Alabama had to come up aces in the portal after losing James Smith, Kelby Collins, Jordan Renaud and Keon Keeley. Green was the gem of the class without a doubt, but even the highest expectations were exceeded in the spring. Green was a useful part in the Oregon Ducks' defense the last two-plus years, but he wasn't a standout. This spring, though, the change of scenery apparently suited him well. Green has an uncommon mix of pure strength and athletic quickness, good enough to recall some of the best linemen of the Nick Saban era. He looked adept at run control as well as affecting the quarterback, and his knowledge on how to bait quarterbacks into throwing directly into his paws is one of those next-level skills. If anything, he needs to work more on controlling the running lane when it's his assignment to do so, but that's sort of nitpicking given how good he looked this spring. Alabama was after a contributor; it may have found a star.

A preview into the top 4 teams in the SEC: Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss, and Alabama. UGA's offensive line is a veteran unit overall and the younger players are among the best prospects at their position. The running game isn't going to blow anyone away but it's still one of the best in the league. QB Gunner Stockton is sort of a mixed bag, but veteran game managers in the SEC have a consistent track record of exceeding expectations in their senior years and head coach Kirby Smart thinks Stockton is primed for such a year. The consistency of philosophy also means Georgia won't take as long to come together as other teams will, especially in the current environment where rosters turn over almost every season.

Austin Mack got an unexpected trial under fire in the season-ending loss to Indiana in the playoffs following Ty Simpson's injury at the end of the first half. Mack acquitted himself well, especially given the complete dearth of a running game to help him out, while also buried under a big Indiana lead. The best thing that could be said about him during that time was that he didn't appear to mentally break down given the gravity of the moment, and he made a handful of ace throws at the same time. Mack continued to put up good work in the spring, although he was outplayed by Keelon Russell at A-Day and doesn't enter camp with any kind of built-in lead for the position. If Mack isn't named the starter in the fall, he'll probably play out the season as Russell's backup and then transfer next winter. He's got surprising athleticism for his build, but his calling card is the cannon attached to his right shoulder. If he can fine-tune his shots, especially on midrange throws, Alabama could certainly win with him.