The most important date in February for men to remember is upon us. No, I am not talking about Valentine’s Day. I am talking about the most highly anticipated day for hardcore college football fans that occurs in the offseason: National Signing Day. National Signing Day is the day that high school seniors sign their letters of intent to play football at a particular university.

This day is a culmination of a very long and complicated process, known as recruiting, where 18-year-old males are courted like Helen of Troy. However ridiculous and sometimes scandalous recruiting is, most coaches acknowledge how important landing the biggest and best recruits is to the success of his program.

Here is a brief summarization and evaluation of Alabama and Auburn’s 2011 recruiting classes.

University of Alabama-

Best Prospect: DB Hasean Clinton-Dix

Biggest Surprise: LB Trey DePresit

Most Underrated Recruit: LB Vinnie Sunseri.

Alabama has enjoyed several top-notch recruiting classes since the arrival of Nick Saban, and this class is no different. The headliner of this class, defensive back Hasean Clinton-Dix of Orlando, committed to the Tide early, and his high school teammate, running back Dee Hart, also chose Alabama over Michigan in early January.

With several key defensive linemen departing this year, the Tide needed to restock, and they turned to the state of Georgia to fill this void. Defensive end Xzavier Dickson of Griffin and defensive tackle LaMicheal Fanning of Harris County are both four-star prospects that signed with Alabama.

Georgia is not the only state where Alabama had success, as they racked up several key commitments in their home state. Marvin Shinn of Prichard and Danny Woodson of Mobile are both highly touted receivers. Vinnie Sunseri of Tuscaloosa, who is the son of an Alabama assistant coach, gives the Tide depth at key positions.

The biggest surprise of this year’s class is four-star linebacker Trey DePriest. DePriest, of Springfield, Ohio, chose the Tide over nearby Ohio State, citing his relationship with coach Saban as his deciding factor.

Other notable recruits for Alabama include: four-star linebacker Shannon Brown, four-star tight end Malcolm Faciane, four-star defensive end D.J. Pettway, and four-star reviver Bradley Sylvie.

Alabama’s recruiting class was ranked first in the nation by Rivals.com, third in the nation by ESPN.com (behind Florida State and Texas) and eighth in the nation by Scout.com.

Auburn University-

Best Prospect: OT Christian Westerman

Biggest Surprise: RB/LB Brent Calloway

Most Underrated Recruit: DT Angelo Blackson.

Auburn finished the recruiting process strongly by reeling in several key prospects. Auburn was also able to get quality players in several areas of need.

The biggest need for the Tigers this season was to replenish a depleted offensive line-and the Tigers signed a plethora of talented prospects. Here, Auburn picked up the No. 2 rated tackle in the nation in Christian Westerman of Chandler, Ariz. The No. 1 center in the nation, Reese Dismukes of Spanish Fort, has already enrolled this January, and he should be the favorite to replace Ryan Pugh next season. Guards Thomas O’Reily and Greg Robinson rounded out the group.

Running back was another area of huge concern for Gene Chizik. With five-star running back Mike Blakely spurning the Tigers, Auburn turned its focus to Tre Mason, who picked the Tigers over Ole Miss. Brent Calloway of Russellville was a huge recruiting coup when he switched his commitment to Auburn from Alabama on national television during the Army High School All-American game. Calloway was projected to play linebacker in college, but Auburn offered him a chance to play running back, which, according to Calloway, was a deciding factor in a statement given to Rivals.com.

Auburn was also busy recruiting players on the defensive side of the ball. The Tigers picked up some underrated players on the defensive line. Defensive tackle Angelo Blackson is a nimble interior lineman in the mold of a player like Nick Fairley. Blackson is a wonderful athlete too, as he was offered a scholarship by Syracuse … to play basketball.

The defensive back play at Auburn has been woeful for a few seasons now, but Auburn has brought in several quality players. Jonathan Rose of Leeds is the No. 4 rated cornerback in the nation, according to Rivals, and he has already enrolled at Auburn this spring. Safety Robenson “Cadillac” Therezie got his nickname from Auburn great Carnell Williams, and he will be attending the same university next year.

Other notable Auburn commitments are: four-star receiver Quan Bray, four-star quarterback Kiehl Frazier, four-star tight end Brandon Fulse and five-star linebacker Kris Frost.

Auburn finished sixth nationally according to Rivals.com, third nationally according to ESPN.com and third nationally according to Scout.com.