Alabama Football Recruiting 2012: The Tide's Biggest Remaining Recruiting Needs

Nick Saban and Alabama possess 21 commitments for their 2012 class, and more than half the class is rated as 4-star recruits or higher.

After a stellar 2011 haul, can Alabama top that with an even better 2012 class? Well, here's the latest news on some of their top targets, who undoubtedly would help that feat.

Sanders Sticking with Solid Four

Barry Sanders Jr. is one of the top RBs in the country and Alabama has been on his tracks hard since they've heard about him. Aside from having legendary bloodlines, Sanders is a great player and has a ton of offers.

Right now, his top four regardless of order is Alabama, Oklahoma State, Stanford and Florida State.  

Jones To Visit Ohio State

Cyrus Jones is a player that could end up at either RB, WR or DB in college. That's why Alabama, Auburn, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Ohio State all want him so badly.

Jones has set his fifth and final official trip to Ohio State thanks to the urging of Luke Fickell. Alabama will be making a home visit this week.

Miami and Cal Still in Play for Goldman

If 'Bama wants Goldman to play the 0-technique/NT position, then they can forget about it. Yet, if the Tide have other plans for him, then he's listening.

Goldman has already taken trips to Florida State, Alabama and Auburn, with Miami hosting him last weekend. Cal is battling to secure his final visit.

Status Quo for Landon Collins

Things look to be the same for Landon Collins, the 5-star SS prospect from Louisiana. Collins has a top three of LSU, 'Bama and Texas. He tells Scout.com that he will likely announce January 5 at the Under Armour game.

Auburn Tough To Beat for Young

Avery Young took his trip to Alabama for the LSU game and had a blast. In fact, he was near speechless in describing his impressions.

Yet, it still looks like Auburn in going to be tough to beat. Young took his trip to The Plains earlier this fall and it left a special impression on him. Many feel he will end up a Tiger.

Early January Decision for Jenkins

Five-star DE Jordan Jenkins has gone through the process and is done with trips. He's seen 'Bama, Auburn, Florida, Tennessee and Georgia in person this fall.

The Gators and Crimson Tide seem to be the top two and a decision is coming in early January. I go back and forth between my prediction here. Look out for Georgia. 

Will Alexander Get out of Alabama?

Kwon Alexander has narrowed his list down to a final five of Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, LSU and Oregon.

The Alabama native is being pulled by different recruits to each of his finalists, but in-state pressure may make this an Iron Bowl fight for the nation's best LB prospect. However, Florida State has had a good amount of success in Alabama this year.

Armstead Graduating Early

According Brandon Huffman of Scout.com, Arik Armstead has gotten word he can graduate early and play basketball. So there's a chance that Armstead could go from sacking prep QBs this season to posting up college big men in a month.

He took a trip to Cal last weekend, which is close to his NorCal home and the Bears are the "heavy favorite" according to Huffman.