USA TODAY International Edition
ALABAMA WILL BE BACK AT TOP OF 2018 RANKINGS
ATLANTA – The end of each Alabama season is followed by a wave of early departures to the NFL, with key contributors opting to give up at least one additional season of eligibility in exchange for a spot somewhere in the first three rounds of the upcoming draft.
This month will be no different. A number of Alabama stars very likely will depart in advance, led by All-America defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, and a question will be asked: Will Alabama take a step back?
The Crimson Tide aren’t going anywhere. Despite another round of changes in personnel, Alabama will enter the 2018 season ranked at or near the top of the Football Bowl Subdivision. Once again, the Tide will be viewed as one of the premier teams in the country and as an odds-on favorite to make yet another appearance in the College Football Playoff.
The offensive line loses a leader in center Bradley Bozeman but brings back several starters, led by a likely AllAmerica pick in left tackle Jonah Williams. The backfield could lose at least one option from juniors Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough, but there’s miles of depth and talent ready in reserve.
The Crimson Tide’s front seven on defense will be better for this past season’s rash of injuries, particularly at linebacker. While an issue during the regular season, having to insert underclassmen into key roles will pay off during the offseason and into September.
Any concerns about Alabama’s personnel are relative. The receiver corps will have a different look, and the likely loss of wide receiver Calvin Ridley to the NFL does rob the Tide of their unquestioned top target. Likewise in the secondary, which will be almost entirely remade, and to a lesser degree along the defensive line.
But Alabama does this dance every season. Without fail, Nick Saban and the Tide reload behind a new list of starters and reserves to remain the top program in the FBS.
In fact, the biggest conundrum the coaching staff might face comes at a position teeming with returning talent. At quarterback, Saban must decide whether to keep junior-to-be Jalen Hurts in the starting role or open the spot to a competition between Hurts and rising sophomore Tua Tagovailoa.