Suddenly that wealth of talent at running back, receiver and tight end seems extravagant with the paltry numbers at linebacker.
Ben Boulware and B.J. Goodson are the unchallenged starters. Beyond them a collection of eager, relatively raw players that already had defensive coordinator Brent Venables wistful for the next two recruiting classes.
The numbers thinned when redshirt freshman Korie Rogers told Swinney he decided to give up football. A top 100 prospect at Buford High in Flowery Branch, Ga., he had been two-time all-state and played in the U.S. Army All-American game.
The absence of depth became glaring during Saturday’s scrimmage when Boulware was thrown off the field early for fighting.