It’s easy to get lost in the editorial content published around SEC Media Days as there is so much to read, but I wanted to provide a closer look at what Nick Saban said about the team going into the 2018 season. If you slow everything down, listen word by word, he provides some incredible insight.
Here are my findings…
What is Saban most proud of?
During his opening, Saban commented on that this is his 17th SEC Media Days, his 12th at Alabama and that this event signals the start of the season for him. He mentions that Alabama continues to be leaders in Academic results, graduation rates, and a program that turns out graduates in three and a half years.
He also mentioned that 12 guys were drafted after last season, 77 players have been drafted in the last 10-years, and 26 first round picks which according to him is a sign that his staff has an ability to recruit good players and an ability to develop those players in order for them to have successful careers.
A lot is left to be determined
Saban mentioned that Alabama did have a productive offseason in terms of the development of the players, but that there is a lot of rebuilding going in. Saban commented that Alabama lost a lot of players on defense and that the leadership, personality, and yes the quarterback is yet to be determined for this season.
Saban said it clear as day regarding the quarterback situation.
“The quarterback position will be determined in fall camp by who wins the team, both guys have shown an ability to be successful, and he’d rather have two than one.”
On the offense
Saban said that he hopes those three freshmen receivers who shined last year (Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, and DeVonta Smith) continue to develop as they will be a very dynamic group. When he spoke about Ruggs, he mentioned that when Alabama recruited him, they felt he was the best player in the State and that Ruggs did not disappoint last season.
Saban also spoke about prized running back Damien Harris. He commented on how Harris has always set a good example at Alabama and is very well respected by his teammates from a leadership standpoint. Saban noted that he’s a back to back 1,000-yard player and hopefully he has an even greater impact on the team this season and that his leadership will be critical in helping the other running backs play well. Saban said that the running back position and the depth that Alabama has is a strength of the team.
On the defense
You could tell that Saban has more questions about the defense going into this season compared to the offense. Alabama lost a ton of talent from last year’s defense and with three linebackers already lost before the 2018 season has even started (Keith Holcombe who will focus on baseball, Vandarius Cowan who was kicked off the team this month, and Terrell Lewis who injured his ACL) and having to replace the entire secondary, it is clear that defensive players have to rise up before week one against Louisville.
Saban said with a very serious manner that they need the most out of Mack Wilson. Wilson who will start at inside linebacker for Alabama will be the signal caller on defense according to Saban. Saban continued that Wilson is very athletic, very good, and there are no questions about his on the field ability, but that the question that surrounds Wilson is his leadership and how he affects people will be critical.
Christian Miller is a player Saban feels will have an outstanding season. Saban commented that he’s a really diverse player, good pass rusher and that they have been training him to play inside backer, but with Lewis going down, Miller will start at outside linebacker.
“The issue was when he (Christian) first came in was that he lacked bulk and strength, but he has those things now,” Saban.
He also spoke highly of Isaiah Buggs who will start at defensive end along with Raekwon Davis. Saban said that Buggs can rush, can hold the point, is physical, is very athletic, and that he’s in better shape compared to last season. Saban said that building depth around Buggs and Davis is key.
Saban was asked about true freshmen Jalyn Armour Davis and Saban said that he’s made good progression, has good ability, is a hard worker, bright, and able to learn. He said hopefully he’ll continue that development so he can be able to contribute to the team this fall.
On the freshmen playing at Alabama
Saban said that he was not really surprised to see six freshmen play against Georgia in the title game. “By the end of 13 games, are they really freshmen?” Saban asked the reporter.
Saban said it’s his obligation to the team to play the best player no matter what year, where they come from, with the way Alabama turns over players (29 guys have declared early in the last 7 or 8 years) it creates more opportunity for younger guys to play.
Full Press Conference
Email me at Kyle@bamainsider.com with questions or post in this thread, all feedback welcomed.
