Saban, Crimson Tide dominating in-state recruiting

Nick Saban already has 16 commitments for the class of 2008 before coaching his first game at Alabama. AP

Mike Farrell, Special to SI.com, Rivals.com

Was there ever any question that Nick Saban would be able to recruit at Alabama?

If there was, it has already been answered.

When you hire a coach like Saban at a tradition-laden program like Alabama, results are expected. In his first full recruiting year, Saban hasn't disappointed the fanatics in Tuscaloosa.

It's only August, but Saban already has 16 commitments for the class of 2008. He has set himself up for a strong finish, possibly an outstanding one if things go well on the field.

The state of Alabama is loaded with talent this year, very nice timing for the new coach. From '02 to ]05, there were a total of nine players from the state in the nation's top 100. That's about two per year. This year, there are seven players from the state in the Rivals.com top 100.

Alabama is also one of the fastest-rising states in the country when it comes to national talent. The state is so loaded this year that the 30th ranked prospect, offensive lineman Ben Jones, committed to Georgia.

The Crimson Tide are dominating the state in recruiting. Eleven of the top 20 players in the state have already made commitments, and 10 of them want to play for Saban. The state's top offensive lineman, Tyler Love, chose to stay home over offers from Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Georgia and many others.

Burton Scott, the best athlete in the state, picked Alabama over offers from Auburn, USC, Florida, Florida State, Miami and others. You get the point: The top guys in the state are flocking to Tuscaloosa.

Alabama's recruiting is always compared to Auburn's classes. This year, it's no contest at this point. The Tigers, who usually land their share of top recruits in the state, aren't on the board yet when it comes to the top 20 players in their backyard. Of the nine top uncommitted players in the state, there isn't one you can consider an Auburn lock. Tommy Tuberville has a chance to land some good ones, like linebacker Jerrell Harris and offensive lineman Antoine McClain, but Alabama is in much better shape.

The biggest prize in the state is wide receiver Julio Jones. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Jones is a Calvin Johnson replica who has offers from everyone. He's the kind of skill position player that has escaped the clutches of Alabama coaches in years past. But at this point, it would be a surprise if Jones committed to anyone but Saban.

Recruiting at this level is nothing new to Saban. In '03 he reeled in the nation's best recruiting class by signing guys like JaMarcus Russell (out of Alabama, by the way), LaRon Landry, Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis. A year later he signed Early Doucet, Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson. The man can clearly bring in talent.

Alabama has a tough schedule in '07. The slate features an out-of-conference game at Florida State and the season-ender at Auburn. But they also get Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and LSU at home. There are sure-fire wins scheduled against Western Carolina, Houston and Louisiana Monroe. Anything less than a bowl game would be a big disappointment.

FSU Keeps Adding

Yet another national recruit committed to Florida State this past week. Gainesville, Ga., defensive end Keith Wells chose the Seminoles over offers from Ohio State, Florida, Tennessee, Auburn and many others. The 6-foot-5, 211-pounder is thin and he has narrow shoulders, but his quickness is unquestioned.

Rutgers Adds Huge QB

Many compare FSU commitment E.J. Manuel to former LSU star Russell because Manuel is 6-feet 6-and resembles Russell at the same stage in high school. But new Rutgers commitment D.C. Jefferson is also drawing comparisons to the Oakland Raiders' top draft pick.

Jefferson, who chose the Scarlet Knights over Auburn, LSU and others, is 6-feet-6, weighs 240 pounds and has hands the size of catcher's mitts. Jefferson is raw and could end up as a tight end or defensive end down the line, but he also has excellent potential as a quarterback.

Jefferson committed the same day as fellow quarterback Stephen Shimko, who is 6-feet-6 and weighs 210 pounds.