Alabama Football: Nick Saban talks leadership and what the Tide lacks

After three Alabama football practices of the spring, Nick Saban shared some team priorities for 2019 and also a weakness at a particular position.

This week there have been quite a few extra people in Tuscaloosa at the Alabama football facility. The Pro Day on Tuesday brought in a big group of NFL football experts, as well as national media and a couple of dozen former Tide players.

The observations shared by many of those getting a look inside the Crimson Tide program are consistent. Repeatedly the words focused and determined are used to describe the mindset of the players. Based on other comments, it seems winter conditioning has been more of a gut-check than the regular Scott Cochran ‘4th Quarter’ program. The new group of coaches is also reportedly pushing players harder than this time last season.

All of the above is by design of Nick Saban. And why would it be any other way for a proud college football program who was trounced on the biggest stage?

Nick Saban has a young team and it is a team that must identify leaders on both sides of the ball. After practice on Wednesday, Nick Saban spoke about the importance of leadership.

"all the good teams that we’ve had around here, the teams that have won championships, we’ve had the kind of leadership that help people sustain through the tough times, and they demanded that everyone sort of adhere to the standard. It wasn’t just the coaches preaching that.So, I think that’s important, and it really makes it special when you have the best players on your team also the guys that are the best leaders. And that’s something that I’m hopeful we’ll be able to have on this year’s team"

Already Crimson Tide players are pointing to Dylan Moses and Tua Tagovailoa stepping up as leaders. Another player is catching Saban’s notice and it is at safety, a position needing leadership.

"Xavier’s (McKinney) done a great job, has had a great offseason. I think he was one of the best performers each week that we did offseason workouts for four weeks. You couldn’t ask a guy to set a better example. I mean his practice habits have been phenomenal these first three practices. I mean he’s doing everything he can to set a good example and be a leader for other players."

Even with that rousing endorsement, Saban is concerned about depth at safety. Jared Mayden has the experience to line up as the Tide’s second safety. Even if he wins that job, solid number twos are needed. Two true freshmen, not yet on campus, Jordan Battle and Demarcco Hellams may have a chance to be answers to the depth at safety.

Other players Saban credited with good performances so far this spring are running backs Najee Harris and Brian Robinson, along with center, Chris Owens.

Compliments of Bama Online, here is a video of the entire media session.

Alabama football will return to the practice field on Friday, Mar. 22. There is a possible session on Saturday. The first big scrimmage of the spring is planned for Mar. 30.