Alabama Crimson Tide Recruiting: Which Prospects Does Nick Saban Need to Land?

As soon as Nick Saban took the head coaching job at the University of Alabama, the Crimson Tide became serious threats in the recruiting world.

Saban is currently building a strong 2012 class, but he still needs to convince some of the best in the country to commit to Alabama. 

The Crimson Tide will remain big players in college football recruiting for as long as Saban is in charge. It sure doesn't hurt that Alabama is in its second national championship game in two years. 

Competing against LSU, Arkansas and Auburn in the SEC West is difficult on the gridiron, but it's even harder on the recruiting trail. 

With a few months left before prospects sign national letters of intent, Saban needs to push hard to get more of the top players.

Saban has the potential of putting together his best class ever if he's able to get all or at least some of these recruits. Since these are elite recruits, if one chooses Alabama soon, the others may follow suit.  

Eddie Goldman, DT 

Considered the top overall available prospect by ESPN and the No. 1 defensive tackle by everyone, Goldman has Alabama near the top of his list. 

Listed at 6'4", 310 pounds, Goldman, a relentless defender, is receiving offers from all over the country. According to Rivals.com, he visited Alabama when they lost to LSU in overtime, and I imagine that if the Crimson Tide win the BCS title, it will have an impact on his decision. 

Goldman would easily become the next great defensive tackle in Saban's stout defense, which is exactly why he needs to be at the top of the list for Alabama. 

Dorial Green-Beckham, WR 

The nation's top wide receiver and top overall recruit according to Rivals, Green-Beckham is destined to be a star wherever he goes. 

If Saban were wise, he'd put Green-Beckham as priority No. 1 to ensure his offense gets better next year. Trent Richardson could be leaving for the NFL, meaning Saban will need to find another big playmaker. 

Listed at 6'6", 220 pounds, Green-Beckham can definitely be that guy for Alabama. The talented receiver will see the field of play right away wherever he ends up, a destination which is currently a huge secret. 

While Green-Beckham isn't giving any hints regarding his decision, Alabama is a possibility, and that's why Saban must keep fighting to sign this kid. 

Landon Collins, S 

Many people believe that Alabama and LSU are Collins' top choices right now, which means the winner of the title game may just be the one that lands him. 

Collins is the best safety in the class of 2012, and since he's from Louisiana, it won't be easy for Saban to get him. However, Collins has visited both schools, so it's not as though the Tigers are clear-cut favorites. 

In fact, Collins took a trip to Alabama before he went anywhere else. His hometown is only about half an hour from Baton Rouge, so he may want to venture outside of what he's always known. 

His explosiveness and tough physical style of play make Collins a hot target right now, and Saban needs to make sure the Tigers don't get such a talented defender. 

Arik Armstead, OT 

Regarded as the No. 1 overall prospect by Scout.com, Armstead would be a fantastic addition to Alabama and would certainly help give the Crimson Tide the best recruiting class of 2012. 

Listed at 6'7", 280 pounds, Armstead may not want to leave the West Coast, but he would find a ton of success if he played at Alabama. According to ESPN, Notre Dame and teams out west are the ones to beat, but Alabama and Auburn are a top his list. 

According to Rivals.com, Armstead visited Alabama when it lost to LSU earlier in the year, but the atmosphere at that game had to have helped sway Armstead's decision. 

Alabama currently has one offensive tackle, Brandon Greene, committed to play for the Crimson Tide, but Armstead projects to be a better player.

Still, having both of these players would boost Alabama's offensive line for many years.