At 69 years old, Nick Saban is both durable and elusive.
He cracked a joke on Slade Bolden during Alabama’s spring game and then reverted to his defensive back skills from Kent State University.
In the third quarter, Braxton Barker threw an interception to Kristian Story. The sophomore safety would try to run the turnover for a touchdown, but he noticed a bright pink suit in front of him. Coach Saban made sure the players knew where he was on the field, and Story fumbled the ball before getting to him.
Saban pulled out of the way in time; however, the ESPN crew of Kirk Herbstreit and Joey Galloway had a lot of fun with the moment.
Jackson Bratton recovered the fumble for the White Team.
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After the scrimmage ended, reporters wanted Saban’s thoughts on why the players were careful to not run over him.
Watch Nick Saban juke his way out of getting ran over after a Braxton Barker interception 😂 pic.twitter.com/8D1MRvHV44
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) April 17, 2021
“If they run into me, it’s very similar to running into the goal post,” Saban said. “So, it’s not a good choice and decision for them. They usually avoid me. I wear a pink jacket so they can see me for their safety, not mine.”
He has always told his players ‘they don’t make them like they use to.’ Saban is referring to himself with the reference.
Whether it was a hip replacement or battling COVID-19, the seven-time national champion is resilient. He loves to have fun with the players, and their competitive mindset comes from him.
Story, a sophomore from Lanett, Ala., recorded a takeaway and avoided taking out his head coach.
He was a special playmaker in high school and the team is excited to see him grow.
Saban enters the summer with many things to work on, but he saw a lot of good in the final practice of the spring.
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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.
