Alabama is closing in on its seventh consecutive No. 1 recruiting class. The top players in the country want to come and play for the Crimson Tide, and Nick Saban knows how to sell them on his program.

This year’s class features five 5-star prospects, headlined by the nation’s No. 2 running back, Najee Harris. All five already are on campus. It’s a deep and talented class, with a focus on linebacker, wide receiver and the offensive line.

There are still several top prospects in play for Alabama, which would really push this class over the top. Saban is one of the best closers on the recruiting trail, but he will have his work cut out for him this year.

As National Signing Day quickly approaches, let’s take a look at where the Crimson Tide stand.

SEC class rank: 1
Overall class rank: 1
5-stars: 5
4-stars: 15
3-stars: 4

Did they own the state? No (not yet).

The verdict is still somewhat out, as some of the state’s top prospects remain uncommitted, but it hasn’t been a banner year for Alabama in its own state. The Crimson Tide have commitments from only four of the top 20 in-state prospects, while rival Auburn has six.

All four of Alabama’s in-state commitments are ranked among the state’s top 10 prospects, with 4-star Markail Benton, the No. 3 prospect from Alabama, being the top commit. If Alabama can lock down commitments from 5-star defensive end LaBryan Ray and 4-star receiver Henry Ruggs III, the top two in-state prospects, then it would be safe to say the Tide made out well in their home state.

Top player: Najee Harris.

Picking the top prospect in an Alabama recruiting class is like picking out the best “Friends” character or craziest Lane Kiffin story; it’s borderline impossible. Still, in this year’s class, Harris is the one who might be the most exciting.

That’s not a knock on Alex Leatherwood or Dylan Moses, but Saban’s preference in a strong run game bodes well for Harris. The No. 3 overall prospect, and No. 2 running back, is one of the highest-rated players to ever commit to Alabama. Harris is an electric runner, and he will make his mark sooner rather than later.

Still chasing: Aubrey Solomon

Solomon is Alabama’s Great White Whale. Landing the 5-star defensive tackle prospect would go a long way in reloading a relatively depleted defensive line. Solomon has the talent to make an impact right away for the Crimson Tide.

The only problem is that Solomon appears to be taking a liking to Michigan of late. It’s not often that Saban doesn’t get his guy, but some elite recruits say no. Fortunately, LaBryan Ray is an equally-talented prospect and a player Alabama should be able to lock down.

Best unit: Linebacker

Alabama has had some very good linebacker classes, and this one should rank among the best. Headlined by 5-star Dylan Moses, the Tide have secured commitments from four of the nation’s top 11 linebackers.

Biggest area of need filled: Offensive line

Due to key departures, linebacker could easily have landed in this spot. Just as important, however, is the offensive line. Cam Robinson is leaving, and Alabama didn’t have as much stability up front as it would have liked last season.

The Tide have five offensive linemen committed in this class, including Alex Leatherwood, the nation’s top offensive tackle, and Elliot Baker, the top JUCO offensive tackle.

Better or worse than last year: Slightly better

It’s hard to improve upon the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, which is the standard for Alabama, but this class might be a little bit better. There are already five 5-star prospects on campus (including a quarterback), and a few more are still in play.

If Alabama can close out on some of its remaining targets, this class could go down as one of Saban’s best. As it is, though, it’s still pretty darn good.

All rankings courtesy of the 247Sports Composite

William McFadden covers the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama for Saturday Down South. For insight on these two SEC powerhouses, follow him on Twitter @willmcfadden.