TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Settle into campus life. Find classes. Learn how to do laundry.

Next on the checklist for Alabama’s freshman orientation: Step onto the field against a Top 10 team in front of 80,000 or so screaming fans and a national television audience.

The 24th-ranked Crimson Tide has too many depth issues to let members of that top-rated recruiting class ease into their first season. Coach Nick Saban figures 8-10 will play significant roles Saturday night against No. 9 Clemson at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

“With this team we’re just going to have to make that determination as if we were cutting our team,” Saban said. “If we’re going to keep these guys and we’re going to play them this year, then just go ahead and play them. They may make some mistakes early, but I think in the long run it will make us a better team.”

The Tide has some obvious candidates for early playing time and perhaps even a starting nod.

Saban has said Julio Jones has been one of the team’s two most consistent receivers in practice, along with veteran Mike McCoy. Speedy B.J. Scott also has drawn some nice reviews from teammates.

Don’ta Hightower is expected to play a big role at linebacker, another position where Alabama has scant experience. The most experienced linebacker available for the opener with Prince Hall suspended is sophomore Rolando McClain.

Usually it takes a few games before coaches and teammates trot out the line that a youngster can no longer use that freshman status as an excuse. The Tide has accelerated that process.

“He’s not a freshman any more,” linebacker Cory Reamer said of Hightower. “That stage is over with. He doesn’t have a choice.

“He’s playing really well. He knows what he’s doing which is hard to do for a freshman. He’s one of the ones that’s really stepped up and knows what to do. He obviously was a great linebacker in high school because the instinct just comes to him naturally.”

Jerrell Harris and Courtney Upshaw are also freshman linebackers who brought in impressive credentials. All were rated among the top 15 recruits at either inside or outside linebacker by Rivals.com.

The newcomer who has attracted the most buzz is Jones, the top-rated receiver in the country as a prep senior. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder has drawn effusive praise from teammates, and some compliments from Saban, who doesn’t single out many freshmen or allow them to talk to the media.

Jones had 184 yards on seven catches in Alabama’s two preseason scrimmages. B.J. Scott also could get into the playing rotation quickly.

Noseguard Terrence Cody, a junior college transfer, is vying for a starting job with redshirt freshman Josh Chapman.

Saban said he and his assistants try to give recruits an advance rundown of what they need to do to be successful college players so they’re a little better prepared.

“This group has been one of the best groups I’ve ever been around in terms of guys having a good head for showing some maturity in how to develop and figuring out that, ’Hey, there’s some things I need to do to be a college football player,”’ he said.

Meanwhile, teammates can give some pointers on dealing with those first-game jitters. Cornerback Kareem Jackson started the opener against Western Carolina as a freshman last season.

What are his biggest memories?

“A lot of noise. I remember coming out of the tunnel seeing everybody,” Jackson said. “There’s a big difference going from high school ball to playing in front of 90,000.”

But, he added, “Once you make that first hit, I think all the nerves are out the door.”