University of Alabama Football - Top 2011 Recruits

With a solid 2010 class in the books, don't expect the University of Alabama football coaching staff to take a break to celebrate; they are already out in search of talented juniors across the country. The Tide has already received commitments from a number of top priority recruits, but coach Saban has his work cut out for him if he hopes to match his previous off-season success at Alabama. Here is a brief overview of three of the Tide's top prospects for 2011.

Marvin Shinn - Wide Receiver (Committed)

Shinn has the size and football ability to make a huge difference for Alabama; many people are already saying that he has the skill set to replace Julio Jones. While this comment may be a bit pre-mature, there is no doubt that Shinn is going to be a special player at the next level. A 6'3" prospect out of Vigor High School, Shinn has already demonstrated rare ball skills not possessed by most prospects his age. While I have not seen him run many different routes, he appears to have great concentration down-field and coming across the middle. Shinn has a lot of room to pack on extra bulk before college and you can count on him to continue to improve over the course of next season.

Possible Future Commitments

Christion Jones - Defensive Back / Kick Returner

Jones combines above average safety play with some of the best return skills in the state. He has a great eye for the ball on defense and always takes the right angle in pursuit. For his size (Rivals.com lists him at 185 pounds) he delivers quite a powerful hit. He is not a Taylor Mays like tackler however, his form is near perfect and even when he delivers a big hit he still makes an effort to get low and wrap up the ball carrier. Like Shinn, he could use a few extra pounds if he hopes to be competitive at Alabama, but as a high school junior he shows tremendous upside.

Isaiah Crowell - Running Back

Crowell is a Georgia product and one of the most highly sought after recruits in the country. He is only a junior but is as well built as many college upperclassmen. Throw in his home run speed and freakish ability to break tackles and you have quite a prospect. He has already caught the attention of every major program in the country, but with Alabama's recent run-heavy championship performance you can bet Crowell will be giving the Tide more than a second look. Rivals.com has not officially rated this prospect yet, but he is a lock to be a top 25 recruit in his senior season.

"Christion Jones" Rivas.com