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Alabama coach Nick Saban spoke to the media on Thursday following his team’s final practice before the spring game on Saturday.
Saban talked about what the A-Day means in terms of recruiting, the team’s QB battle and more. However, he started by poking fun at the media and pointing out that no one thought he’d be in Tuscaloosa this long.
Saban w/ a shot at media: "Nobody thought I'd be here for a 10th A-Day, if I could get you guys to tell the truth, which would be difficult"
— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) April 14, 2016
Did you expect to be here for 10 A-Days?
“Yeah,” Saban said. “God willing.”
— Alex Scarborough (@ByScarborough) April 14, 2016
Saban implored fans to come out this Saturday for the spring game and is probably looking for a record crowd in Bryant-Denny Stadium. He also feels that the turnout at his first A-Day back in 2007 helped jumpstart the program to where it is now.
Saban: "Just like we want to sustain success here, we want to sustain recruiting success." Big crowds at A-Day = big recruiting impact.
— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) April 14, 2016
Saban said the 2007 A-Day Game was the catalyst in showing recruits this is a special place to play.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) April 14, 2016
Saban talked in length about his quarterbacks. He indicated that his decision in picking the starter will be a product of how their teammates respond to their leadership.
Saban on the QB battle to this point: “There really isn’t any separation.”
— Alex Scarborough (@ByScarborough) April 14, 2016
Saban on what QBs need to win job: "The biggest thing all these QBs need to do is win their teammates. … And I can't force it to happen."
— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) April 14, 2016
However, one message he had for all his signal-callers was to settle down and play smart.
Saban on the QBs: "I think all the quarterbacks need to play with consistency, execute the plays, not every play needs to be a home run."
— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) April 14, 2016
Saban also talked about his two sophomore running backs and how they’ll be used on Saturday. He also mentioned the importance of Rashaan Evans getting time on the field at inside linebacker.
Saban said Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris will be on different teams so both guys can get reps.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) April 14, 2016
Saban: Shaun Dion Hamilton has done a nice job. He's smart, doesn't make a lot of errors. It's important to get Rashaan Evans a lot of snaps
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) April 14, 2016
Born and raised in Gainesville, Talal joined SDS in 2015 after spending 2 years in Bristol as an ESPN researcher. Previously, Talal worked at The Gainesville Sun.
