TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The two questions hounded Kyle Tatum like a tenacious defensive end all summer.

Everywhere the Alabama offensive tackle went, fans wanted to know: "Are we going to be able to replace Brodie Croyle and a real good defense?"

His answer: "Everybody's replaceable."

The Crimson Tide will put that theory to the test, with many of the principles gone from a surprising 10-2 team that wound up ranked No. 8.

Gone are all-time leading passer Croyle and All-America linebacker DeMeco Ryans, along with most of the other stars from the nation's top scoring defense.

Now, the Tide wants to prove that coach Mike Shula's program has indeed turned the corner and can weather such a significant loss of talent and leadership without taking a big step backward.

Sophomore John Parker Wilson is Croyle's successor but has only attempted 11 career passes entering the opener Sept. 2 against Hawai'i. The defense not only has to replace Ryans, but six other starters.

With that combination, Alabama was picked to finish third in the Southeastern Conference Western Division behind Auburn and LSU. The focus on players no longer around irks cornerback Ramzee Robinson.

"We had a great season last year and we're just not getting the credit that we deserve, mainly because they're looking at the guys that we lost instead of the guys that we've got coming in," Robinson said.

Wilson easily won the starting job in the spring. He has a nice pedigree, having led Hoover High School to a Class 6A state title while throwing for a state-record 3,821 yards as a senior.

"I think the best thing I do is when a play breaks down and something goes wrong, I think I do a pretty good job on improvising," he said.

Wilson also should have better protection than Croyle did late last season. Four starters return on the line, with Antoine Caldwell moving from guard to center.

Wilson has the luxury of handing off to tailback Ken Darby, who needs 1,077 yards to break Shaun Alexander's Alabama career rushing record.

Defensively, Robinson, linebacker Juwan Simpson, defensive end Wallace Gilberry and defensive tackle Jeremy Clark have considerable experience.

Other upperclassmen getting their chances to start, included seniors Terrence Jones (linebacker), Dominic Lee (defensive tackle) and Jeffrey Dukes (free safety).

Matt Collins, a former walk-on, and Prince Hall are vying for the middle linebacker spot. Neither has started a game.

OPENER — SEPT. 2 VS. HAWAI'I

COACH — Mike Shula 20-17 (fourth year).

LAST YEAR — 10-2 overall, 6-2 Southeastern Conference (third West).

OFFENSE — Nine starters return from the league's seventh-rated offense, but one of them isn't QB Brodie Croyle. John Parker Wilson takes over under center. RB Ken Darby is trying to become first back in school history with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

DEFENSE — Ranked second nationally past two seasons, but replaces seven starters.

SPECIAL TEAMS — PK Jamie Christensen returns after booting three game-winning field goals last season.

Alabama Crimson Tide