We are in the 48-hour dead period of recruiting before Early Signing Period begins Wednesday and lasts through Friday. After uncertainty filled the air about what to expect with early signing last year, we saw that 80-85% of the nation’s prospects signed early, thus making ESP the most important period of recruiting.

The SEC is in a position to do very well this week, with no fewer than 10 programs hanging around the Top 25 classes in the nation. Here are the top storylines that bear watching:

The Race for No. 1

That doesn’t seem to be much of a contest this year. By most metrics Alabama is far ahead of the pack even after losing out on No. 2-rated prospect Kayvon Thiboudeaux. The 2019 Tide class still has hopes of adding at least 2 more 5-star prospects: RB Trey Sanders and OT Evan Neal. If that happens, they’ll challenge for one of the highest rated recruiting class since the sites starting ranking them.

The Race for the top 5

Now that’s a little more interesting. Georgia is No. 2 and Texas A&M is No. 3; both classes seem assured of being in the Top 5. LSU is at No. 4 and holding off Clemson, Texas, Oregon and some others. LSU seems to be locked in on 19 commitments now that 4-star cornerback Marcel Brooks is solid after flirting with Oklahoma. It appears like the top four is stable overall, so who can make a run in the next 48 hours and break up the SEC pack at the top?

What are the big battles?

The biggest battles appear to be for two prospects from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Five-star running back Trey Sanders appears to be a heavy Alabama lean, but both Georgia and Florida are still hoping for a late change of heart. Five-star offensive lineman Evan Neal is also an Alabama lean with Georgia, Miami and Florida State still hanging around. Five-star wide receiver Jadon Haselwood, the top-rated prospect in Georgia, has been a Miami lean for a while, but the Bulldogs got the final official visit and are coming on strong.

Which program could go boom or bust?

Auburn sits at No. 12 in the 247Sports.com Composite rankings, but it’s a shaky hold to say the least. The Tigers staff has been playing a little more defense than offense in recent weeks and that has probably held them back from capitalizing on some undecided targets. It does appears that 4-star offensive lineman Keiondre Jones will stick with the Tigers despite a push from Florida and Florida State. But 4-star wide receiver George Pickens isn’t going to sign early and that could be a tough battle through the new year. It also appears that Auburn might be the odd team out on 4-star offensive lineman William Putnam as the Tampa, Fla., prospect chooses between Clemson and FSU.

Which programs could close strong?

Florida is worth watching. The Gators would love to sign the trio out of Lakeland (Fla.) HS. Four-star offensive lineman Deyavie Hammond appears locked into Florida but 4-star defensive end Lloyd Summerall and 4-star tight end Keon Zipperer are choosing between Florida and Miami. If the Gators land all three, a top 10 finish is possible and Florida would have the early advantage on the real prize from Lakeland: Class of 2020 running back Demarkcus Bowman.

Tennessee is also on the strong close watch. Four-star linebacker Quavaris Crouch looks like he’ll choose Tennessee over Clemson. He is expected to announce his choice at the All-American Bowl in the first week of January. Five-star offensive lineman Darnell Wright might be the biggest name who doesn’t sign early, but he’s a heavy Tennessee lean. The Vols got the final visit for 4-star running back Noah Cain, but Penn State and Texas have been the clear-cut leaders for the IMG prospect.

What other prospects are worth tracking?

Four-star defensive lineman Derick Hunter looks like he’ll flip from Florida State to Texas A&M on Wednesday as both Hall and FSU have appeared to move on. Florida is also trying to get in on Hunter.

Four-star nose guard Siaki Ika was an Alabama lean, but numbers have led him to other possibilities with LSU, Oregon, Florida and Utah all in on the Salt Lake City prospect. Four-star wide receiver Langston Anderson is down to Ole Miss, Baylor and Oklahoma State after he dropped Auburn because he didn’t have time to visit before Early Signing Period. Four-star cornerback Marcus Banks is leaning toward Texas A&M despite a big push from Florida State in the past month.

What other programs are in good shape?

Arkansas needs a big-time class after going 2-10 and it looks like Chad Morris is going to deliver with a Top 20 class that might be the best to ever come into Fayetteville with 8 4-star prospects.

Mississippi State and Ole Miss should both be inside of the Top 25 after Early Signing Period is done.

South Carolina is sitting at No. 23 and looking good for 3-star cornerback John Dixon and 3-star offensive lineman Jakia Moore. The Gamecocks are also trying to steal shaky Florida commit Tyron Hopper, a 4-star prospect out of Roswell, Ga.