TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Alabama coach Nick Saban welcomed his first recruiting class Thursday with open arms. He made no predictions about who has the best shot at playing early.

Twenty-one freshmen reported along with the varsity a day before the Crimson Tide opens fall camp. Saban says two signees - Hoover defensive tackle Kerry Murphy and junior college safety Michael Ricks - are academically ineligible. Murphy plans to attend prep school.

The Tide opens fall camp with a full-squad workout Friday afternoon. The freshmen will practice again in the evening.

Saban said he is looking for players who can contribute on the defensive line and at linebacker. He said he is also looking for skill players who can "make big plays."

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)