TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Nick Saban flashed a huge smile on stage Wednesday after Alabama's sixth-year head coach had just secured what was widely regarded as the nation's top recruiting class.

Saban said there were virtually no surprises, unlike a year ago. He admitted there were challenges with the SEC's new 25-man cap on signees; Saban said 26 players signed with one back-counted toward the 2011 class.

"We couldn't send out a lot of scholarships on a maybe because if too many guys decided to come here we would have gotten penalized," Saban said. "It worked out well from that standpoint the fact we had a lot of guys commit to us a long time ago. To stick with those commitments was also a positive thing for us in terms of our management in recruiting this year."

The Crimson Tide picked up the first surprise of the day by landing Lynchburg (Va.) Brookville defensive tackle Korren Kirven (6-5, 292), who picked Alabama over Virginia Tech and Tennessee.

Then came announcements to Alabama from McDonough (Ga.) Henry County defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (6-2, 266) followed by Ellenwood (Ga.) Cedar Grove offensive lineman Brandon Green (6-5, 292).

Not every player who had committed to Alabama signed with the Crimson Tide.