Phil Steele has what is probably a way-too-early list for the SEC programs here. It’s going to be subject to adjustment, obviously, as we start to hear about early entrants for the NFL draft, but it still gives some indication of who next year’s more experienced teams may be.
The other thing to keep in mind is the-rich-get-richer factor. ‘Bama may be losing starters, but it subs liberally and it’s not like what’s waiting in the wings isn’t talented.
Get The Picture 
I heard 7 & 7 from two sources earlier. Is Steele not aware that a couple of D guys who were thought to be going early have now committed to coming back?
LikeLike
Let’s see: four O linemen, two ends and an RB account for the O number that I heard. Put that with more D linemen than thought and 3-4 others on D (doubtful you will find starters from every game, but starters nonetheless) and you get a few more than Steele lists.
LikeLike
Yep, I knew it looked low and the first thing that jumped out was 3 OL when it is actually 4. He must not know that KH was granted the extra year after the NCAA shafted him for all of those years. I actually count 7 & 7 too.
LikeLike
16 total… 8 offense, 6 defense, 2 kickers.
LikeLike
Good mixture of talented youth with experience in all the right places save for QB. I’m worried about QB and especially C. Add in the fact that’ll we’re also gonna have a new OC, OL and QB coaches and my worry increases. Obviously, new position coaches and coordinators for the new C and QB could be a really good thing, or not, but the optimist in me tends to side with good. I will say that I fully expect Edwards to make his name known next year. What I’d like to see is Kublanow at C and Edwards to take his G spot. I really believe Kublanow would make a great C and expect Edwards to eventually start and be good at any of the 3 interior OL positions. Long just doesn’t look like he’s gonna cut it.
LikeLike
I’m worried about center as well. I’m actually worried about the whole d-line. I’m just worried, man, I’m just worried.
LikeLike
LikeLike
Funny. Did you listen, jabo?
LikeLike
Why does a dog worrying where to hide his bone and a red umbrella keep popping up in my mind?
LikeLike
Obviously “returning starters” doesn’t include some slightly talented impact players who didn’t start this year, such as Sony Michel, Jeb Blazevich, Isaiah McKenzie, Justin Scott-Wesley, and Lorenzo Carter. (Malcolm Mitchell too? Did Conley and Bennett start at WR?)
LikeLike
Tennessee will be much better next year. They showed flashes this year and playing that many young players will help them.
LikeLike
…and we play them after Bama. There is only one bye week next year (before UF) but it looks like we alternate fairly well between tough and easier teams…except the stretch of Bama, UT and Mizzou. We better build that depth.
LikeLike
I take ut improvement with a grain of salt. They looked lousy in late season games against mizzou and vandy. They look like they have a long way to go. Though I’m sure we’ll get their best effort.
LikeLike
I hope they’re good enough to beat Iowa today,,but just barely.
LikeLike
Steele has UGA with 3 OL starters back when that number is 4.
LikeLike
I like that ours is nicely split between O and D. I feel its always a liability when one side is replacing way more than the other. I see Bama is returning the punter and dread facing them next year!
LikeLike
Yep, it’s always nice to have the experienced players sprinkled in between the newbies.
LikeLike
With our level of attrition its a fool’s errand to project who’ll be back.
LikeLike
Phil Steele makes my eyes water, too. Who has time to calculate this stuff, even if is your full time gig…
LikeLike