Nick Saban: Amidst virus restrictions and safety concerns Nick is resilient

No matter the circumstances Nick Saban never wavers in following his purpose

It was another Monday of another football season for Nick Saban. Five Alabama football fall camp sessions were complete and Nick, as always on Mondays throughout a fall season, had to brief the media.

The activity was standard fare while little else in Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama campus was normal. Too many positive virus tests among Alabama students forced an urgency to act. Alabama President, Stuart Bell and Tuscaloosa Mayor, Walt Maddow took action with a public gathering lockdown and a two-week closing of local bars. They implored other social distancing and mask-wearing restrictions. Some may disagree but most realize the two men were doing what their jobs require.

Nick Saban was doing what his job requires as well. Defined by the most demanding taskmaster of all – Nick Saban. Unrelenting, unwavering, staunchly resolute – all these words apply to Nick.

So on an early Tuscaloosa evening, Saban reviewed how the summer mini-camp and fall camp were being used for installation. He praised his players for absorbing scheme and assignment details quickly. Responding to questions, he complimented his running back group and outside linebacker group. He noted seniors Najee Harris and Brian Robinson are making an impact with leadership. He even admitted a couple of the freshmen outside linebackers could make an impact this season, especially in getting to opposing QBs.

Saban disclosed last season’s disappointment went back to his team not having a requisite dose of Alabama football culture. He also went into teaching mode. Using lessons from visitors Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, Nick talked about humility. How humility is necessary to excel. How without it, individuals are unable to make the sacrifices necessary to become champions.

Asked about the importance of playing this fall, he focused on the value playing brings to the players. Asked why fans care so much, he reflected on his youth in Monoaugh, WV. He explained everyone in town went to every football and basketball game. During the games, the town shut down.

Saban explained that the virus was a factor in everything from personal responsibility to social distancing to mask-wearing. He added in the few seconds of a competitive, football drill or a play, the work done by him and his players is unchanged. He was clear he is not coaching any differently. Except for one thing, the ‘gaiter’ covering his mouth and nose muffles some of his sterner admonishments. At those times, he drops his ‘Jesse James’ appearance to make sure players get what has to be said. It is assumed this is done briefly and with some degree of social distancing.

The full video is below, compliments of al.com.

Nick Saban has faults, like all of us. He is not for everyone for multiple reasons, one of which is jealousy. One observation that will receive near-universal agreement. Nick Saban is a great communicator. He showed that Monday in Tuscaloosa.

Monday was the first, fall camp session in pads. The Crimson Tide will work toward a Saturday scrimmage. Stay connected with Bama Hammer for updates.