Leadership was on Alabama’s roster in 2021, but the Crimson Tide did not have enough consistency in getting the message out.
Nick Saban saw a lack of players buying into the standard of excellence, and it caused the Tide to fall short in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Two players became established leaders a season ago, but now the group has expanded to five names for the fall. Alabama’s Fourth Quarter Program brought guys to the forefront as leaders.
RELATED: Internet user makes Nick Saban and SEC coaches as Karens and it’s gold
The six national championship teams under Saban had leaders on offense and defense. The best teams are the ones led by players. Saban is about peer-to-peer leadership and having mature players police the team.
He named the players in the Crimson Tide’s leadership council during Wednesday’s presser. Bryce Young and Will Anderson pushed Alabama to the CFP National Championship stage in 2021, but now Jordan Battle, Henry To’oto’o, and DJ Dale join them as leaders. All three could have pursued the NFL Draft, but they chose to return to school for a shot at a national title.
Saban said Young has become ‘more assertive’ as a leader. To’oto’o leads by example, but he is starting to become more vocal. Battle has taken control in the secondary, and Dale became the fifth name in the group. Saban said his leadership emerged during the offseason program.
The players on the team respect all five names. Two of the five earned the honor of becoming permanent team captains in the postseason last year. Four of the five names are on defense, which means Tide fans expect this group to shut down opposing offenses in the coming fall.
We know the passion of Anderson and Young, but we will see how the others command their teammates through spring practice.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
