Nick Saban recalls evaluation for Jalen Suggs as a quarterback prospect

Jalen Suggs became a college basketball legend on Saturday night, as he sent Gonzaga to the National Championship game with a 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime.

If you missed it, here’s the play:

https://twitter.com/marchmadness/status/1378546849603219457?s=20

But in an alternate universe, Suggs could have ended up playing quarterback at Alabama or another elite Power 5 program.

Earlier this week, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban recalled his evaluation for Suggs as a high school quarterback. According to 247Sports, Suggs was a 3-star QB prospect in high school. He had offers from Georgia, Ohio State and numerous other Power 5 programs before ultimately choosing to play basketball.

“Well I vaguely do recall him as a player and he was a really good player,” Saban said, via 247Sports. “He’s a really good basketball player, you know, too, so I can’t argue with anybody about the choice that he made in terms of, you know what he’s known future and how he’s trying to, you know, build a career in athletics. So he was a fine young man he was a good leader.

“He was a very talented player, and you know I enjoy watching him play. He always liked playing guys you think you know a little bit, so I really enjoyed watching them play and those guys have a good team, no doubt.”

Here’s a short highlight package from Suggs’ career as quarterback:

Jalen Suggs, also an INSANE football player

pic.twitter.com/jqlsB7KEhT

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 4, 2021

Despite how impressive those highlights are, it’s clear Suggs made the right choice. Gonzaga will face Baylor in the National Championship on Monday night.