The trend toward more and more early departures has made recruiting tougher than ever for college coaches, especially in the SEC, where the top players often play only three seasons before entering the NFL Draft.

Coaches can no longer expect four years, much less five, with a redshirt year, to stockpile talent at quarterback or on the offensive line.

Several SEC teams, most prominently Alabama, have defensive holes to fill due to third-year players declaring for the NFL Draft.

Here’s a look at early departing SEC players followed by possible replacement scenarios:

DL A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama: Da’Shawn Hand (6-4, 273 pounds), made four tackles — three solos — in the national championship game. Dalvin Tomlinson (6-3, 294) played in 13 games, and recorded tackles in 12, including three in the SEC title game against Florida, three against Michigan State in the playoff semifinals and one against Clemson. The Crimson Tide’s recruiting class includes mammoth Kendell Jones (6-5, 375), a four-star prospect from Killeen, Texas.

CB Vernon Hargreaves, Florida: The Gators still have All-SEC selection Jalen Tabor, who was considered better than Hargreaves this past season. Another rising junior Quincy Wilson is the favorite to replace Hargreaves. The Gators’ trio of three-star cornerbacks may not be ready.

DE Alex McCallister, Florida: Suspended before the Citrus Bowl, McCalister’s departure should give more playing time to rising sophomore CeCe Jefferson (6-1, 275), who made 29 tackles, 8.5 for loss with 3.5 sacks.

S Keanu Neal, Florida: The top candidates are rising junior Marcell Harris (6-1, 211) and Nick Washington (6-1, 195), who both played in reserve roles. The Gators’ three incoming cornerback recruits could add depth.

LB Leonard Floyd, Georgia: The leading candidate is imposing rising junior Lorenzo Carter (6-6, 242). The Bulldogs’ only commitment is undersized Jaleel Laguins (6-2, 209).

DL Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss: DJ Jones (6-1, 324) and Breeland Speaks (6-3, 313) provided a sneak preview, replacing the suspended Nkemdiche in the Sugar Bowl. Both got extensive playing time. Jones, a rising senior, had 40 tackles, 5.5 for loss and 4 sacks. Speaks, a rising sophomore, had 32 tackles, 5.5 for loss and 1 sack.

LB Beniquez Brown, Mississippi State: Rising sophomore Gerri Green (6-4, 243), who made 49 tackles in extensive playing time, should be joined by rising senior DeAndre Ward (6-1, 217), who had 17 tackles, in the battle for Brown’s spot.

DT Chris Jones, Mississippi State: The Bulldogs will miss Jones, but they have two capable seniors as replacements. Nick James (6-5, 325) made 29 tackles, 3 for loss. Torrey Dale (6-7, 270) also got playing time. Junior-college transfer Tre Brown (6-4, 290) and four-star recruit Raekwon Davis (6-6.5, 327) could provide immediate help.

LB Stephen Weatherly, Vanderbilt: Rising junior Nigel Bowden (6-1, 240), who made 78 tackles as a freshman, but missed most of the 2015 season after suffering a concussion, should start inside if he’s ready to play. The Commodores likely will plug Bowden into the spot vacated by Darreon Herring with the outside spots going to rising junior Landon Stokes (6-4, 240) and rising senior Nehemiah Mitchell (6-4, 260), who rotated at outside linebacker last season.