Audio: Former Bama DB Javier Arenas recalls how Nick Saban convinced him not to transfer
Published:
Instead of becoming known as a key member of Nick Saban’s first National Championship team at Alabama, Javier Arenas nearly became one of the many college players who decide to transfer following a coaching change. The decision not to transfer obviously paid off, as Arenas would go on to earn All-SEC honors following his 2009 season, which featured 71 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss and five interceptions.
Having signed on to play in Tuscaloosa for former Alabama coach Mike Shula, Arenas recently revealed he approached Saban regarding his desire to leave the program following the coach’s hire. While Saban did not outright reject Arenas, he asked him to give it some time to think over the decision over.
During a recent appearance on the Big 3 Roll Up podcast, Arenas recalled the meeting he had with Saban: (Direct quotes come from Bama Online)
“In training camp my sophomore year I went in his office and said, ‘Coach, I want to leave, I don’t want to play here anymore,’” Arenas said on the podcast. “He told me I’d be making the biggest mistake in my life if I chose that path. He allowed me to think about it for a few days. I spoke with my mother, he spoke with my mother.”
Needless to say, the decision to stick it out paid off for everyone involved. Arenas found his way in Saban’s system and went on to become a second-round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft while helping the Crimson Tide lay the foundation for the current dynasty run the school continues to embark upon to this day.
Sometimes it pays to stick it out instead of making the quick and easy decision.
The full podcast featuring Arenas can be found below:
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
