Alabama Football: Tide will win ‘with or without you’

Recruiting Julio Jones in 2007 set a tone for Alabama football. That tone is best defined as ‘we will win with you or without you.’

Playing for Alabama football is not for everyone, including some gifted, highly recruited athletes. Nick Saban does not just preach a ‘no shortcuts’ philosophy he religiously adheres to it. Even some of the best high school prospects are better fits somewhere other than Tuscaloosa.

Nothing better epitomizes Saban’s philosophy than the recruitment of Julio Jones in 2007. It is not surprising that what worked with Julio is still working as Nick snares another elite group for 2018.

The story of Julio’s recruitment is legendary. Alabama football fought its way to a 7-6 record in Saban’s first Tide season. Alabama native Julio Jones was rated as the No. 3 overall player in the nation and the No. 1 wide receiver by 247 Sports.

Many experts believed Julio would choose Oklahoma. The primary recruiter for Julio was Lance Thompson who told al.com,

"“It wasn’t sexy to go to Alabama when Julio did … I told him that it only takes one alpha dog to get everyone in line and he was going to be that guy. I told him that all the time. I would say, ‘Julio, you’re the guy who puts Alabama football back where it’s supposed to be.'”"

Julio did just that. Former Tide assistant Lance Thompson also said,

"“He embodied everything that Alabama football represented, and then that was easy for other young players to emulate”"

On many occasions, Julio has said even on the morning of National Signing Day, he was not totally sure which school to choose. As reported by The Ringer, over and over he heard,

"‘You’re going to come in and you’re going to start … You’re going to come here, and you’re going to play.’ I (Julio) didn’t want that."

What Julio heard from Alabama football coach Nick Saban was different. Saban told Julio he would have to work to earn playing time. When Saban added the Tide “will win with or without you,” an immediate bond was established between the future player and coach.

Most Alabama football fans have already heard that story. The 2008 recruiting class, made up of Julio, Marcel Dareus, Mark Ingram, Courtney Upshaw, Barrett Jones, Dont’a Hightower and Mark Barron helped build a new Alabama football championship era.

Saban’s straight talk challenge worked with Julio. It is still working today.

The first commitment in the 2018 recruiting class was a 4-Star linebacker, Jordan Davis. Jordan has strong opinions about Alabama football and recruiting, as reported by rivals.com.

"“there’s a reason why a lot of athletes don’t commit to Alabama. It’s because they are scared to compete … at Alabama, you compete every single day. You can’t waste any time, you just have to grind”"

Jordan is from Memphis and tells anyone who will listen he is 2000 percent committed to Alabama football. Alabama fans will be glad to hear he also says he is tired of hearing about Tennessee.

Davis has joined the Crimson Tide 2018 recruiting effort with vigor. When Jordan talks to other potential recruits he is Saban-style direct with them,

"“There’s no sugar-coating it, none of that. I don’t believe in any of that, the truth hurts and I understand, but sometimes you got to keep it real with them. You know you are going to have five-stars and big-time pro athletes going in front of you. You can’t be scared to compete.” His advice to those unwilling to meet that challenge — good luck."

And yes, Jordan knows all about the famous Saban – Julio exchange back in 2007. Just like Julio, Jordan loves it. “We will win with or without you.” Alabama football coaches, players and fans would have it no other way.

Next: The Five Greatest Threats to a 2018 Championship

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