TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- For the fifth time in the last nine seasons, Alabama enters the spring as the reigning champion of college football, this time after defeating Georgia in January.

When that’s the case, the biggest offseason worry for the coaching staff is complacency.

But according to one Crimson Tide veteran, that hasn’t been the approach of the 2018 team. In fact, the experienced and inexperienced players entered the spring with the right mindset.

“I think overall the attitude of this team is really positive, and I think there are a lot of guys that came back with the right mentality,” senior running back Damien Harris said Thursday.

“… We all know that our success will not be inherited from what we did last season. If anything, what we did last season just puts a bigger target on our back. I think myself, along with a lot older guys -- and I’m sure the coaches, as well -- we’re very impressed with the fact a lot of young guys are coming in with that right mentality of, ‘We won the national championship, but we still have more work to do.’

“I think that’s something that really speaks volumes to the direction this team is going in.”

Harris is right, Alabama will once again have a target on its back during the 2018 season.

The Tide has participated in all four of the College Football Playoffs, winning two national titles and playing for three. Along with the freshman duo that threw and caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the championship game, Alabama returns a total of 10 starters from last year’s title-winning team, including seven on offense and three on defense.

But with 12 starters either departing for the NFL or running out of eligibility, younger players are going to need to step into larger roles this offseason and again this fall. All while keeping that same mentality the older players are trying to establish this spring.

Specifically for the running backs, players like Josh Jacobs, Najee Harris and Brian Robinson are all likely set for increased roles with Bo Scarbrough opting to enter the 2018 NFL Draft.

And with Jacobs sidelined by an ankle injury, a player like Robinson could benefit from extra reps this spring.

“He’s an incredibly hard worker,” Harris said. “He’s obviously talented or else he wouldn’t be here. He’s a hard worker, just like a lot of young guys on this team. We have a lot of guys come in and step into these roles that we have for younger guys, that they need to come in to play. They have all the ability in the world. It’s up to them to make up in their minds that, ‘I’m ready to play and I’m ready to embrace my role.’

“Whatever the case may be, whether it’s on offense, defense or special teams, we’ve got a lot of guys that can come in to play, so we’re looking to get the most out of them.”



UA will return to the field next week for practices Tuesday, March 27, and Thursday, March 29.

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).