TUSCALOOSA — Alabama unveiled its depth chart Monday for the Clemson game.

As expected, youth will be served.

There are 70 total names on the offensive and defensive units. Twenty-seven of those names are freshmen — including starters Julio Jones at wide receiver and Don’ta Hightower at inside linebacker.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban said the depth chart includes a lot of “Ors.” For instance, freshmen Barrett Jones or Tyler Love are listed at left tackle behind Andre Smith.

“I don’t know if I need to define ‘or’ for you, but it means ‘or,’” Saban said. “It means both of those guys are still competing at that position. Obviously, both guys have done enough as players that they are competing at that position and we respect what they have done at that position and they continue to compete at that position.”

It is a fluid document. Saban said if something were to happen to one of the offensive tackles, then starting guard Mike Johnson, who played right tackle last season, would likely move to tackle.

“Because Mike Johnson has had so much experience at tackle, that if we lost a tackle in the game we would move him out to tackle rather than playing one of the young guys right now,” Saban said. “We’re really impressed with the development of the young players but to throw them in the frying pan right now, we might be better served.”

Johnson’s backup, sophomore Brian Motley of Autaugaville, who was moved from defensive line to offense for fall camp, would likely play at left guard if Johnson had to move.

“Motley has made really good progress, especially since we’ve kind of been playing him at guard rather than center,” Saban said. “I think if something happened to a tackle, Mike Johnson would give us the best option at backup tackle right now at this point in the season.”

Fanuzzi transfers
Saban disclosed that backup quarterback Nick Fanuzzi has left the team.

Fanuzzi, a redshirt freshman from San Antonio, Texas, had been playing the role of Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper on the scout team last week.

“I think the competition ... at quarterback was, who was the third?” Saban said. “We felt like we had to pick a lane several days ago as to who was going to share the reps as the third. We decided that (Thomas) Darrah and Star Jackson would be the two guys that we did that with.”

“And I think that was a little frustrating to Nick in terms of, ‘OK, where’s my future here if that’s the case?’ Not in a bad way. He did a great job helping our team. I think he loves Alabama, he loves being here, we loved having him on our team and we want to see him stay here. ...

“Nick is a fine young man, did an outstanding job here for us,” the coach said. “We certainly hate to see him leave the program because every characteristic, every value that we try to instill in the program, he certainly represents. ... We wish him well and we will help him every way that we can to get some place where he feels he has a better opportunity to compete. We wish him, and his family, both well.”

Saban said Fanuzzi informed him of his decision on the Tide’s day off Sunday.

Starting quarterback John Parker Wilson was shocked when he was asked about Fanuzzi’s departure.

“He did what?” Wilson asked. “I didn’t see that one coming. I had no idea. ... Wow. Looks like we’ve got an open spot.”

Higgenbotham returns
Inside linebacker Charlie Higgenbotham, held out of practice last week with a groin injury, was back at work Monday. There were no Tide players wearing black (no contact) jerseys other than the quarterbacks, who always wear black at practice.

Saban welcomes TV deal
Saban said the SEC’s milestone 15-year, $2.25 billion deal with ESPN, which will begin next year, will only add to the league.

“I think one of the reasons that this league has developed into one of the top leagues in the country is because we have tremendous exposure,” Saban said. “I think we have the best exposure from a TV standpoint in our last TV contract and this one is only going to enhance it more. And the reason being is the number of national TV games.

“I think it helps attract guys in recruiting because they know they’re going to get exposure. And it’s real. I don’t care what anyone says, it’s real.”