Signing Day: Trent Richardson (and Everyone Else) to Alabama

College football recruits often cite the amount of available playing time as a reason for choosing a particular school. That factor, apparently, is not a consideration for anyone Alabama goes after. Once again, Nick Saban and the Tide landed a ridiculous class -- topped off on late Wednesday afternoon by superstar running back Trent Richardson.

He chose Alabama over Florida and LSU. In the ESPN's top 150, he was ranked the nation's top running back. Scout and Rivals rated him No. 2 in the country behind Wichita's Bryce Brown Most recruiting services regarded him as the South's top runner.

Brown looks like he'll wait until after signing day to choose a school but, at this point -- despite the Tide not being in the running for him -- I think we can just assume he'll sign with Alabama. It's just easier to assume every recruit will sign with Alabama.

The resurgent Alabama program looked strong heading into Wednesday, and then just blew up.

The Tide closed with running back Eddie Lacy, offensive lineman Brandon Moore, linebacker Tana Patrick and wide receivers Kenny Bell and Kendall Kelly on Wednesday.

All of those players? Excellent. The Tide's late surge jumped them up to the No. 2 overall class on Scout, while they made it all the way to the top of the charts at Rivals.

I think it's safe to assume that Alabama will be very good for a good, long while.

FanHouse takes you into the belly of the college football beast that is recruiting. We'll be around before, during and after Signing Day '09.