Nick Saban enjoys winning national championships, but the University of Alabama head football coach wants nothing more than to see his players excel in off-field duties too.
Like an old school parent making sure their child finishes a meal before dessert, Saban expects greatness in the classroom and players firmly understand the consequences ahead of them when success in academics does not happen.
Rising sophomore VanDarius Cowan, who played in seven games last season, has missed the last two days of spring practice due to lack of studies.
The 6-foot-4, 236-pound outside linebacker was one of the nation’s top prospects in the state of Florida and was a five-star recruit upon his arrival to the Crimson Tide. While his size and overall skill set could rival that of former standout Tim Williams, grades come first for Saban.
“I’m not going to be specific here, but we have rules about academics,” Saban said during Tuesday’s presser.
“We check guys in what they are supposed to do and we define the standard of expectations we have for class attendance, tutors, study table and when guys do not do this to the standard we created for all the players, they cannot practice or play until they get it right.”
Cowan recorded his first two career tackles versus Mercer and while he works alongside Christian Miller, Jamey Mosely, Terrell Lewis and Anfernee Jennings (when he returns from injury), he must develop the right habits on and off-the-field in order to sustain production.
“And that’s what we are trying to do from an academic standpoint, which is what all the players come to do,” Saban said.
“We want to create the right habits for them to get an education and develop careers off-the-field. So, if a player is not doing that and we have to take something away that will change his behavior, then that is one of the ways we do it.”
Since getting a stern lesson from his coach, Cowan has progressed and Saban said he will be returning to the practice field soon.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
