Saw this good article on Saban & draft and thought Bama bunch would enjoy it!
TALLADEGA - University of Alabama coach Nick Saban believes three seniors from his 2007 team could have been drafted by an NFL team. He also believes that receiver DJ Hall, cornerback Simeon Castille, and defensive end Wallace Gilberry will have a real opportunity for a pro career. But he said there is a lesson available. "It's a message for our players that are there right now," said Saban, about the first draft since 1970 that did not feature an Alabama player. "Consistency in performance is very important. Everything you do - on the field and off the field - is a part of your resume."
Saban spoke to reporters before he addressed a crowd of 570 Tuesday in the Crimson Caravan, a seven-city tour of the region, at Talladega Superspeedway. Two days after his three Southeastern-Conference players went undrafted, Saban said he felt for them. "I know how much it means to them," Saban said. "And from the program standpoint, it does us well if we have a lot of guys drafted and guys drafted high."
Instead, Gilberry and Hall signed free-agent contracts with the Giants, while Castille signed on with the Bengals. Agent Ed Rowan, who represents Gilberry and Hall, said he was "shocked." But Hall and Castille had each battled off-the-field issues, then worked to create a positive image at draft time.
Saban used it as a teaching point. To the former Miami Dolphins coach, it was an introduction into the real world. "This is business," he said. The players drafted early every year have talent, he said, but they've also "done things right" and developed a sound reputation off the field. He wanted his program to develop similar players in the future. "Because they find out from a business standpoint," Saban said, "that's the kind of character people want to represent their organization. So, maybe that can be a positive lesson for us."
The Caravan capped a busy day for Saban. He played golf in an Atlanta charity event with Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, an old friend from West Virginia, who nearly became the Alabama coach in 2006. "I think he did have the job here," said Saban. The two spoke mostly of Michigan football. At Talladega, he and his wife were driven around the famed track. "Terry wouldn't let us go that fast," he said. "Thank goodness." Then came the third stop on a tour also attended by UA Athletics Director Mal Moore, women's basketball coach Wendell Hudson, cheerleaders, Big Al, and the Million Dollar Band.
At the podium, Saban delivered his usual message, telling fans to be supportive and to be patient with the top-ranked recruiting class. He also expounded on this weekend. NFL teams are looking for disciplined players, he told the crowd, and the undrafted players did not have it. He said some of the current players were "shocked and awed" that their teammates did not get drafted, which showed him they did not understand what the NFL expected.
On the subject of linebacker Jimmy Johns, Saban said he's never seen a more popular player who has never played. After that question, he loudly griped that the crowd had the same discipline problems as the players. His wife stepped in and made him apologize. "You're treating this guy like you treat the media," she told him. "Stop it." Nick Saban smiled and apologized.
When an attendee praised the players for deciding to avoid the Tuscaloosa Strip after several arrests, Saban corrected her: "I made that decision for them. I appreciate you thinking they would take that responsibility, but it wasn't their call."
On the subject of the star-studded recruiting class, Saban said as many as four or five might start, but he was reserving judgment until he sees them in person.
Saban trying to use draft as lesson
Linear Mode
