He has had a lot of talented teams, but Nick Saban’s championship teams at Alabama had two things in common: a strong chemistry and the ability to fight through adversity.
This year’s group possesses both qualities and its undefeated through six games.
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The conversation of those outside the program did not believe in Mac Jones as a starter in the preseason, but the team was already brought into Jones before fall camp. His brothers knew what he was capable of and now, the junior is the leader in the Heisman race and NFL Draft experts talking about him. As proud as the team is of Jones, it was saddened by the injury to Jaylen Waddle against Tennessee. Everyone played a role in texting him, calling him, smoking a cigar with him and keeping his spirit up, as he supplies the energy in the locker room.
The same can be said of the incident with running back, Trey Sanders.
He finally put the foot injury from 2019 behind him with a strong outing versus Mississippi State.
Unfortunately, he was involved in a car accident during Alabama’s bye week. Sanders did not sustain any life-threatening injuries, but he still had to undergo surgery. Because of this, Saban said he would be ‘out indefinitely’ and it hurt the freshman and his teammates. Ever resilient, Sanders returned to the team last week and the players had a dance party on video.
Whether it was 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015 or 2017, Saban had a group that was selfless and he loved it.
On Monday, he spoke to reporters on why he loves coaching this team.
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“I think that is what you always strive for, in terms of team togetherness and guys staying together as a group,” Saban said on the importance of team chemistry. “You can always accomplish more when you have togetherness on your team. Everyone puts the team first. This group has been that way for the most part. I think that has helped them stay focused as well, because they have goals and aspirations for what they want to accomplish. They do it together, they hold each other accountable, and that’s really a positive thing for us.”
DJ Dale, a sophomore at defensive tackle, said the fun in the locker room is an every day thing.
“We have come a long way and we have had a lot of uncertainty,” Dale said on Monday. “In the summer, we did not know if we were going to have a season or not. We have been around each other and everyone bonded and clicked in, so that just makes it fun. This is a really fun group and I enjoy being around all the guys. Just like the video, it’s like that all the time.”
With the challenges that COVID-19 has brought, the players have physically and mentally stood together.
As it continues to push toward a Southeastern Conference title and a national championship, Alabama will look to laugh and dance its way to its 18th national title in program history.
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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.
