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Evaluating the Top 10 Groups of FBS Returning Starters in 2017

By Zach Bigalke

Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners defensive end D.J. Ward (87) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners defensive end D.J. Ward (87) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) throws the ball to wide receiver Gehrig Dieter (11) against the Clemson Tigers during the second quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) throws the ball to wide receiver Gehrig Dieter (11) against the Clemson Tigers during the second quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

It almost comes as a shock to see Alabama this low in a ranking of any sort. But even after one loaded recruiting class after another, the Crimson Tide still return just half of their starters from last year’s College Football Playoff finalists. That does include freshman phenom Jalen Hurts, whose touchdown run was a second away from being the game winner in last year’s rematch against Clemson.

Nick Saban will once again have his work cut out for him as he retools a defense that is about to send plenty of players to NFL rosters. Six of last year’s starting defensive players are gone in 2017, including multi-year starters like Jonathan Allen, Tim Williams, Reuben Foster, and Ryan Anderson. Youngsters will have to step up their play in a hurry if Alabama is to maintain its usual defensive edge.

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