TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Leadership was a term Alabama head coach Nick Saban used quite a bit during his Wednesday press conference following the Crimson Tide’s third practice of the spring.

That’s not uncommon when a team is reshuffling the deck between seasons, especially when all four of its team captains are no longer on the roster. A fifth of the way through the spring practice schedule, Saban is looking for leaders to step up on the field and around the facility.

“I think leadership is something we’re trying to emphasize,” Saban said.

“I think having people on the team and players on the team that can really reinforce the principles and values of the program and the organization really benefits you to develop the kind of team chemistry that you need to have to have a championship team. And all the good teams that we’ve had around here, the teams that have won championships, we’ve had the kind of leadership that help people sustain through the tough times, and they demanded that everyone sort of adhere to the standard. It wasn’t just the coaches preaching that.

“So, I think that’s important, and it really makes it special when you have the best players on your team also the guys that are the best leaders. And that’s something that I’m hopeful we’ll be able to have on this year’s team and develop it even further to help us have a chance to be successful.”

Alabama has players like Anfernee Jennings, Shyheim Carter, Raekwon Davis, Terrell Lewis and Miller Forristall back for the 2019 campaign. All five of those players attended the Crimson Tide’s leadership retreat at IMG Academy last offseason with strength coach Scott Cochran.

But Saban and company will need more than a handful of players to lead the team this spring.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban

One player Saban raved over following Wednesday’s practice was junior safety Xavier McKinney.

“Xavier’s done a great job, has had a great offseason,” Saban said. “I think he was one of the best performers each week that we did offseason workouts for four weeks. You couldn’t ask a guy to set a better example. I mean his practice habits have been phenomenal these first three practices. I mean he’s doing everything he can to set a good example and be a leader for other players.”

Earlier in the week when select players were made available for interviews, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was asked if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has emerged as a leader on Alabama’s offense.

“Yeah, I feel that,” Jeudy said of Tagovailoa. “Everybody asks him a lot of questions. I see him help the younger guys get better. Younger guys ask him questions -- how do you do this, what’s your read on this? I see a lot of development and leadership in Tua. .. At first, he was just a lead by example type of player. Now he’s been more vocal. He’s just being more vocal and communicating more.”

And finally, the Tide will need a new quarterback of the defense with Mack Wilson entering the 2019 NFL Draft. Junior linebacker Dylan Moses said he is ready to step into the Mike linebacker role.

“I definitely feel like a leader,” Moses said. “There are a lot of guys who watch me, look up to me, and they’re trying to see what I’m doing like in adversity situations when those come into play. I take on the leadership role, the bull by the horns. I just do what I have to do. There’s no pressure.”

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

*** Take advantage of 30% OFF our Annual VIP Pass for the first year ***