Loss of Top Junior Stars Won't Stop Nick Saban from Doing What He Does Best

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — There were four chairs, one for Nick Saban and three for juniors who were declaring their intentions to enter the 2015 NFL draft.

It wasn’t unexpected.

T.J. Yeldon, Amari Cooper and Landon Collins have—since their recruitment and especially their freshmen years—been expected to go three-and-out. They are uber-talented stars, two of whom will be first-round draft picks.

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“Let me say how very proud I am of the three young men that are here with us today,” Saban said. “I think that it speaks volumes to the program we have here to be able to recruit the character and quality guys that these guys are, have been and have represented the University of Alabama in a first-class way. I think it also speaks well of the program that we've been able to develop players like these guys to be as good a players as anybody in the country at their position and at the same time do extremely well academically.”

This isn’t necessarily the end of Alabama’s junior declarations.

“We’ll see how it goes,” Saban added later when briefly asked if there would be any more leaving.

Presumably, that means linebacker Reggie Ragland and defensive lineman Jarran Reed are still making up their mind.

But Yeldon, Cooper and Collins are officially gone. And while they leave big holes at their respective positions, there shouldn’t be too much drop-off in terms of talent.

Whether that talent pans out is a different story. However, Saban knew this was coming and has had adequate time to do what he does best—reload.

That should prove a little easier on the offensive side, where Alabama can more or less use its strength in numbers to find its next star.

Cooper’s departure means Alabama will be losing its top three pass-catchers in receptions and yards. Again, though, this was expected. Christion Jones and DeAndrew White were both seniors, while Cooper was a rare talent.

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Saban did not only lean on his three receivers this year, though. He has been grooming younger players.

ArDarius Stewart, Cam Sims and Chris Black all saw significant, first-team playing time this season. Robert Foster also got to the field in some spots. All four are at least 4-star talent that appear to have bright futures.

Stewart has top-end speed, Sims has excellent size, Black is a shiftier type and Foster is more of a well-rounded receiver. It is a diverse group that should produce options for Alabama’s next quarterback.

At running back, Saban has built a stable that consistently churns out top prospects.

“I think they'll do good,” Yeldon said about the backs he is leaving behind. “Derrick (Henry), he did a fantastic job coming in after me and picking up when I was hurt. He did a great job. Kenyan (Drake) will be back. We also have Altee (Tenpenny) and Tyren (Jones) that do a great job, too. Bo Scarbrough will be here, and also a young guy Desherrius Flowers. They'll do great.”

Alabama also on Friday got a commitment from 5-star running back Damien Harris.

Saban’s willingness to play so many running backs will make this transition a smooth one. Henry and Drake were part of a three-headed monster before Drake’s injury. Both will be able to take on a slightly bigger role in 2015, while likely adding another back like Jones to the first-team mix.

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Collins will be the biggest loss to overcome, but not an impossible one.

Laurence “Hootie” Jones enrolled last January and ended up appearing in seven games, including some first-team snaps when injuries struck. At 6’2”, 221 pounds, Jones is likely a leading candidate to play strong safety next season.

The Crimson Tide also already have two Class of 2015 safeties on campus in 4-stars Deionte Thomspon and Ronnie Harrison.

There may be an unexpected departure or two in the next few days before the deadline to declare passes.

But in Cooper, Collins and Yeldon, Alabama lost three great players—and players whose decision to enter the draft didn’t come as any surprise at all.

Saban has had time to prepare for their losses and will adjust accordingly.

Marc Torrence is the Alabama lead writer for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow on Twitter @marctorrence.