More often than not, it doesn’t matter who Alabama loses off its roster. There are capable replacements everywhere.

That’s what happens when you dominate National Signing Day for the better part of a decade. For every former 4- or 5-star signee who takes his talent to the NFL, a few more are behind him on the depth chart competing for snaps.

The other six programs in the West don’t necessarily have that luxury. That’s not to say they haven’t recruited at a high level at LSU, Auburn and Texas A&M — the annual rankings certainly suggest they have — but nobody can keep up with the sheer number of blue-chip prospects the Crimson Tide ink every February.

Each team in the division, even the mighty Crimson Tide, has holes to fill in 2017. Some are more glaring than others, so the coaches’ ability to plug said holes could make a difference in the race to Atlanta.

Here is one player from every school in the West who has to step it up a notch and assume a bigger role than he has previously.

ALABAMA

CB Tony Brown

A 5-star signee once upon a time, Brown hasn’t made much of an impact in three years for reasons both on and off the field.

His playing time spiked this past season once safety Eddie Jackson was sidelined with a broken leg. Minkah Fitzpatrick, who had been lining up at the “star” or nickel corner position, shifted to safety. Brown took over as the new star, finishing the 2016 campaign with 21 tackles and the first 2 interceptions of his career.

With Jackson now in the pros alongside cornerback Marlon Humphrey, it’s now or never if Brown hopes to fulfill his potential.

ARKANSAS

RB Devwah Whaley

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Just a 3-star recruit in high school, Rawleigh Williams III was the third leading rusher in the SEC last year with 1,360 yards.

His high level of success was somewhat surprising, especially since his freshman campaign in 2015 was cut short due to a scary neck injury. Unfortunately, Williams had neck issues pop up again in the spring and was forced to walk away from the game of football. Devwah Whaley, who ran for 602 yards a year ago, is the new starter.

Whaley was a 4-star signee and appears to have more raw ability than Williams ever did. Williams was a fan favorite, though.

AUBURN

DT Byron Cowart

As far as recruiting rankings go, they don’t get higher than Cowart’s were. He was the No. 1 defensive end in America two years ago.

However, he’s done next to nothing so far on the Plains. In two seasons, the former 5-star standout has a total of 12 tackles — just one of them behind the enemy line of scrimmage — and no sacks. Judging a player too quickly as a freshman can be irresponsible, but Cowart has already exhausted half of his collegiate eligibility.

The Tigers moved Cowart inside to tackle during spring ball. Whether or not he can finally be productive there remains to be seen.

LSU

WR D.J. Chark

We heard so much about former receivers Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural. They were supposedly underutilized by the Bayou Bengals.

But with both of them having moved on to the NFL, Chark is the only wideout currently in Baton Rouge who caught double-digit passes last season. He proved to be a big-play artist, averaging 17.9 yards on his 26 receptions, although never before has he been the primary target. That will be his new role in 2017.

Quarterback Danny Etling is what he is at this point, so Chark must be able to stretch the field consistently as his first option.

OLE MISS

QB Shea Patterson

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The initial plan this past year was to redshirt Patterson, but an injury to Chad Kelly forced the freshman QB into action.

Patterson was nothing short of sensational in his debut, which resulted in an upset of Texas A&M on the road. Nevertheless, the former 5-star signee struggled here and there in losses to Vanderbilt and Mississippi State to close out the schedule. The Rebels missed out on a bowl game and 15 extra practices that could’ve been quite valuable.

Patterson has said all the right things despite the turmoil currently being experienced in Oxford. Now it’s time to walk the walk.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

OL Martinas Rankin

If signal caller Nick Fitzgerald is ever going to be all he can be, then he needs more help around him at every spot.

That includes his offensive line, where Rankin has first-round potential at left tackle. However, coach Dan Mullen has a dilemma at center with 2016’s starter, Jamaal Clayborn, having graduated. Mullen tried Rankin at center periodically in spring practice, and it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that the 6-foot-5, 305-pounder stays there.

It all depends on who rises to the occasion around Rankin at the other O-line positions. He’s the straw that stirs the drink.

TEXAS A&M

DE Qualen Cunningham

Perhaps the most talented Aggie in school history, defensive end Myles Garrett, was the top pick in April’s draft.

Not only does he leave a huge void on the D-line, but fellow pass rusher Daeshon Hall was a senior in 2016 and is no longer in College Station, either. Presumably, Cunningham will be one of the new starters at end alongside Jarrett Johnson. While Johnson had 4.5 sacks last season in reserve duty, Cunningham only had 1.0.

Both Cunningham and Johnson played well in the spring game, but since Johnson has more of a track record, Cunningham must prove he can do it for real.