Follow our 2019 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 25 cross country teams and individuals in the NCAA this season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. And, be sure to watch our LIVE FloXC Podium Reveal Show Monday, August 26th at 10 AM CT. The No. 12 men’s spot goes to Alabama and here's why:

Probable Top Seven:

SR Gilbert Kigen (13:34 5K; 28:20 10K; 2nd at ’19 NCAA Outdoor 10K)

SR Vincent Kiprop (13:37 5K; 28:19 10K; 7th at ’17 NCAA XC)

FR Eliud Kipsang (1:48 800; 3:43 1500; 8:17 3K)

FR Noel Rotich (8:52 3K SC; 14:03 5K)

SR James Brinyark (14:36 5K; 31:23 10K; 29th at ’18 NCAA South XC)

JR Brad Cheek (14:54 5K; 31:13 10K)

SO Elliott Gindi (8:42 3K; 15:36 5K)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Eliud Kipsang via Kenya (1:48 800; 3:43 1500; 8:17 3K)

Elliott Gindi via Northern Arizona (8:42 3K; 15:36 5K)

Brad Cheek via Samford (14:54 5K; 31:13 10K)

Analysis:

After a 14th place finish in 2017 Alabama head coach Dan Waters decide to punt his ‘all-in’ efforts to 2019 due to injuries sustained by his top two runners Gilbert Kigen and Vincent Kiprop. Flash forward to today and the Alabama men are once again ready to go ‘all-in’ this season returning three men from redshirt seasons and adding a notable Kenyan freshman to replace the departure of All-American Alfred Chelanga.

The 2019 Crimson Tide will be led by seniors Gilbert Kigen and Vincent Kiprop who both are strong candidates for top-5 overall finishes. Projected to be their number three and four runners will be Kenyan freshman Eliud Kipsang who ran an 8:17 3k at altitude in Kenya and redshirt freshman Noel Rotich who came on late in the season last year running a strong 14:03 5k personal best.

The ultimate key for this Alabama squad will be their 5th man. Luckily coach Waters has added some depth via transfers. Brad Cheek from Samford and Elliott Gindi from Northern Arizona will likely battle with senior James Brinyark for that fifth roster spot.

FULL RANKINGS HERE