Follow our 2017 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 25 cross country teams and individuals in the NCAA this season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. The No. 11 men's spot goes to Alabama, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

JR Vincent Kiprop (13:42 5K; 28:19 10K; 1st at '16 DII NCAA XC)
JR Gilbert Kigen (13:53 5K; 11x NJCAA Champion)
JR Alfred Chelanga (13:48 5K; 28:04 10K; 2nd at '16 DII NCAA XC)
JR Josh Short (8:24 3K; 9:04 3K SC; 42nd at '16 NCAA South XC)
SR Evan Prizy 14:53 5k (53rd at '16 SEC XC; 55th at '16 NCAA South XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Gilbert Kigen via Central Arizona (13:53 5K; 11x NJCAA Champion)
Vincent Kiprop via Missouri Southern (13:42 5K; 28:19 10K; 1st at '16 DII NCAA XC)
Alfred Chelanga via Shorter (13:48 5K; 28:04 10K; 2nd at '16 DII NCAA XC)

Analysis:

This year's Alabama squad will be one of the most interesting teams to watch in 2017. The Crimson Tide will debut three DII/NJCAA international transfers that have the chance to be top ten individual contenders. Five-time DII NCAA Champion Vincent Kiprop leads Alabama along with 11-time NJCAA Champion Gilbert Kigen and 2017 collegiate 10k leader (28:04) Alfred Chelanga.

The addition of these three men launch the Crimson Tide from fourth in the south XC regional last year to pre-season No. 11 in this year's FloXC rankings.

Over the past five years, on average the 10th best team at NCAAs scored 332 points. Alabama's top three could potentially score 32 points combined, meaning their number four and five men would only need to finish 100th and 200th respectively to be a top-10 team.

Alabama's projected number four runner, Josh Short has improved on the grass over his first two seasons and has a respectable 3K steeplechase personal best of 9:04. Evan Prizy, a fifth year senior, is the guy we project to be Alabama's fifth man based on his veteran experience.

This year Alabama should contend to be a top-10 team -- next year this squad maybe a contending national title team!

FULL MEN'S RANKINGS HERE