Alabama added an important piece to its 2018 recruiting class with the addition of three-star Louisiana defensive back Eddie Smith on Wednesday morning. The Signing Day announcement was just a formality for Smith, who informed the Alabama staff that he would be joining the fold earlier in the week. Nevertheless, the Tide won Smith in a battle with SEC foes Mississippi State and Tennessee and eyed Smith as a key part of their class at a position of need.

The Tide were in the running for some of the nation's highest-ranked uncommitted defensive backs over the past month but prioritized Smith among them as a must-get. After zeroing in on Smith they still faced quite a battle, but ultimately won out, even if it took Nick Saban dancing to "The Cupid Shuffle" in Smith's living room. As far as his skillset, Smith fits the bill of long, lean and physical that Alabama looks for in its defensive backs. The Tide has turned three-stars into NFL players in the past and Alabama fans are hoping Smith can follow in the footsteps of those players.

Both schools thought they had a legitimate shot at Smith, especially during parts of January. Smith raved about the Vols initially, but by the time it came time for a decision they finished third behind the Tide and Bulldogs. Mississippi State thought they had Smith in the fold as late as last week, but couldn't withstand a strong late push from Saban and company. Both schools could have used Smith and would have had a chance to put him on the field early and will have to instead settle for backup plans at a key position.