Nick Saban has been at Alabama since 2007. In those 8 recruiting cycles his Crimson Tide have finished 1st overall in the Rivals Team Rankings 6 times, including each of the past 4 years and 6 out of the last 7 years. It's been quality but also quantity as well. The low mark for the Saban era is the 22-man haul in 2011 but in all other 7 cycles he's brought at least 25 players to Tuscaloosa.
So it came as no surprise that even before National Signing Day arrived this past Wednesday that the Crimson Tide were already celebrating yet another top ranked class.
Among their 26 signed recruits 4 are the top players at their position in the United States, 17 are in the top 5 of their position, 6 are Composite 5-stars, and 13 players have a Composite rating of above .960.
Really, Alabama? Is that the best you can do?
NATIONAL LINKS
Cal lineman Ted Agu passed away.
Arizona State hired West Virginia's Keith Patterson to be their new defensive coordinator. That'll force Holgo to sign his 4th DC in 4 years.
Jameis Winston says he'll stay at Florida State through his redshirt junior season.
Blake Bell beat Notre Dame from the QB position last year but will be moved to tight end in 2014.
Florida DB Cody Riggs is leaving Gainesville for a fifth-year elsewhere. Word on the street is that it might be Notre Dame.
Former USC quarterback Max Wittek is apparently looking at Texas, Louisville, and Ohio State as transfer options.
Andy Staples wrote about Tennessee's impressive recruiting haul.
Washington has indefinitely suspended quarterback Cyler Miles and wide receiver Demore'ea Stringfellow for breaking team rules.
5-star defensive end Malik McDowell hasn't signed his LOI yet with Michigan State.
One coach having a great start to 2014 is...Bo Pelini?
One recruit managed to pull off signing with 3 different schools. He ultimately settled on Utah.
A NCAA rule is making Arizona change the numbers on their uniforms.
Charlie Strong is getting shots in at Texas A&M nice and early.
IRISH LINKS
ESPN: Nic Weishar Honors his Brother
HLS: Snap Judgement: Signing Day
NBC: Irish Succeed with 2014 Class
UHND: Class Evaluation: Quarterback