With the future of Alabama Crimson Tide football roughly two weeks away from jumping on board officially, there are many things other than recruiting that are worth talking about.

A large group of Seniors graduated this year and there will definitely be a lot of shuffling around within the depth chart come August.

That makes for a lot of areas of concern and interest for the coaching staff, as they prepare to evaluate certain areas of interest. However, it is perfectly reasonable to put full faith in this coaching staff.

They have shown by their impeccable track record that they know what they are doing. Only time will tell what will come of the work being put into this program. Moreover, it will undoubtedly be positive.

As the dawn slowly arrives for the new age of Alabama Football, twenty to thirty of the nation's most talented 18 year olds in the nation are about to embark on the greatest journey of their lives.

The offensive talent coming in is nothing short of amazing.

A handful of these players could possibly come in and compete for playing time early. Chris Jackson, Melvin Ray, Tyler Love, Star Jackson, and Burton Scott are all names that have been mentioned on this issue.

Star Jackson will have to come in and learn the system quickly, but his innate ability and athleticism should propel him into a role faster than most would think. Melvin Ray is also another player who is looking to come in and make an impact.

When asked about his chances of making starting next year Melvin had this to say. "The coaches have definitely told that I most likely will start next year at Wide Receiver depending on my work ethic."

On the defensive side of the ball there are many players who could make an impact as well.

Don'ta Hightower, Courtney Upshaw, Robby Green and Chris Jordan are some players that have all the capability needed to come in and make a run for the top of the depth chart. It will be interesting to see how these players respond to their opportunities.

The spots on the roster left open by the Senior Class of 2007 is a huge part of why the Crimson Tide will be able to sign as many prospects as they are intending to sign.

Among the most notable losses for the Crimson Tide are Simeon Castille, Wallace Gilberry, and D.J. Hall. After seemingly rewriting the Alabama record books, D.J. Hall moves into playing football on Sundays. Hopefully he can be even more successfully on the professional level.

Simeon Castille leaves Alabama after becoming a vocal leader for his team in his four years as a part of the program. He is the son of former Tide star Jeremiah Castille, and the third of four probable Castilles to play for Alabama (Simeon's brother, Caleb, is an upcoming Junior for Briarwood Christian High School).

Wallace Gilberry, the most acclaimed graduating defensive player will move on to a bright future in the NFL. Predicted by some analysts to be taken in the 2nd or 3rd round, Gilberry will be a great player for whichever team drafts him.

Many defensive spots are ready to be filled with the loss of starters Keith Saunders, Simeon Castille, Wallace Gilberry. Marcus Carter and Darren Mustin.

On the offensive side of the ball Alabama has to fill the role of playmaker as Keith Brown and D.J. Hall both are leaving for the NFL.

One thing that these losses effect is the outlook of the coaching staff. They will most assuredly be analyzing the offense.

With the recent loss of Major Applewhite it remains to be seen who Coach Saban will hire. However, one thing is certain; Saban is going to hire the right person for the job.

The focal point behind the analysis of the offense appears to be the Quarterback position and continuing the lesson Saban preached all year long: execution.

On defense, Alabama will look to strengthen their understanding of the system currently in place. It was evident as the year progressed that as the players caught on to what was being fed to them, and bought into it, their play was more productive. Hopefully, this will carry over into next season and the staff can evaluate what needs to be evaluated.

Make no mistake about it: If a change needs to be made, the University of Alabama coaching staff will make that change.

Looking ahead to 2008 and the installment if changes that will be made the topic now turns to current players. There are many athletes currently on the team that will make a huge impact next year.

Rolando McClain is going to be a huge part of the defense next year, and his partner in crime, Prince Hall, will help him anchor the corps returning players. Kareem Jackson will also be doing his part to play a bigger role than he did this past year.

He has huge expectations with a year of experience under his belt, and with the absence of his mentor and teammate Simeon Castille, he also has big shoes to fill. However, Jackson is highly talented and will perform well no matter what.

On offense, John Parker Wilson and Glen Coffee will have to perform better than they did in 2007. Expectations will be higher, experience will be greater, and their production will undoubtedly increase.

Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell will anchor an amazingly talented offensive line. With the possibility of Smith, Caldwell, and incoming Freshmen Tyler Love being on the line, Alabama's front line will be among the best in the nation.

Likewise, with the departure of D.J. Hall and Keith Brown, Nikita Stover and Mike McCoy will be expected to step up and exert their veteran maturity and knowledge.

All of these things and the addition of the great recruiting class should double to make Alabama a team to watch in 2008.

The talent level is rising, the competition is getting better and the Crimson Tide are building for the future. Coach Saban has stated time and time again that the installment of what he brings to Alabama is a "process".

The process is well under way. The process is working effectively. Give it time, and the entire nation will know this as well.