FanPost

Saban is Stretch Armstrong


We've all heard it, most of us know it to be true. Nick Saban can run a fine football program. From media relations to off the field contributions Nick seems to be atop the coaching world. He's a machine. A workaholic fueled by Little Debbie's. No doubt he gives his all and requires everyone around him do the same. But any football analyst, reporter or battle hardened couch coach will tell you a team is only as good as it's players. This is the part of coaching where Nick seems to prevail. In the years prior to Saban entrenching himself firmly at the Capstone. Bama coaches seemed to be content loading up on in state football players. From 2002 until 2006 Bama signed a total of 73 players native to the great state of Alabama. In the same time period The Tide signed 45 players from out of state High Schools. 2007 was a transitional year with Shula making his exit. When Saban arrived he did the right thing by honoring the scholly offers from the Shula staff. Yet of the 23 players signed in 2007, 11 were Alabama natives and 12 were from out of state. For the first time in years Alabama had reeled in more out of state players than in state. A trend that seems to be ongoing still today.

In 2008 Nick signed a big class both in numbers and stars. Filling the roster with future NFL stars like Julio Jones, Mark Ingram, Mark Barron, Terrance Cody and Marcel Darius. Of the commits 18 of them were from Alabama and 15 from out of state. In 2009 Saban again stacked up on big prospects that are sure to gain glory in the future. Of these future stars only 10 of theme called Alabama home. 17 members of this class were from other states. The trend continues to go abroad for players. In the most recent class, still under construction for 2010 Coach has verbal commits from 22 players. Of these only 8 are from Bama. See where I'm going here? Nick Saban does not feel limited to the in state talent that now fills the rosters of schools like Troy and UNA or Auburn. Nick seems to have it. He's not only loved by the fans in Alabama but also by the blue chip players from around the country. Most of all he's not scared to reach out his ever so long arms to haul them in. As most expect myself included, Nick Saban seems to be smashing the recruiting borders states claim to have built. His reach is becoming longer and longer. I just hope he doesn't break apart and reveal his greenish jelly like substance within. Roll Tide

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