Video: ESPN analysts debate Nick Saban's 'best recruits' at Alabama
ESPN analysts Tom Luginbill and Craig Haubert took on the difficult task of ranking Nick Saban’s top 5 best recruits during his tenure at Alabama, which will air Thursday on the 6:00 p.m. edition of “Recruiting Nation” on ESPNU.
The list included the following:
1. Dont’a Hightower, four-star OLB, 2008
2. Julio Jones, five-star WR, 2008
3. Marcel Dareus, four-star SDE, 2008
4. Chance Warmack, three-star OG, 2009
5. Amari Cooper, four-star, 2012
Obviously, there were several disagreements between the analysts as they attempted to form a consensus agreement given how many standout prospects Saban has signed since arriving at Alabama in 2007. The Tide has ranked No. 1 in the 247Sports Team Composite rankings for six consecutive years and has finished in the top 5 every year since 2008.
Of course, recruiting top talent has paid dividends. Alabama has won four national championships during Saban’s tenure.