Alabama's top prospect Dre Kirkpatrick recently qualified academically and will be eligible to play for the Crimson Tide during the 2009 season. (Rivals.com Photo)

The Alabama Crimson Tide have gotten plenty of good gridiron news in recent weeks, as two of their top signees were officially cleared and will be eligible to play during the 2009 season.

Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, the top ranked corner in the 2009 recruiting class and the 11th best player in the nation, qualified recently and will enroll in the second summer session at Alabama.

Four star wide receiver Michael Bowman, the top ranked wide receiver in Alabama's 2009 recruiting class, also qualified yesterday and will be eligible to play during the fall.

Both plan to enroll in Alabama's second summer session so they can begin working out with the team and potentially work their way into some playing time.

Kirkpatrick should immediately upgrade secondary that was the weak point of the Alabama defense in 2008. He has the type of athleticism and potential to be a starter in the secondary from opening day.

Bowman, on the other hand, will have a little more work to do to see the field right away. He is hoping to have an impact at a wide receiver position that has few proven playmakers outside of Freshman All-American Julio Jones.

Kirkpatrick and Bowman should both make significant impacts for Alabama as true freshman and getting them qualified was a must for third year head coach Nick Saban.