Nick Saban explains what he’s looking for out of Alabama’s spring game for young players
By Keith Farner
Published:
Nick Saban has used this spring to develop young players as there’s been a combination roster turnover to the NFL Draft, and injuries that have led to openings on the Alabama depth chart.
“I think it’s a work in progress,” Saban said during an appearance on “McElroy and Cubelic In the morning on WJOX out of Birmingham, Alabama. “I think when you have that many young guys, plus we have 5 starters back on offense. We would’ve had 9 guys go out for the draft, we have 5, and 3 of the 5 were out for the spring, 1 wide receiver, 2 offensive linemen. So we basically have Bryce (Young) and 1 other guy, who had experience this spring, and I think that really created an opportunity for a lot of young players to be able to get a ton of reps.”
While growing pains are a reality, the long-term payoff is an asset to the team, Saban said.
“I think Jermaine Burton has been a good addition for us at receiver,” Saban said. “Of course, Ja’Corey Brooks has been out for the spring. Young players at receiver have gotten lots of turns and lots of opportunities, which is going to help their development.”
Saban added that the offensive line and running back positions saw similar developments for younger players.
“You’re looking for the long-term gain,” Saban said. “Spring practice, you can’t really lose the spring game, so this is an opportunity in an exhibition game where these guys are going to get more opportunities, which is going to help their development.”
.@AlabamaFTBL coach Nick Saban joined @MacandCube ahead of the Crimson Tide’s A-Day game to discuss player development at the wide receiver and offensive line positions. pic.twitter.com/By6izAoDCZ
— WJOX 94.5 FM (@WJOX945) April 15, 2022
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
