Replacements on the way for Alabama and Clemson stars

MORE: Nation's No. 1 sticks with Alabama commit | Swinney still true to himself

The Alabama and Clemson stars of today will play for the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday. Who will be the stars of tomorrow for these two programs? Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell identifies commitments from the 2017 class that could potentially replace key pieces for the Crimson Tide and Tigers.

Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.

From an elite offensive tackle to another Florida receiver ready to star in Tuscaloosa, Alabama just reloads under Nick Saban.

Potentially replacing: Cameron Robinson

Farrell’s take: Robinson walked in and took the left tackle spot immediately at Alabama and it’s unlikely Leatherwood will do the same thing. If Jonah Williams flips to left tackle, then it’ wouldn't be out of the question to see Leatherwood work at right tackle or guard. Physically he’s ready, and his technique is more advanced than Robinson’s at the same stage.

Potentially replacing: Bo Scarbrough

Farrell’s take: Harris isn’t the same kind of runner Scarbrough is, nor is he as strong and thick as Scarbrough was at the same stage, but he is a tall, big running back and Alabama has had success with prospects like that in recent years. The assumption is Scarbrough will be back in 2017, along with talented backs such as Damien Harris, Joshua Jacobs and B.J. Emmons but Harris will be the most talented of the group the second he arrives on campus.

Potentially replacing: Calvin Ridley

Farrell’s take: Ridley has one more year at Alabama before he heads off to the NFL. He has been an excellent replacement for Amari Cooper, another top Florida receiver that had success in Tuscaloosa. Jeudy looks like he will continue that tradition. He is in the same mold as Ridley, a dynamic receiver who is not just a deep threat but also a very good route runner and tough after the catch.

Potentially replacing: Reuben Foster

Farrell’s take: Foster is off the NFL and the Crimson Tide has depth at linebacker, but Moses is physically ready to make an early impact. He has the size and range to play inside if needed. Foster had to wait his turn for his breakout year and Moses might have to do the same, but the 2017 five-star has the talent to keep that recent inside linebacker tradition alive or help on the outside.

There's no replacement for Deshaun Watson on here as incoming five-star Hunter Johnson is a different kind of quarterback, but the next Mike Williams and Cordrea Tankersley isn’t so bad.

Potentially replacing: Mike Williams

Farrell’s take: Williams is a big and dominant wide receiver who has good hands, makes tough catches and is hard to handle in the red zone. Higgins isn’t as filled out but he’s a bit longer and even more athletic than Williams was at the same stage. It will be hard to fill Williams’ shoes but Higgins has the talent to do it.

Potentially replacing: Clelin Ferrell

Farrell’s take: Ferrell has become even better than I expected as he played weak competition in high school and was a little stiff. Williams isn’t as big but is more natural as a pass rusher than Ferrell was at the same stage. He could be a big-time edge guy down the line.

Potentially replacing: Cordrea Tankersley

Farrell’s take: Tankersley is a long corner with good size and speed and Terrell is all of that and more out of high school. Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables likes aggressive and big corners and Terrell fits that mold perfectly. Terrell could move to safety and be a freak there as well.

Potentially replacing: Ben Boulware

Farrell’s take: This is a bit of a stretch but Boulware was viewed as an undersized linebacker with a great motor, work ethic and leadership skills. Spector has some of that as well. It’s unlikely he jumps in right away and takes over, but watch out for this kid to be emerge down the line.