Screw Nick Saben who does not like the early signing period.
If you followed recruiting class rankings during the Summer and Fall over the last few years, Bama's classes are not highly ranked until we drew close to the Feb signing date. He and his coaches would communicate with kids they had interest in and stroke then but hold off offering them until the 11th hour.
He would accomplish many things in waiting to offer kids late. He'd make sure they: continued to get better and did not peak early, did not get a bad injury in their last year, did not get into trouble, AND, had the grades to get in.
If they looked good late in their senior years, he'd then offer them and most would sign with Bama at the last minute OR lots would change their verbal to and sign w/ Bama because they saw his NC rings and the facilities.
If kids sign with another school then change to Bama they have to sit a year.
The early signing period helps level the playing field.