Biggest upside: Maze is coming on, but in terms of the total package -- size, speed and play-making ability -- it's still Jones and everyone else.

Don't be shocked if: With up to four newcomers set to join the fray in the summer, this is an area where attrition and/or position changes could be in the offing.

Lest we forget: It could be argued that Mark Ingram got better blocking from his wide receivers than his offensive line in 2009. And that's not a knock on the front five because they were outstanding over the second half of the season. It's just that the receivers were that good.

WASHINGTON -- In a city best known lately for bickering and partisan strife, everybody assembled Monday afternoon in the White House's East Room could happily unite on one point: That the University of Alabama's national championship team represented a pinnacle of college football achievement.

"I think it's safe to say the Tide is back," President Barack Obama proclaimed after entering the ornate reception room, where the squad had gathered a few minutes before.

At Obama's side was Coach Nick Saban, lauded by the president as a major force behind the Crimson Tide's revival. Among the players, Obama singled out running back Mark ...... Read More

Returning starter: ILB Dont'a Hightower  (Jr.).

Starters lost: Rolando McClain; Cory Reamer; Eryk Anders.

In the mix: Inside linebacker: Nico Johnson (So.); Chris Jordan (Jr.); Tana Patrick (rFr.); Petey Smith (Fr.). Outside linebacker:.Courtney Upshaw (Jr.); Jerrell Harris (Jr.); Chavis Williams (Sr.)Alex Watkins (Jr.); Ed Stinson (rFr.); Jonathan Atchison (rFr.); Glen Harbin (So.).

See ya in the summer: C.J Mosley; Alfy Hill; Adrian Hubbard.

From lengthy postgame encounters to 6 a.m. practices to the occasional suspension, first-year Alabama coach Anthony Grant has pulled out all the stops to get his struggling team turned around.

But in the end, players had to do it themselves.

Roughly a week ago, the Crimson Tide called its own team meeting -- minus Grant -- to get on the same page by resolving a few issues swirling around the locker room.