Coming into the new year, Alabama had finished with seven consecutive No. 1 recruiting classes. All of that talent — which included 32 5-stars and 104 4-stars — has helped the Crimson Tide win five championships under Nick Saban.

We could see that spectacular run end Wednesday, however. In fact, it’s likely that Alabama won’t even bring in the top class in the SEC.

While the Tide sits with the No. 6 class (one 5-star, 14 4-stars), Kirby Smart has Georgia rolling. The Bulldogs are barely trailing Ohio State for the top spot. A big reason for that is their six 5-star prospects — which leads the nation.

That doesn’t mean Alabama is completely out of the running. It just means they have a lot of work to do with less than 24 hours to go until the final signing period.

The good news for fans is that Saban and the rest of the coaching staff have set themselves up for a strong finish.

How does the class look so far?

Some will try to tell you this was a down year for Alabama’s recruiting. Those people will be wrong.

This class already includes several impressive pieces.

Eyabi Anoma is one of them. The 6-5, 235-pound weak side defensive end from Baltimore, Md., is the No. 1 player at his position — and the No. 4 overall in the nation. Considering Alabama had five edge rushers miss time with injury, the addition of someone like Anoma is crucial.

Another important get was Emil Ekiyor — the nation’s No. 3 center prospect (No. 113 overall). Bradley Bozeman — who has started the past two years — was a senior. With Ekiyor’s size (6-2, 322), strength and high football I.Q., he could provide valuable depth — and might even start — as a true freshman.

Defensive back was also a critical need. The Tide lost six of their top seven players in the secondary — including two potential first-round safeties.

Alabama has countered by adding three 4-star cornerbacks — Jalyn Armour-Davis (No. 13 CB), Josh Jobe (No. 14) and Saivion Smith (No. 1 JUCO CB) — to the class so far. They’re also in the hunt for several more high-profile defensive backs — some of whom could move to safety if need be.

The importance of adding a guy like Skyler DeLong — the nation’s No. 4 punter — cannot be understated, either. Alabama will be losing four-year starter, J.K. Scott, who has been one of the country’s top punters since his freshman season.

Who’s still out there?

Alabama has a chance of making a strong push on Signing Day. They’re expected to be heavily in the mix for several elite players.

Here’s a collective list of those guys:

  • Patrick Surtain Jr: 5-star (No. 1 CB)
  • Tyson Campbell: 5-star (No. 2 CB)
  • Olaigah Griffin: 5-star (No. 3 CB)
  • Nicholas Petit-Frere: 5-star (No. 1 OT)
  • Jaylen Waddle: 4-star (No. 5 WR)
  • Justyn Ross: 4-star (No. 7 WR)
  • Jacob Copeland: 4-star (No. 12 WR)
  • Malik Langham: 4-star (No. 14 SDE)

The most likely additions of this group are Ross, Waddle and Langham. The Tide is also the favorite to secure the commitments of two 3-star prospects — Eddie Smith (No. 42 CB) and Jaylen Moody (No. 50 LB).

There’s also the possibility that Alabama could flip J.J. Peterson, a 4-star linebacker who is committed to Tennessee. Peterson’s head coach, Rush Propst, believes the Tide has a 50-50 shot, according to the AL.com article.

Could Alabama lose a couple of prospects?

As important as it is for Alabama to close strong with these uncommitted prospects, it’s just as important to fend off schools like Tennessee and Texas A&M from stealing current commitments as well.

Quay Walker — the nation’s No. 2 OLB prospect — has been committed to the Tide since June of last year. That could change on Signing Day, however. The Vols — who are now being coached by former Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt — are expecting a late swap from the 6-4, 236-pound specimen.

In addition, Alabama could lose another 4-star prospect — this time to Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M.

Vernon Jackson — the No. 20 athlete in the country — is more than likely going to end up on the defensive side of the football. His combination of size (6-3, 240), speed (reported 4.7 40-yard dash) and strength (600-pound squat) help make him a dark horse to contribute early in his college career.

Alabama needs to do everything they can to retain both targets.