Nick Saban has put his cards on the table. All that’s left is for the (blue) chips to fall where they may.

On the eve of National Signing Day, Alabama was certain it had landed a solid recruiting class. But there are so many top prospects who haven’t committed that Saban’s day could range from strong to spectacular.

Among the variables:
* Trent Richardson, RB, Pensacola, Fla. — He committed to Alabama last summer, but one of the top running backs in the country has wavered during recruiting season. He’s down to Alabama, Florida and LSU. His announcement is expected at 4 p.m. today.

* Tana Patrick, LB, Stevenson — The state’s top-ranked linebacker has scheduled a 10 a.m. press conference. His finalists reportedly are
Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee.

* Brandon Moore, DL, Montgomery — This Carver High standout is down to Alabama and Florida after a weekend visit to Tennessee. His announcement is scheduled for 11 a.m.

Those are just three of 10 top-rated prospects whose decisions were up in the air — or at least unannounced — Tuesday night.

Richardson’s high school coach, Escambia High’s Jimmy Nichols, tried joking with Richardson, kidding with him that the player has known where he’s going. But Nichols told the Mobile Press-Register that Richardson responded that he honestly didn’t know.

Alabama has needs across the board, Saban said during bowl preparation. Quality depth is a requirement everywhere. But Alabama must replace three departed starters on its offensive line, needs a solid playmaker at wide receiver to pair with the spectacular Julio Jones, and must replace free safety Rashad Johnson and shore up weaknesses in the secondary that were exposed against Florida and Utah.

Again, Alabama is a finalist for several top players at those positions.

The Tide, and everyone else, wants Bobby Massie, an offensive lineman out of Hargrave Military Academy. Massie, who is 6-foot-7, 330 pounds, will announce at 9:30 a.m.

As for the uncommitted receivers still on Alabama’s wish list, Kendall Kelly (1:53 p.m. announcement time) of Gadsden, Rueben Randle (noon) of Bastrop, La., and Pat Patterson of Macon, Miss., remain uncommitted. Randle is generally regarded as the top prospect, but getting him away from LSU would seem the toughest to pull off.

Dre Kirkpatrick of Gadsden is the state’s top-rated defensive back, and Saban is renowned both for developing DBs and landing in-state talent. His announcement is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.

Other secondary help could come from Atlanta’s Darren Myles Jr., who will announce at 9:45 a.m.

Defensive back Greg Reid of Valdosta, Ga., picked Florida State over Georgia and Alabama on Tuesday night. Georgia was considered the front-runner. Another out-of-state prospect, linebacker Barkevious Mingo of West Monroe, La., reportedly will pick LSU today.

Louisiana running back Eddie Lacy, however, is still leaning to Alabama before he announces at 11 a.m.