Alabama’s football team will begin spring practice like it has for the past decade. The Crimson Tide are considered a strong national championship contender with some of the most elite talent in the country. That, however, doesn’t mean there won’t be some changes when Bama hits the field Friday.

The 2021 season proved that Alabama has a worthy adversary. Georgia won the national title after a rematch with Alabama in the national championship game. It would be far too early to suggest that Bama has slipped too far behind the Dawgs. After all, Bama did beat Georgia in the SEC Championship Game in December. There won’t be any national championship game participation trophies handed out in Tuscaloosa, but Bama was 1-1 against the team that eventually took the sport’s most coveted prize.

The conclusion of the 2021 season doesn’t mean that Georgia has surpassed Alabama as the preeminent program in the nation. Georgia needs some more hardware in its trophy case before claiming that Bama has been left in the dust. Still, it has become apparent over the past few seasons that Georgia has closed the gap. There’s no debating that Bama now has a formidable opponent lurking in the SEC.

The constant evolution of college football makes it difficult to determine who should be deemed the favorite to win a national title. So far, Alabama and Georgia are widely considered the co-favorites to win in 2022, but things can change quickly. For instance, no one knew what kind of impact that Jameson Williams would have this time last year. Disgruntled by a lack of playing time, Williams transferred from Ohio State and became one of the key cogs in Alabama’s offense and one of the best receivers in the nation. We can project all we’d like, but a transfer or a freshman could easily have a major impact on either program. Transfers are used to the regimen of being a college football player so they can adapt quickly. Freshmen are more prepared than ever to contribute before they’re even old enough to buy a beer. Advanced training in high school has turned boys into men quicker than it ever has in the past.

Alabama and Georgia assuredly have underclassmen who will be able to elevate their game in the offseason and have an impact this season. All of that makes for a state of constant metamorphosis. Neither Alabama nor Georgia will field the same team that they did last season. Both will change significantly.

Here are some notable differences that will be on display when Bama begins spring practice:

New receivers

This is becoming a reoccurring theme for Bama. After several receivers bolted for the NFL following the 2020 season, Bama entered the 2021 season in search of some wideouts who could fill the gap left by their predecessors. That worked out well. John Metchie III was expected to be a key replacement. He certainly lived up to expectations before his injury in the SEC Championship Game. Jameson Williams wasn’t as known of a commodity, but he made up for that by becoming a star. That’s old news. Metchie and Williams, along with Slade Bolden, are headed to the NFL. That means it’s time for another group of receivers to assume a larger role.

Jermaine Burton, a transfer from Georgia, is the most likely player to have a big impact for Bama at receiver. Ja’Corey Brooks has all of the tools and looks the part after playing well in the Iron Bowl, but he struggled in the title game against Georgia. Sophomore Agiye Hall has often been referred to as Bama’s most talented receiver. Junior Traeshon Holden may not be the most talented receiver on Bama’s roster, but he has firm grasp of what it takes to make the most of his ability. That won’t be lost on Bama coach Nick Saban. Sophomore JoJo Earle will also be a factor in the receiver rotation. He played extensively last season before injuries curtailed his production.

New cornerbacks

The Crimson Tide will have to replace both of their cornerbacks from last season. That should be easier than it sounds. Kool-Aid McKinstry played extensively last season. Khyree Jackson started the national championship game after injuries opened his door of opportunity. The injuries suffered in the secondary last season doomed their national title hopes, but they should help Bama this season. Several players saw more playing time than they would have as they were forced into action. Eli Ricks clearly will be a factor at cornerback. The transfer was a shutdown corner at LSU, so the transition should be rather smooth.

New tackles

Alabama will have to replace both of its offensive tackles from 2021. That’s certainly a concern, especially after the Crimson Tide struggled at times in pass protection last season. The Crimson Tide have a lot of unproven talent but don’t have much experience at offensive tackle. Damieon George started 3 games last season. He’ll push for a starting position. So will Amari Kight. Bama also has two former 5-star prospects that should be in the mix: JC Latham and Tommy Brokermeyer. Saban already is looking at the portal, too, where former Vanderbilt standout Tyler Steen could be an option.

New offensive backfield I

Injuries ravaged Alabama’s performance and depth at running back last season. Those injuries will continue to hamper the Tide in spring practice. Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams are both still dealing with injuries they suffered last season. Alabama will have three scholarship running backs with no known health issues when they begin spring practice: junior Trey Sanders, Georgia Tech transfer Jahmyr Gibbs and mid-term Jamarion Miller. Bama hasn’t leaned on a transfer RB yet, but Gibbs might be the best option in a crowded competition.

New QB room

Quarterback Bryce Young isn’t going anywhere. He’s the starter and has a chance to become just the 2nd player to win the Heisman Trophy twice. However, it will be intriguing to see how the backup role shakes out. Spring practice is a great time to divvy up reps for those that are likely to be in a backup, but important, role. Five-star prospect Ty Simpson has been with Alabama’s program since December and participated in some bowl practices. Sophomore Jalen Milroe should also be a factor in the rotation.