College Football Recruiting 2012: Alabama vs. Auburn, Whose Class Is Better?

The two Iron Bowl teams are fierce rivals, and the rivalry is not just on the field. Being both in the same state, these two programs fight for recruits year in and year out. Even last year, we saw the top player in the state, Brent Calloway, flip flop in his commitment between each school.

This year is no different, as not just within the state but nationally are Auburn and Alabama competing for many of the same recruits. As we sit right now, who's class is better?

Come inside to find out.

Auburn Recruiting Class Capsule for 2012

The Tigers have been an elite juggernaut in recruiting ever since Gene Chizik took over on The Plains. With so much young talent on the roster, I figured the champs would take a step back in recruiting this year.

Umm, no, they haven't.

Auburn has 13 commits and four players are inside the ESPNU 150. There's a wealth of talent in this class, with Ricky Parks, Ricardo Louis, Zeke Pike, TJ Yeldon and Cassanova McKinzy.

Auburn's got more talent coming in, yet again.

Alabama's Recruiting Class Capsule for 2012

Alabama also has become a juggernaut on the trail. Nick Saban has a detailed, thorough and precise approach to the recruiting process that stresses proper evaluation. That's why Saban is against offering players so early, unless their special.

The Tide have 14 committed players, with five being inside the ESPNU 150. You have to start with Eddie Williams and Reggie Ragland, then you get to Tyler Hayes, Justin Thomas, Kenyan Drake, Dillon Lee and Brandon Greene.

'Bama is also in on some other 5-star talents as well.

Auburn's Headliners

Auburn has a QB in the class, and not just any signal caller, but a great one. Zeke Pike is a 6'6", 225 pounder with a hose for an arm and one of the very best in the nation.

Ricky Parks is considered the No.2 TE prospect per Scout.com, TJ Yeldon is the best RB in Alabama, Josh Holsey is a top level DB and Cassnova McKinzy is one of the best LBs in the South.

Then you get to the potential and high ceiling that WR/ATH Ricardo Louis has. He's 6'2", 200 pounds and plays QB right now, but Auburn will likely make him a WR.

Word has it that the coaching staff is giddy over him and all his big play potential.

Alabama's Headliners

'Bama has two of the top defensive players in the nation. Reggie Ragland is a huge, 6'4", 245 pound LB prospect that is a heat seeking missile. He's a fierce blitzer and explodes at the point of attack to deliver huge hits.

Eddie Williams is a 6'4", 205 pound ATH/DS from Florida, that can factor as a WR, LB or DS. Williams has a ton of range on the back end, is instinctive in coverage and has excellent ball skills. 

These two players, in my opinion are a cut above the rest of the class. But that's not a knock on the other players, but just how highly I think of Williams and Ragland.

I expect these two to become All-Americans in a few years.

Conclusion: Who's Class Is Better?

Based on numbers alone, Alabama's class is better. They have 14 commits to Auburn's 13, and five ESPNU 150 players to Auburn's four.

But really, it's splitting hairs and pretty much a push. I'm sure there will be a ton of debate, but both classes are excellent. If I had to choose, I then guess I'd take Alabama's just because of how much I expect from Ragland and Williams.

But Auburn's class is super talented as well, and surely many of the Tiger commits are future starters.

What do you think?