TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It is starting to sink in for some of Alabama’s seniors.

Saturday, when the Crimson Tide takes the field inside Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., against the Louisville Cardinals, will be their final season-opening games in a crimson uniform.

“It means a bunch, especially with it being my last one. I’m excited,” redshirt senior linebacker Christian Miller said Monday. “All the work we’ve put in, we’re finally going to get to put it to the test, and I’m excited to see what this team’s going to be this year.”

Alabama enters the 2018 season with 13 scholarship seniors or redshirt seniors.

Twelve players, including nine seniors, already have degrees in hand going into the Sept. 1 opener. The 12 Crimson Tide graduates are Keaton Anderson, Joshua Casher, Ronnie Clark, Johnny Dwight, Hale Hentges, Austin Jones, who transferred in as a walk-on, Derek Kief, Miller, Jamey Mosley, Richie Petitbon, Ross Pierschbacher and Deionte Thompson.

Since 2013, Alabama has seen 136 degrees earned by players who were still suiting up for the Crimson Tide after having graduated. Since the 2010 season, Alabama has seen an impressive 15 players earn a master’s degree before stepping foot on the field for the final time.

With three days until the final first games of their college careers, four UA seniors shared their thoughts.

Senior defensive end Isaiah Buggs

“Just my last season here at Alabama, I got to make the best of it. Being able to play with these great guys alongside me is a great feeling. Being able to know that this is my last year here at Alabama and I’ve accomplished everything I’ve wanted to accomplish coming in is very exciting.”

Alabama OL Ross Pierschbacher (left) and RB Damien Harris (center) leap over TE Hale Hentges at Texas A&M.

Senior running back Damien Harris

“It’s definitely more emotional, I would say that. I remember the first day of fall camp, it just kind of hit me before we started warming up, ‘Man, this is my last first day of camp.’ So, I definitely look at it with a different perspective. This is my last go-around. But at the end of the day, I just want to prepare the same way I have been, just take everything one day at a time. … I think that it was the best decision I could have made for myself and my future.”

Redshirt senior outside linebacker Christian Miller

“I’ve always kind of took a lot of pride in the preparation for things. But I mean with it being your last one, I think there’s just a little more of an edge to me, you know. Just knowing that each game that’s gone, I won’t be able to play that opponent no more. So, I think it gives me just a little bit more fire. I already had it, but I think it just gives me that much more.”

Redshirt senior center Ross Pierschbacher

“It’s a different position. I feel like I was kind of thinking about it this morning, it’s like this whole week I feel like I’m going to be going into my first start. New position, kind of a new role. At guard, it’s like just go hit someone. At center, you’re kind of like ‘I need to know more and kind of game plan more and get more film study,’ so that’ll be different. I think my mindset going into the game will be a little different, as well.”

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

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