[Tuck4Bama]

TUSCALOOSA -- When Nick Saban agreed to coach Alabama, freshman tight end Preston Dial sensed the end of his vacation in Mobile.

Dial left home immediately to begin workouts on campus, telling family, "I'm going to make it a point to bump into coach Saban."

Sure enough, Dial soon "bumped" his way into a brief, memorable sit-down with Saban. Somewhere in the conversation, Dial referenced the Crimson Tide's seven defeats in his first season, which was three more than UMS-Wright endured during his entire prep career.

"Coach, I've never played for a loser and I don't want to become used to it," he told Saban.
"Well, P.D., we're going to get along just fine," Saban answered.

On that note, Dial began a second year at Alabama that has already been much more enjoyable than the first. After sitting out last season, the 6-foot-4, 245-pound native of Mobile has thrived under Saban's coaching staff, attaining third on the depth chart this preseason and a solid spot on the goal-line offense.

It's a nice reward for a redshirt season that tested his patience.

"Everybody here will tell you there are some times where you're just like, 'Man, is this what I want to be doing?'" Dial said. "But when you finally get out there in an atmosphere like the A-Day game or when you finally feel like you're contributing and get a chance, it's definitely worth it."

During a fan day practice in early August, Dial received applause for a pair of sensational, tough catches in the middle of the field. Saban offered positive statements throughout preseason camp about Dial, who caught a touchdown pass during a scrimmage.

Nothing but a winner- al.com

[Stoney]

That should be the attitude of the entire team.