Alabama has lost several young players this offseason. Freshman receiver Daylon Charlot announced his decision to seek a new college one day prior to the Tide’s preseason camp.

Adonis Thomas transferred in July just months after his first season at Alabama. Christian Bell, who rated as a three-star for the 2015, left after a grayshirt season last fall.

Saban addressed the departures during his press conference Friday.

“I think that a lot of young guys right now, they get really, really fearful of their future and it creates a lot of anxiety,” Saban said. “They think if they change environments that’s going to help solve that anxiety and help them be able to get where they want to go. We certainly feel like we can help guys develop here, but if they think that there’s a better way for them, another place, then we’re going to support them in every way that we can to help them do the things they would like to do if they don’t want to be in our program here.”

Saban also noted the importance of “immediate self-gratification” and early playing time. Charlot played in five games and caught two passes for nine yards. Coincidentally, Calvin Ridley led the Tide in receiving yards as a true freshman and made an immediate impact.

“But I think sometimes there’s unrealistic expectations placed on guys,” Saban said, “based on their reputation that they create in high school and sometimes the people around them want that same immediate self-gratification, which puts a lot of pressure on guys, which creates a lot of anxiety.”