I understand what
@50+yeartidefan is saying. We aren't bringing back a super star at any position really. Where we've had the Julio's, Ingram's, Richardson's, McCarron's, Cooper's, Ha Ha's, Mosely's, Ragland's, Ridley's, Henry's, Allen's, Harris/Leatherwood/Smith's, Surtan's, Anderson's, and Young's, we simply will not have that next year under Saban. No one is saying we have zero talent. I think his comments were taken way out of context.
To your point, correct, we have to find our identity next year, and on offense that will sit with a new offensive coordinator and who ends up being our starting quarterback. McClellan is a great back to start with. Bringing in two stud Freshmen backs will help with depth as we allow McClellan to handle most carries. May look into bringing Henderson back to tailback and building a little more seasoned depth with a guy that has a year in the program now.
Receiver, still a lot of work to do. The future looks bright, yes, but we also thought that this year. Bond, Law, and Prentice (talk about a law firm name) have got to show they can produce for a full season, and hopefully with more looks and playing time they can build consistency. Brooks back is big. One can only hope Burton continues to buy into the program and step up and learn to be more mature. Would be nice to have Latu back. Some folks don't like him, but I have personally see him grow leaps and bounds from a defensive end they recruited in. He'd be an asset for a new quarterback.
Offensive line seems to be filling in some starters and I think without many big names we have enough talent to be under the radar good.
Defensively there are a lot of questions if you ask me. Defensive line do we have anyone that can put their hands in the dirt and create a wall like Oatis did for us? At linebacker can we get a little more out of Turner and Braswell? Can Keely come in like Turner did and turn some heads? We know Lawson is going to be an upgrade in the middle. He reminds me of Reuben Foster with how fast and physical he is. He doesn't guess, he reacts. Throw in Blackshire and I think you got two studs holding down the middle. Secondary, unsure of what will happen here, especially if Ricks goes Pro. Arnold needs to move to Safety and roam the secondary. He will be lights out in my eyes (think Battle last year). Moore takes over for Branch and I think with a little more aggression he will be able to make that a positive spot for us. Probably needs to add a little weight so he can help come down in the box as well as help in the flats with bigger backs and tight ends.
I think we have some great recruits coming in that can add some depth as well as find some playing time, but once again, we have no real superstars like in years past, and I think that's what 50+ was intending to mean.