The 2019 season will be all about going back to the basics for Nick Saban. It also will be about going back to being a champion.

That’s the only satisfying goal for Alabama this season after being blown out by Clemson in the National Championship Game last season. Saban is intent on returning to a more physical style of play after his program lost its identity last year. That’s on the coaches. As for the roster, the Crimson Tide looks much the same — very talented.

Backfield

QB: Tua Tagovailoa
RB: Najee Harris
RB: Brian Robinson, Trey Sanders, Jerome Ford

Skinny: Obviously Tagovailoa is one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. After that, it gets much more interesting. Since Jalen Hurts is gone to Oklahoma, the Crimson Tide can’t lose a quarterback to injury and easily overcome it. However, there are some young quarterbacks with potential, such as Mac Jones. He would get the call if Tagovailoa went down. Nevertheless, losing Tagovailoa would likely eliminate any chance for the Tide to win a national championship.

Losing elite running backs and replacing them with elite running backs has become an Alabama tradition. The Crimson Tide are expected to do that again after losing Josh Jacobs and Damien Harris. Harris has waited his turn and seems up for the challenge, and so do his other running back counterparts: Brian Robinson, 5-star Trey Sanders, Jerome Ford and so on. SEC defenses had better prepare for another wave of crimson-clad ball carriers.

Offensive line

LT: Alex Leatherwood
LG: Emil Ekiyor/Deonte Brown
C: Chris Owens
RG: Matt Womack
RT: Jedrick Wills

Skinny: While Georgia likely has the best offensive line in the country, Alabama isn’t far behind. Jedrick Wills will be in charge of Tagavolia’s blind side since he is a left-hander. Leatherwood is the other bookend who would be a star offensive lineman at most any school in the SEC. Brown is staring at a 4-game suspension, but he started last year and he’ll be a huge part of Bama’s success once he returns.

Owens is interesting to watch. He’ll be in charge of many of the line calls after former center Ross Pierschbacher moved on.

Grad transfer Landon Dickerson will push for a spot in the rotation as well. Where, exactly, remains to be seen. He has the size of a tackle but has played inside.

This group will likely enjoy this season a tad more than last year. Alabama is determined to be more physical. As an offensive lineman, it’s always more fun to attack than be passive. This should be a dominant and deep group.

Receivers/tight end

WR: Jerry Jeudy
WR: Henry Riggs III
WR: DeVonta Smith
TE: Miller Forristall

Skinny: When it comes to wide receivers, this a once-in-generation type of group. There are more than a handful of NFL teams that would gladly exchange their receivers with the Crimson Tide’s pass catchers. However, don’t be surprised if these players don’t meet last year’s numbers. Many analysts believe Bama could set dozens of records on offense this season. If Alabama, as expected, is more dedicated to ball-control football, then the passing stats could go down. Nevertheless, this group will strike fear in every opponent they play. And we haven’t even mentioned Jaylen Waddle (45 catches, 848 yards, 7 TDs).

The tight end position could take a step down from recent Bama history. Miller Forristall underwent offseason foot surgery. He’ll miss some time in camp but should be ready for the season. If there is any weakness in Bama’s lineup, tight end could be it.

OC Steve Sarkisian will mitigate any potential tight end issues, of course, by going to its 4-wide receiver set “Red.” That group will include Waddle.

Defensive line

DE: LaBryan Ray
NT: D.J. Dale/Phidarian Mathis
DE: Raekwon Davis

Skinny: Dale and Mathis will be expected to occupy offensive linemen in Bama’s 3-4 scheme, not replace the production of Quinnen Williams. Ray, a 5-star prospect from the 2017 class, has bided his time before becoming a full-time starter. He’s the Tide’s best candidate to have a Williams-like breakout year. Davis is certainly a player that offenses need to prepare for. However, the Crimson Tide could take a step back on the defensive front after last season’s losses. No need to feel sorry for Saban. This front will still be much more than serviceable.

Linebackers

Sam: Terrell Lewis
Mike: Dylan Moses
Will: Josh McMillon
Jack: Anfernee Jennings

Lewis will return to action this season after suffering a torn ACL last fall. If his explosiveness returns, he can be a high-level pass rusher. Alabama’s coaches have put Moses in charge of being a leader of the defense this season. McMillon is expected to start at the Will spot, but keep an eye on Ale Kaho, who enjoyed a strong freshman campaign last year. Depth at inside linebacker isn’t good. There’s not much experience after Moses, in particular.

Secondary

CB: Treyvon Diggs
CB: Josh Jobe
Star: Patrick Surtain
S: Xavier McKinney
S: Jared Mayden

In what has been an unusual twist to the Saban dynasty is that his beloved defensive backs struggled against high-powered, passing offenses last year, especially in the postseason. Injuries and attrition contributed to that. This group is healthy, motivated and still plenty talented. Surtain, picked on at times last year as a true freshman, likely will play the versatile Star position.

Shyheim Carter might not start, but he’ll see the field plenty at safety or Star. During Saturday’s Media Day, Saban praised Carter’s ability and willingness to play anywhere. It’s clear Saban has a lot of trust in Carter.

After giving up 3 consecutive 300-yard passing games to close the 2018 season, this should be a group with a chip on their shoulder.

Special teams

K: Will Reichard
P: Skyler DeLong
KR: Henry Ruggs III
PR: Jaylen Waddle

The Tide will hope Reichard, the No. 1 kicking recruit in the country, can help their kicking woes, perhaps even as a punter. It would be wise for opposing punters to punt away from Waddle.

Final thought …

Despite what happened against Clemson, Alabama’s roster is still the gold standard of college football. Coaching got in the way last season, according to Saban. Sure, there are areas in which depth is an issue, but the starting lineup is as good as you’ll find in the nation.

Last season’s offense set school and SEC records. With nearly every key skill player back, this year’s version could be even more explosive, but the expectation is that Saban leans more on the running game and Alabama gets back to pounding people into submission.