[Bamabeachlivin]

Recruits fired up over Saban


Thursday, January 04, 2007 RON INGRAM
News staff writer
Alabama's top two prep football prospects in the Class of 2007 are uncommitted. But they might not stay that way long now that the University of Alabama has landed Nick Saban as its head football coach.
Hoover High School defensive lineman Kerry Murphy and Davidson-Mobile defensive back Michael McNeil, ranked Nos. 1-2 on The Birmingham News Super Seniors list, said Wednesday the Crimson Tide took a giant leap in their minds with Saban's hiring.
"That's great news for Alabama," said Murphy, who added that Alabama, Auburn and Miami are the top three schools on his short list. "Getting him out of the NFL - well, I know he can coach. That made Alabama a lot stronger in my mind. I haven't met him but I have heard a lot about him. I hear he's a tough coach. Defense comes first."
Murphy said he hopes to meet Saban when he takes his official visit soon.
McNeil, who lists the Crimson Tide, Auburn, Florida State and Tennessee among his favorites, said Saban's hiring is exciting and could enter into his decision.
"I hear he's a good man, a good coach," McNeil said. "All I know about Alabama right now is that the coaches I have come to know like Coach (Joe) Kines, I don't know if they'll be staying. I know Coach Saban is a defensive coach so I expect (Kines) and the other defensive coaches will likely be gone."
McNeil, however, plans to take time to get to know Saban.
"I plan to visit Alabama (the weekend of Jan. 26-27)," McNeil said. "I guess that's when I will get the chance to meet Coach Saban face-to-face. I will then have a week or so to decide what I plan to do. I'm glad they settled the coaching situation, though."
Linebacker Rolando McClain of Decatur and offensive lineman Patrick Crump of Hoover are also in Fort Lauderdale for tonight's all-star game. Both are Crimson Tide commitments.
"This is just great news," Crump said. "I've wanted to play football at Alabama for as long as I can remember. Now we have a coach coming in that has won a national championship. Everyone tells me he is very disciplined and hard-nosed. That's what I want."
While McClain was happy Saban will coach the Tide, he also hopes Saban will ask Kines to serve on his staff.
"I'm very happy for Coach Saban. He's well respected," McClain said. "It bothered me some that no head coach was there the last month. But I have been an Alabama recruit from the start. I hadn't changed my mind because I knew they would hire a good coach."
Mountain Brook offensive lineman William Vlachos, another Tide commitment, eagerly awaited the news Wednesday that Saban would come to Tuscaloosa.
"He's got one of the best reputations out there," said Vlachos. "I don't know much about him other than he won a championship at LSU. I know he's really respected, he's a defensive coach and he's a strict, tough coach. I guess that's good. You need that to be a winning team."
Alfred McCullough, a defensive tackle from Athens, and defensive back Chris Lett of Pensacola, were early Tide commitments under former coach Mike Shula. Both said Saban's hiring only solidifies their decision.
"I have never thought about going anywhere else," said Lett.
"I am firm on my commitment to Alabama," McCullough said. "Coach Saban is great news."
Tarrant running back Marquis Maze, a Michigan commitment, said he will take a look at the Crimson Tide now that Saban's on board.
"I will take a good look at Alabama now, if they want me," he said. "I've heard a lot about Coach Saban and I like what I have heard."
Hoover tight end Korey Reynolds, who is committed to the University of Houston, has told the Cougars coaching staff his commitment to the Conference USA team is firm unless an opportunity comes along to play in the SEC, ACC or Big Ten.
"I would love to go to Alabama," he said. "They didn't recruit me much before. But if Coach Saban wants to talk to me, I will listen."
E-mail: ringram@bhamnews.com


© 2007 The Birmingham News© 2007 al.com All Rights Reserved.

Looks like Saban is already making an inpact on Bama.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Bamabeachlivin

Looks like Saban is already making an inpact on Bama.

Good to hear. If the kids are excited about him coming, and you guys can start bringing in some of the big in-state bluechippers (not to mention Saban's possible recruiting ties in and around Michigan and Louisiana), it will definitely bode well for the Tide's future. Recruiting will be most interesting to watch, I think. Let's see how good Coach Saban is at landing some five-star talent. So far, definitely looks like he might be off to a good start.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Good to hear. If the kids are excited about him coming, and you guys can start bringing in some of the big in-state bluechippers (not to mention Saban's possible recruiting ties in and around Michigan and Louisiana), it will definitely bode well for the Tide's future. Recruiting will be most interesting to watch, I think. Let's see how good Coach Saban is at landing some five-star talent. So far, definitely looks like he might be off to a good start.

The snickers kid 6'5 215 Wide reciever had earlier changed his commitment to Miami you can bet he's rethinking that move.

[rbs615]

Hey fellow "Tiders"-

I would just like to say that I am thrilled to the bone that we have Coach Sabin. I do not have the slightest doubt in my mind that we are going to see a positive impact immediately from his hiring. All the negative comments I hear just go in one ear, and out the other. I believe it's called jealousy. Particularly the one's from Auburn fans. They know they are going to get their tails torn up for years to come. It won't be long until we can yell "fear the foot" because all the fingers will be used up! I have to tell you that Tuberville is not in Coach Saban's league. We have endured lots of adversity and discouragement, but at last our day has arrived. "Coach??" Schula about wore me completely out with his obvious lack of control coupled with downright stupidity. Never seen anything quite like him before. All I can say is, ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!.
RBS 615

[Stoney]

The man of Steele recruited his kids from Free Shoe U, we are getting 3 linebackers and 2 safetys and a cornerback. Bobby just aged another 10 years, seriously have you ever seen Bobby look so depressed?