Nick Saban is trying to reinstitute toughness, physicality, and a dominant mentality back into Alabama football.
A method he is doing is getting former players into the program.
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He brought back Denzel Devall, Josh Chapman, and Jamey Mosley, but a former All-American chose to return to his Alma mater this offseason. Ha’Sean “Ha Ha” Clinton-Dix, an ex-Crimson Tide safety, has returned as the Director of Player Development for Alabama. As a South Florida native, he came in the 2011 signing class as a five-star. Clinton-Dix assisted Alabama to two straight BCS National Championships in 2011 and 2012. He tied the team lead for interceptions in 2012 (four) and 2013 (three), earning first-team All-SEC and Consensus All-American honors in 2013. Clinton-Dix got picked in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
After spending eight seasons in the NFL (2014-21), he is prepared to pass his knowledge on to the next wave of Alabama players.
Saban said Clinton-Dix is doing a ‘fantastic job’ in his new role.
“Ha Ha has great character,” Saban said Wednesday in his presser. “He is a great person, he sets a good example, he has great leadership, and the players migrate to him. He gives them great advice and direction and things they can do to accomplish their goals. I appreciate the fact that he wants to be here. It always makes me happy when we have guys that played here, had great careers in the NFL, made the Pro Bowl, and they want to come back and be a part of the program.”
According to sources, Touchdown Alabama Magazine has learned that Clinton-Dix has done a few things behind the scenes to put the meanness back into the Crimson Tide. He wants the opposition to respect his team again. Clinton-Dix has also been bonding with players off the field. It is going to be exciting to watch his impact on this team in the coming fall.
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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.
