TUSCALOOSA _ Even though the University of Alabama football team is replacing nine defensive starters, when Coach Nick Saban released the initial depth chart for the 2010 season on Monday it had numerous changes from where players lined up during the spring and A-Day in particular.

In short, some of those who many thought would do the replacing have been, well, replaced -- at least temporarily.

The most notable change occurred at strong-side linebacker, where after 20 career games Chavis Williams is slated to make his first start Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium assuming San Jose State doesn't come out in an obvious passing formation.

Williams played in seven games last season and finished with two tackles, giving him five for his career. However, his addition gives the Tide a second seniordefensive starter, joining end Luther Davis.

Listed as 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, the converted defensive end from Dora High School is being backed up by junior Alex Watkins, although the Crimson Tide usually pulls the "Sam" linebacker when it uses nickel and dime formations.

"Chavis has always been a guy with high energy, high effort, has always been able to run and is a little bit of a play-maker and always has been on special teams," Saban said. "He's gotten bigger and stronger, holds the point better, he has a better understanding of the defense so he makes less mental errors and he's been in the same role now for several years, which I think is really helpful to him.

"His progress allowed us to move Jerrell Harris to inside linebacker. That