Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide have taken over the City of Hoover, and as always, his voice is being heard.
During his opening statement, he declared the 2017 version of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team ‘one of the youngest since possibly 2012.’ That’s a big statement.
With the losses of leaders like O.J. Howard, Johnathan Allen, Eddie Jackson, and Reuben Foster to the NFL, it comes as no surprise that Coach Saban would consider this team to be one of the younger teams in recent history.
What will be interesting to see is who steps up into those leadership roles this Fall. He mentioned shortly afterwards that Jalen Hurts has done a better job this offseason in becoming a better passer, and even as a true freshman last year it was well known that he was a great leader. Defensively, however, veteran guys like Da’Ron Payne, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Shaun Dion Hamilton will need to become vocal leaders in their respective position groups.
Fall will be a decisive moment for the Crimson Tide, and if guys struggle to step up, the first game of the season with Florida State will be a tough one to win.
Jake Weaver is a lead writer for TD Alabama Magazine and Bama Hoops Hype. You can contact him via phone at 205-612-5060, or on Twitter @JWeaver_TDALMag
