It seems like longer, but the 2016 season ended only a week and two days ago. And while the dust settles around Alabama’s 14-1 (8-0 SEC) season, we, much like Nick Saban’s 24-hour rule, set our sights to the future and what’s in store for 2017.

We continue our Offseason Outlook series, which will highlight the state of each position group, breaking down the outgoing, returning and incoming players at each spot and attempt to predict which players will step into starting roles next season.

Next up is the wide receiver position.

WHO'S LEAVING?

Redshirt junior ArDarius Stewart (early NFL entree) and redshirt senior Gehrig Dieter (eligibility)

The Crimson Tide is losing two of its three starters at wide receiver this offseason with Stewart announcing his intentions to forfeit a year of eligibility to enter the 2017 NFL Draft and Dieter just running out of years to play. Now, Alabama will look for younger guys to fill the Z and H roles alongside Calvin Ridley.

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But those youngsters will have to replace a lot of production. Stewart was the Tide’s leaving receiver this past season, catching 54 passes for a team-high 864 yards and eight touchdowns. He was Jalen Hurts’ go-to receiver when Alabama needed a first down.

Dieter was fourth in terms of stats with 15 receptions for 214 yards and four receiving scores, but both his and Stewart’s tenacious blocking will be missed on next season’s offense.

WHO'S COMING BACK?

Junior Calvin Ridley, senior Cam Sims, sophomore Trevon Diggs, redshirt senior Robert Foster, redshirt junior Derek Kief, redshirt senior Raheem Falkins, sophomore T.J. Simmons and junior Xavian Marks

Barring a transfer, Alabama will welcome eight scholarship receivers back to the roster next fall, with Ridley returning for his junior year as a three-year starter. Five of the eight caught at least one pass in 2016, while Simmons and Marks filled roles on special teams.

Ridley led the team with 72 receptions and turned them into 769 yards and seven touchdowns. To some, his numbers were a bit disappointing when looking at his production as a freshman in 2015, but Amari Cooper posted similar numbers as a sophomore (45 receptions, 736 yards and four touchdowns).

There’s still potential for attrition. Foster voiced the possibility of looking elsewhere after not receiving an opportunity this past season, but as of Wednesday, Jan. 18, the above eight wide receivers are still on the team and will be counted in this offseason outlook.

WHO'S COMING IN?

Five-star Jerry Jeudy (enrolled) and four-star Tyrell Shavers (enrolled)

Alabama has two wideouts already on campus as early enrollees and will look to close out its 2017 class with two more. The Tide’s top targets are four-star Henry Ruggs III out of Montgomery, Ala., and four-star Devonta Smith out of Amite, La.

If Foster or another receiver elects to transfer, the addition of -- potentially -- four freshman will absorb some of that blow in terms of depth. Saban has proven he’s not afraid to play, or even start, a freshman at receiver, and a player like Jeudy could certainly step into that role, much like Ridley did in 2015.

Four-star athlete Chadarius Townsend is also on campus, and the in-state athlete could suit up on offense with two safeties already committed to the Tide. Needless to say, and as is always the case, help is on the way because of UA’s efforts in recruiting.

WHO COULD STEP UP?

Nine days removed from the 2016 season, the early favorites to snag starting jobs alongside Ridley, in my opinion, are Sims and Diggs. Those two players were the first off the bench this past season and combined for 25 catches, 240 yards and one touchdown.

But with Steve Sarkisian taking over as offensive coordinator, could things change for some of the guys who haven’t seen the field? Maybe for Foster? Or one of the younger guys?

“I’ve seen a lot different,” Foster told BamaOnLine in Tampa. “I feel as though Coach Sarkisian, he’s willing to give opportunities. I see that in him, and he makes the practice (better) for me and me want to play for the University of Alabama better. But I’m still looking elsewhere.”

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