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Nick Saban recalls evaluation for Jalen Suggs as a quarterback prospect

Published: Apr 4, 2021 · 9:29 AM EDT

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:

JALEN SUGGS SENDS GONZAGA TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ?@ZagMBB #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/Ier1HcwjpH

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 4, 2021

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 College (@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.

Spenser Davis

Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.