The myth that Alabama does not play true freshmen is simply that: a myth.
Since 2008, Nick Saban had placed the best student-athletes on the field – including freshmen – and the results have been national championships and trips to the College Football Playoff more times than not. For opposing schools, the idea has been to convince young athletes that they will not create an immediate impact if they choose to enroll at Alabama.
Jeff Banks, who is in his third season with the Crimson Tide as tight ends’ coach and special teams’ coordinator, decided to dispel the myth for good on Twitter. He posted a graphic that highlighted nine true freshmen starters in 2019 and 25 freshmen that either started or played.
If you go to Alabama you won’t play as a freshman, they are loaded at every position. How many times have I heard this……… ??? #Untruth #RTR pic.twitter.com/4kT5UAzWaP
— Jeff Banks (@CoachJeffBanks) June 8, 2020
Other assistant coaches, including Steve Sarkisian, Kyle Flood and Charles Huff, added to the conversation.
You mean people negative recruit???? https://t.co/z9XL3Nlicx
— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) June 8, 2020
— Kyle Flood (@KJJFlood) June 8, 2020
“They got too many 5-Stars you won’t play there” ??♂️ https://t.co/HTaYWjhtRF
— Charles C. Huff (@CoachHuff) June 8, 2020
On top of this, at least six true freshmen impacted the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game (2017 season) for Alabama. The contest ended in overtime with Tua Tagovailoa finding DeVonta Smith for a 41-yard, game-winning touchdown in Atlanta.
Alabama won, 26-23.
During the 2015 campaign, the Tide had Calvin Ridley, Da’Ron Payne, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison all be impactful as freshmen.
Ridley notched a 1,000-yard season, Fitzpatrick recorded two pick-sixes, Harrison had a pair of interceptions and Payne was a force on the line.
All four players helped Alabama capture a national title.
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In saying this, everything reverts back to an earlier point: Saban plays the athletes that give the program the best chance to win.
He has never shied away from freshmen and he will continue to feature them.
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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 @CoachingMSmith.
