Crimson Red Sports

As always, Coach Saban and staff shared their views and opinions with the REC after a long day of trying to get all of their high school commitments on board. CNS was happy with the results of today and very quick to point out to each of us that there is more to recruiting these young men than counting the stars beside their names. He pointed out that the ratings that these sports analysts use to label the players with is in no way a scientific way of showing a true evaluation of how good a player really is and it isn't fair to the players to be put in this spotlight of speculation. He went on to say that coaches base their opinions of players by their measurements of speed, size, attitude, etc. and how they have performed for their team. I found it very interesting as he explained the different sizes of the players that fit the different positions.

Coach Saban was asked about the problem with the defense this year and what do they have in mind to get some improvement. He stated that Alabama had always used players on defense for special plays, such as a player always would go in on third down or if they were going to use a blitz package there were special players for that. Moving forward he said that all of that would be changing because with the hurry up offenses, there is no time to substitute and they are getting caught with the wrong players on the field. This next year the players in all positions will be conditioned to play longer without being substituted. In other words, the big boys will be getting smaller and faster.

All of the coaches got to share with us their recruiting season and how they felt about the outcome of their efforts. Coach Lupoi and Coach Tucker were given a loud welcome as they introduced themselves and I think they will make a good fit for the team.

In closing Coach Saban went into what it takes to have a good team and he was quick to mention the need for good leadership. He said there are 10 players chosen each year for the leadership committee and it's not that easy to get the right ten sometimes. Reggie Ragland was singled out as the leader of the defense and then he mentioned Kenyon Drake. He said he is so proud of where Kenyon is today with his changes and maturity. When Kenyon was asked to be on the committee he told Kenyon if there was anyone on the team that should know what it takes to be a leader it should be him after all that he has been through and that got a big laugh from the REC. He also talked about the QB situation and what it takes to be the starting QB and how it is the hardest position on the team to evaluate a player. He is hoping this spring will produce some good results as far as the starter for next year and one thing is for sure, that player will have to have leadership qualities no matter how good of a passer or runner that he might be.

ADay will be April 18th this year. There was one thing that all of the coaches, including CNS, were very adamant about as they talked about how they were able to recruit their prized players and that was the ADay game. There were several of the players that signed today said the ADay played a huge role in their decision to come to Bama. They thought that was the biggest spectacle they had ever seen with all that went on that weekend. Each of the coaches asked us to please keep that going because it is making a big difference in NSD for Bama football, so I'll see all of you April 18th at Bryant Denny and let's make a big difference for next year's recruiting with the largest crowd ever. RTR!!!

Nice to see issues on defense being addressed, with more emphasis on endurance, and the DBs recruited

Interesting as well about ADay.''

Thanks for the report.   :clap:

I knew this would happen with the 260# LB's & 300# D-linemen. I expect to see more 220-235# LB's & 255-270# D-linemen, especially at DE. By the way, where was this meeting held? An undisclosed location, a CIA safe house, the cone of silence, Guantanamo Bay, or some other place?


 :tinfoil:

Very interesting read there Jamos. I.am really excited about A DAY this year as much as I've been since Coach Saban's first.

Thanks, J. Outstanding report!

Well, if there was any doubt about whether or not I was going to A Day, that doubt has been removed. I will be there for sure.

Excellent news about the defensive philosophy change! I can't wait to see that in action. Third downs were pretty tough on us this past year.

I'll be there and will probalby have 5 or 6 of the kids with me.  I just wish the softball team was playing in T-town instead of Barntown. >:(

Actually, the softball team is playing in Gulf Shores this weekend.

 #+ Have an e-cred for such a great job. You sure help my feelings seeing the coaches are fired up. This was a good class and I hope to see a championship come to us now. RTR!

Yeah, I know.  I was talking about A-Day Saturday though...  :lol:

Have an e-cred though.  It'll make you feel better...  ;D

Backatcha, buddy! I should have known what you meant. Sometimes, I have brain flatulence.

CNS did elaborate a little on Blake Barnett which surprised me a little. When he was talking about the leadership on the team for next season's team, he mentioned Barnett's leadership qualities. When Barnett would go to these competition events for the QBs and CNS or the coaches were there, it seemed that the other players would always mention Blake's good leadership qualities during the camps as the Bama staff was sharing conversation them. Spring training should be very interesting.

:think:  How does that work?  I guess it cleans your ears out pretty good.

:lol:

(https://lgoogoogaga.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/steam-out-my-ears-300x2581.jpg)

 :lol2:

J -- Been out of town and away from CRS, so belated thanks for a great report.  I look forward to your NSD REC report every year.

Thanks Mac and an e-cred for your kindness. :clap: