5-star DB Marlon Humphrey gives verbal to 'Bama

While most of central Alabama remains in the firm grip of snow and ice, one of the top defensive back prospects in the nation has given Crimson Tide fans a reason to celebrate.

Marlon Humphrey, son of 'Bama legend Bobby Humphrey, has given his verbal commitment to the University of Alabama for 2014. Humphrey, the pride of Hoover High School in Hoover, AL, used Twitter as his platform to break the news.

Thanks for everyone that has supported me this far I'm happy to say I am committed to the University of Alabama!! #RollTide
— Fruit PUNCH (@marlon_humphrey) January 29, 2014

Humphrey, who stands just over 6-feet tall and tops the scale at 175-pounds, selected the Crimson Tide over the likes of Florida State and Mississippi State.

Listed as a five-star talent across the board, Humphrey is also the No. 1 defensive back in the nation per several recruiting outlets.

In Marlon Humphrey and Tony Brown, #Alabama has landed the nation's top two cornerbacks and hurdlers in the 2014 class.
— Charles Power (@CharlesGPower) January 29, 2014

While Humphrey's decision to attend Alabama is not a surprise, his verbal commitment to Alabama, one week prior to national signing day, was not expected. With various reports that Humphrey would not "show his hand" until signing day, many recruiting experts expected Humphrey to reveal his intentions with a signature, not a public statement in advance.

Hoover HC Josh Niblett talks in-depth about @marlon_humphrey's commitment to the University of #Alabama http://t.co/YbcGdtRFGP @Rivals
— Andrew Bone (@AndrewJBone) January 29, 2014

With his pledge to the Tide, Marlon Humphrey becomes the 25th verbal commitment in respect to Alabama's 2014 signing class.

QB Jacob Coker confirms transfer to Alabama

As initially reported by BamaOnline.com, former Florida State quarterback Jacob Coker has officially signed with the University of Alabama in the form of a transfer.

I have confirmed that Jacob Coker has committed to #Alabama. He will transfer this summer. Committed to the staff on Saturday night.
— Andrew Bone (@AndrewJBone) January 26, 2014

Coker, who served as Jameis Winston's backup during the 2013 season, is scheduled to graduate in May. Upon completion of his coursework, Coker will fulfill the transfer to Alabama without penalty. Allowed to play in 2014 per NCAA rules, Coker will have two years of eligibility.

Alabama has confirmed the signing of Jacob Coker. Paperwork is in.
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) January 26, 2014

The pride of St. Paul's Episcopal, the same school responsible for former Tide quarterback AJ McCarron, Coker will likely be the favorite to fill the vacancy left by McCarron.

In a statement released by UA, Coker expressed his excitement to begin a new chapter at Alabama, while thanking Florida State for a wonderful experience.

In the world of well kept secrets, this one was a flop. One can only hope that Coker's potential in Tuscaloosa will culminate in better fashion.

Recruiting: 'Bama makes late push for elite prospects

As the 2014 edition of national signing day draws closer by the hour, many programs are searching for the final piece(s) of the puzzle in order to solidify an impressive signing class.

In respect to the Alabama Crimson Tide, Nick Saban and company currently have 24 verbal commitments, but who are the remaining targets as the "midnight hour" approaches?

With limited spots available, here are several prospects Alabama will be vying for in order to cement yet another elite signing class.

*List is subject to change
*Click name for Rivals page

-Primary Targets-

Name: Malachi Dupre
Rating: 5-star prospect - No. 1 wide receiver in the nation (Rivals)
School/City: John Curtis High School - River Ridge, Louisiana
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Florida State, LSU, UCLA

Name: Matt Elam
Rating: 3-star prospect (Rivals)
School/City: John Hardin High School - Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Position: Defensive Tackle
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Kentucky

Name: Rashaan Evans
Rating: 5-star prospect (Rivals)
School/City: Auburn High School - Auburn, Alabama
Position: Linebacker
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Auburn, UCLA

Name: Marlon Humphrey
Rating: 5-star prospect - No. 1 prospect in the state of Alabama (Rivals)
School/City: Hoover High School - Hoover, Alabama
Position: Defensive Back
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Florida State, Mississippi State

-High Investment-

Per the embedded tweet courtesy of Tide recruiting expert Andrew Bone, Alabama is pursuing the trio listed below in order to fulfill needs at the defensive back position.

Treon Harris - Verbal to Florida State as a quarterback - 4* Prospect
Tavon Ross - Verbal to Missouri - 2* Prospect
Dominick Sanders - Verbal to Central Florida - 3* Prospect

Alabama still looking at Tavon Ross who is committed to Missouri, Dominick Sanders of GA, and Treon Harris of Miami as defensive backs.
— Baron&Bone (@Baron_andBone) January 21, 2014

Name: Elisha Shaw
Rating: 3-star prospect (Rivals)
School/City: Tucker High School - Tucker/Atlanta, Georgia
Position: Defensive Tackle
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Ole Miss

Name: Chad Thomas
Rating: 5-star prospect - No. 1 weakside defensive end in the nation (Rivals)
School/City: Booker T. Washington High School - Miami, Florida
Position: Defensive End
Status: Verbal to Miami
List: Alabama, Florida State, Louisville, Miami

'Bama DB Tony Brown arrested at off-campus party

While the glow of the NFL likely kept a large percentage of Alabama fans glued to CBS and FOX during the bulk of Sunday, news hit the wire during the evening that one of Alabama's newest talents had been arrested.

Tony Brown, a five-star defensive back from Beaumont, Texas encountered legal issues Saturday night at a party.

Originally reported by TideSports.com, Brown, an early enrollee, was arrested on charges of failure to obey police as well as resisting arrest.

Sunday night, the Tuscaloosa Police Department released a statement describing the incident as well as Brown's role in the ordeal.

Per the general story, also embedded in the link above, Alabama head coach Nick Saban has been informed of the situation in question.