With the likes of Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson, and Jonathan Allen all headed to the NFL next season, Alabama head coach made it a point to go out and get some pass rushing help.

He then narrowed his focus on 2017 JUCO prospect Isaiah Buggs. A Louisiana native, Buggs is considered one of the top junior college defensive end prospects in the country.

Saban’s persistence paid off — as Buggs opted to sign with Alabama on Wednesday over LSU.

Buggs was interviewed after making his decision. He noted the strength of Alabama’s coaching staff as being a big positive:

“From a standpoint between LSU and Alabama, I kind of went down to look at the coaching staffs and the rosters of each team. The coaching staff plays a big part in coming in and contributing. In Alabama, I feel like they have a secure coaching staff coming back. I know who I’m going to be playing for. As for LSU, I didn’t know who was coming back and who was going to be there.

I chose Alabama because I know it’s the fit for me. I know I made the right decision.”

With the aforementioned trio set to leave, Buggs will get the opportunity right away to come in and compete for an extensive role. Coming from the junior college ranks, he knows his time is somewhat limited. However, he’s relishing the chance to prove himself, according to the Sun Herald:

“It’s a great feeling. They expect me to come in and be an impact player right away. No one recruits junior college players to come in and sit on the bench. There is some pressure, but I can handle it. I’m a number one recruit so I gotta come in and show everybody what I’m capable of doing.”