Started By
Message
re: So How Does Bama Get The Best Players Year After Year?
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:29 pm to Cheeky Fellow
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:29 pm to Cheeky Fellow
I mean, look at our 5-star freshman from the 2013 class and where they are right now
Reuben Foster - starter at LB, will play in NFL
Derrick Henry - heisman trophy winner, will play in NFL
Jonathan Allen - returned for senior year, will be 1st round pick
OJ Howard - returned for senior year, will be early round pick
Robert Foster - started as sophomore, out for year with injury, will be #2 WR in 2016
A'Shawn Robinson - started from day 1, will be 1st round pick
Reuben Foster - starter at LB, will play in NFL
Derrick Henry - heisman trophy winner, will play in NFL
Jonathan Allen - returned for senior year, will be 1st round pick
OJ Howard - returned for senior year, will be early round pick
Robert Foster - started as sophomore, out for year with injury, will be #2 WR in 2016
A'Shawn Robinson - started from day 1, will be 1st round pick
0
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:30 pm to cardboardboxer
Kids coming to Alabama have a different mentality than kids going anywhere else.
Bama doesn't "select." Bama misses out on kids they want every year. The kids that do choose Bama are talented athletes that are willing to work their arse off and aren't afraid of competition. They're trying to be the best they can be. That breeds an atmosphere of greatness as much as anything. Most of the kids that come here are mentally tough and have an idea of what they're getting themselves into.
We're signing kids that are willing to come in and compete. That's what has made Alabama a juggernaut. Having guys that are mentally and physically tough
We offer a lot of great athletes. The ones that pick Bama are the cream of the crop from a mental standpoint, which you can't judge from a highlight film.
Bama doesn't "select." Bama misses out on kids they want every year. The kids that do choose Bama are talented athletes that are willing to work their arse off and aren't afraid of competition. They're trying to be the best they can be. That breeds an atmosphere of greatness as much as anything. Most of the kids that come here are mentally tough and have an idea of what they're getting themselves into.
We're signing kids that are willing to come in and compete. That's what has made Alabama a juggernaut. Having guys that are mentally and physically tough
We offer a lot of great athletes. The ones that pick Bama are the cream of the crop from a mental standpoint, which you can't judge from a highlight film.
This post was edited on 2/4/16 at 12:32 pm
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:31 pm to cardboardboxer
Early playing time isn't what it used to be. A kid just needs one big year to earn a high draft grade. Sit, learn and save your body for the NFL.
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:32 pm to cardboardboxer
To pile on to some of the points already made, CNS is effective at recruiting the decision maker in the household. He sells the whole program and University and not just football.
Football sells itself, which is why he is one of the few that can and does tell top recruits "we'd love to have you, but we're going to win with or without you."
As some have said, it's about recruiting the right attitude. The issue other past programs have run into (and Alabama to some extent during this run) is managing egos and entitlement. To address that, CNS tells recruits upfront that it takes hard work and commitment on and off the field to his way of doing things. That compitition never stops, every game and every practice demand hustle and effort regardless of who you are. It's him asking recruits if they have what it takes to be the best of the best because individual talent isn't enough. If so, come prove it and keep proving it everyday.
Football sells itself, which is why he is one of the few that can and does tell top recruits "we'd love to have you, but we're going to win with or without you."
As some have said, it's about recruiting the right attitude. The issue other past programs have run into (and Alabama to some extent during this run) is managing egos and entitlement. To address that, CNS tells recruits upfront that it takes hard work and commitment on and off the field to his way of doing things. That compitition never stops, every game and every practice demand hustle and effort regardless of who you are. It's him asking recruits if they have what it takes to be the best of the best because individual talent isn't enough. If so, come prove it and keep proving it everyday.
This post was edited on 2/4/16 at 12:34 pm
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:32 pm to cardboardboxer
quote:
Sure, but he is also famous for processing kids.
Give me a couple of names
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:34 pm to cardboardboxer
They want to make it to the NFL, and if Saban selects them to play for him, their odds are significantly higher than anywhere else.
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:34 pm to Robin Masters
quote:
Early playing time isn't what it used to be. A kid just needs one big year to earn a high draft grade. Sit, learn and save your body for the NFL.
Sure, but every game you play is another chance to prove yourself. Like buying one lottery ticket vs buying three.
I do get your point though. I am just trying to understand from a rational standpoint. I know a lot of this isn't rational, kids have an emotional tie to want to be part of a winner. And I respect that.
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:35 pm to cardboardboxer
quote:
But you just said that some don't start till their Junior year! That confuses me.
Sure, some, but generally not the 5-star guys. And even if they don't, a lot of those guys have great junior years (Rueben Foster, Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson) and could go to the NFL if they wanted.
quote:
IE sold on the results of the NFL stars Bama does produce while hiding the kids who learn Junior year (after years of waiting) that some hot young freshman will start over him
We generally start 3-4 freshmen strategically at points of need and also to establish leaders in each class. But I mean sure, some guys do get beat out by younger players. We make it pretty clear (from everything I know) that you are guaranteed nothing. The best player will play. I think it is well understood to the kids who come here how it will work.
quote:
many start as juniors, others start as freshmen, the roster is loaded, etc
Just look at our roster this year. We have a little bit of everything.
