spot in the top five since we started our rankings.

The Crimson Tide might have lost out on Brent Calloway and will probably come up short in their pursuit of the nation's No. 1 overall prospect, Jadeveon Clowney, but there are plenty of 5-stars to be had and Alabama should do just fine.

We predict both offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio and defensive tackle Tim Jernigan, both of whom are the No. 1 prospects at their positions, will sign with Alabama.

With the Tide favored to land 4-star defensive tackle Gabe Wright and 4-star cornerback Malcolm Mitchell as well, there's no way Alabama doesn't continue to maintain its spot at the top of the food chain.

South Carolina

This one is simple.

South Carolina currently has a top-20 recruiting class with a few solid pieces that should have very bright futures.

But with Jadeveon Clowney on the line, the Gamecocks will either be bouncing off the ceiling or filing toward the exits. The whole class rides on him.

We predict Clowney stays at home and gives Steve Spurrier arguably the best defensive prospect in a decade.