QB - Jake Coker (transfer)
RB - Derek Henry (1st year starter, played a role prior year)
WR - Calvin Ridley (5-star freshman)
WR - ArDarius Stewart (played small role as freshman, now starter)
WR - Robert Foster (RS-Soph, developed, now starting)
LT - Cam Robinson (5-star, started from day 1)
LG - Ross Pierschbacher (RS-FR, redshirted, now starting)
C - Ryan Kelly (started since sophomore)
RG - Alphonse Taylor (developed, starting as JR)
RT - Dom Jackson (JUCO SR)
TE - Hale Hentges (true freshman, position of need)
TE - OJ Howard (started from day 1, 5-star)
DE - Ashawn (started from day 1, 5-star)
NG - Darren Lake (SR, developed, started as JR/SR)
DE - Jarran Reed (JUCO)
SLB - Dillon Lee (developed, played some as junior, started as senior)
MLB - Reggie Ragland (played since early on)
JACK - Denzel Devall (developed, started as JR/SR)
CB - Cyrus Jones (thrown into fire as Soph after starting at WR)
CB - Marl Humphrey (redshirted, started as RS FR)
FS - Geno Smith (developed, role as soph, starter as JR/SR)
SS - Eddie Jackson (Started at CB as fresh, moved, started at SS as JR)
STAR - Minkah (5-star, started day 1)
This post was edited on 2/4/16 at 12:43 pm
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:36 pm to Riseupfromtherubble
That is true. Saban's sales pitch is different from other coaches. It's a challenge. This isn't for everybody and a lot of kids can't handle it. He tells them that.
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:37 pm to cardboardboxer
all nick does is open the briefcase and show them the rings
if i was a kid it would make me think
if i was a kid it would make me think
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:38 pm to dannyz6869
quote:He actually lets them try them on. Truth.
all nick does is open the briefcase and show them the rings
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:38 pm to genro
quote:
That is true. Saban's sales pitch is different from other coaches. It's a challenge. This isn't for everybody and a lot of kids can't handle it. He tells them that.
Remember Gene and the Getalong Gang went on a recruiting tour in a white stretch limo and matching AU bowling shirts?
Just to offer some contrast with how Bama is selling themselves.
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:39 pm to Che Boludo
quote:
To pile on to some of the points already made, CNS is effective at recruiting the decision maker in the household. He sells the whole program and University and not just football.
Football sells itself, which is why he is one of the few that can and does tell top recruits "we'd love to have you, but we're going to win with or without you."
As some have said, it's about recruiting the right attitude. The issue other past programs have run into (and Alabama to some extent during this run) is managing egos and entitlement. To address that, CNS tells recruits upfront that it takes hard work and commitment on and off the field to his way of doing things. That compitition never stops, every game and every practice demand hustle and effort regardless of who you are. It's him asking recruits if they have what it takes to be the best of the best because individual talent isn't enough. If so, come prove it and keep proving it everyday.
Great points.
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:40 pm to Cheeky Fellow
quote:
But I mean sure, some guys do get beat out by younger players. We make it pretty clear (from everything I know) that you are guaranteed nothing. The best player will play. I think it is well understood to the kids who come here how it will work.
I guess I just don't understand the mentality, but that is why I am a risk averse nerd and not a stud athlete I guess.
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:40 pm to cardboardboxer
Bama contends for a title every year. They're insanely dominant. They send a ton of players to the NFL every year. Going to Alabama gives an aspiring player the best possible chance of winning a National Title and going to the NFL. Outside of Tuscaloosa being kind of a bummer of a college town, it's not a tough sell.
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:41 pm to cardboardboxer
quote:
Great points.
Clearly nothing is foolproof. We miss on kids like everybody else does. Saban's recruiting philosophy is engrained with his program and coaching philosophy. If we aren't winning then the whole thing might crumble.
However, he has a proven track record that hits on all the marks most kids want to hear. If the kid is willing to wait, put up with being dealt with harshly, not be "the man", not having the coach maybe be your friend/family, then it will probably work out. That isn't to say those other ways don't work (Dabo is killing it right now and his shtick is different).
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:41 pm to genro
Whoever said Saban recruits the decision maker in the family gets it.
Watch the espn segment on D Henry's grandma. Saban recruited her just as much as he did Derrick.
Saban seems aloof, but he grew up lower middle class in a very poor town. He knows how to get on the level of recruits AND their families.
Watch that interview and you will see that grandma views Saban as someone she has become connected to. I think he is very good at selling parents on what is best for their son.
Watch the espn segment on D Henry's grandma. Saban recruited her just as much as he did Derrick.
Saban seems aloof, but he grew up lower middle class in a very poor town. He knows how to get on the level of recruits AND their families.
Watch that interview and you will see that grandma views Saban as someone she has become connected to. I think he is very good at selling parents on what is best for their son.
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:42 pm to kingbob
quote:Meh, campus area is nice and fun enough that you don't realize Tuscaloosa kinda sucks until junior year or so
Outside of Tuscaloosa being kind of a bummer of a college town
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:42 pm to Cheeky Fellow
quote:
TE - Hale Hentges (true freshman, position of need)
Interesting that you went with Hale, instead of OJ.
Posted on 2/4/16 at 12:42 pm to cardboardboxer
quote:
I guess I just don't understand the mentality, but that is why I am a risk averse nerd and not a stud athlete I guess.
I don't see it much differently than decided to go to a big law or accounting firm that only hires kids from the best schools with the best grades. They aren't all going to make partner, but if you want to be at the highest level then you decide you are going to go there, be better than everyone else and be at the top of the world.
Some people decide they are content being at a smaller, regional firm where they can live comfortably and make lots of money.
It's all about mindset and goals.
This post was edited on 2/4/16 at 12:44 pm
Page 3 of 6
Popular
Back to top
Follow SECRant for SEC Football News