Nick Saban enumerates his top five Alabama players.
Nick Saban Enumerates His Top Five Alabama Players
When we think of Alabama football, we think of legendary players, national championships, and a tradition of success that stretches back decades. Under the leadership of Nick Saban, Alabama has become a football powerhouse, and countless players have contributed to the team’s rise to prominence. Throughout the years, Saban has developed some of the greatest talents in college football, and his system has allowed these athletes to excel at the highest level.
Nick Saban’s ability to recruit, develop, and motivate his players has made him one of the most successful coaches in the history of college football. However, as we all know, it is the players who ultimately define a team’s legacy. Some stand out not only because of their incredible athletic abilities but also for the impact they had on the program, leading Alabama to glory on the field. In a recent interview, Saban was asked to enumerate his top five players in Alabama football history. While selecting just five is an inherently difficult task, Saban offered his thoughts on the players who defined his tenure and helped shape the program’s modern legacy.
While his list is certainly subjective, it provides a fascinating look at the athletes who left a lasting impression on Alabama football and who played pivotal roles in the team’s success over the years. Let’s take a deeper dive into the players that Nick Saban considers the most influential during his time at Alabama, including their contributions, achievements, and why they stand out among the rest.
1. Derrick Henry – Running Back (2013-2015)
Without question, one of the most memorable and dominant players to wear the crimson and white under Nick Saban is Derrick Henry. The former Heisman Trophy winner and 6’3”, 247-pound powerhouse running back was a force of nature who changed the way college football viewed running backs.
Saban has often spoken about Henry’s work ethic, physicality, and ability to wear down defenses over the course of a game. Henry’s 2015 season was nothing short of historic, as he rushed for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading Alabama to the College Football Playoff National Championship. His performances during the regular season and the postseason, including a 44-carry, 236-yard, 3-touchdown effort in the SEC Championship game against Florida, are etched in the minds of Alabama fans forever.
Henry’s dominant style of running, paired with his ability to break tackles and keep churning through defenders, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He also played a critical role in the Crimson Tide’s national title run that year, solidifying his place as one of the best players in the program’s history. Saban has frequently cited Henry’s maturity and leadership qualities as being just as important as his physical prowess. Henry was not only a dominant force on the field, but he was also a model of consistency and hard work, earning the respect of his coaches and teammates.
Moreover, Henry’s impact extended beyond college football. He went on to have a successful career in the NFL, earning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award in 2020 and establishing himself as one of the league’s top running backs. For Saban, Henry’s combination of size, speed, and work ethic made him an easy choice for inclusion in any discussion of Alabama’s greatest players.
2. Tua Tagovailoa – Quarterback (2017-2019)
Tua Tagovailoa made an immediate impact at Alabama and is regarded as one of the most gifted quarterbacks to ever wear the Alabama jersey. Saban’s selection of Tua as one of his top players underscores just how monumental Tua’s influence was on the program.
Tua’s rise to prominence was meteoric. After coming off the bench in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship against Georgia, where he threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Devonta Smith in overtime, Tua cemented his status as a future star. His performance in that game was not only a national championship-winning effort but also a symbol of the immense poise and talent he exhibited as a freshman.
Over the next two seasons, Tua continued to break records and raise the bar for Alabama’s offense. He set a school record for passing yards (87 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and 7,442 passing yards) and developed into one of the most accurate passers in college football history, finishing his career with a remarkable 69.3% completion rate.
Tua’s ability to throw deep passes with precision, read defenses quickly, and execute Alabama’s up-tempo offense made him a dynamic and dangerous playmaker. Under Tua’s leadership, the Crimson Tide boasted one of the most potent offenses in the country, and he was instrumental in leading Alabama to the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game, where they ultimately fell to Clemson.
Beyond his on-field production, Tua was a natural leader who gained the respect of his teammates with his humility, work ethic, and commitment to the team. His infectious personality and leadership qualities played a significant role in Alabama’s continued success during his time at Tuscaloosa.
Like Henry, Tua’s excellence was not confined to college football. He went on to become the 5th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, where he has continued to show promise with the Miami Dolphins. His success both at Alabama and in the NFL makes Tua one of the most influential and accomplished players in Alabama’s football history.
3. Minkah Fitzpatrick – Defensive Back (2015-2017)
When Nick Saban talks about elite defenders, one name that consistently comes up is Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick, a versatile defensive back who played cornerback, safety, and even linebacker during his time at Alabama, was a key player on one of the most dominant defenses in college football history.
Fitzpatrick’s incredible athleticism, football IQ, and playmaking ability were instrumental in the Crimson Tide’s success during his tenure. He was a cornerstone of Alabama’s defense, making critical plays in every phase of the game. From picking off passes to defending the run, Fitzpatrick could do it all. In 2017, Fitzpatrick earned the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s best defensive back, after leading Alabama’s defense to a national championship game appearance and finishing the season with 60 tackles, 1 interception, and 9 pass breakups.
Saban has praised Fitzpatrick for his ability to make game-changing plays when it mattered most. Whether it was a key interception, a forced fumble, or a timely tackle, Fitzpatrick consistently rose to the occasion. His ability to read offenses and his versatility allowed Saban to move him around the field, creating mismatches for opposing offenses.
Fitzpatrick was also a leader in the locker room, helping to guide Alabama’s defense to several top-ranked finishes during his time in Tuscaloosa. After leaving Alabama, Fitzpatrick was drafted 11th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2018 NFL Draft, where he quickly became one of the top safeties in the NFL. His success at both the collegiate and professional levels makes him an obvious choice for Saban’s list of top Alabama players.
4. Julio Jones – Wide Receiver (2008-2010)
In the world of college football, few players have had a more explosive and dynamic impact than Julio Jones. Jones, who played wide receiver for Alabama from 2008 to 2010, was one of the most dominant players in college football during his tenure. Saban often mentions Jones as a game-changer, a player who could flip the field with just one play.
Standing at 6’3” and possessing a rare combination of speed, size, and strength, Jones was virtually unstoppable when he was on the field. He could take the top off of defenses, outmuscle cornerbacks, and make spectacular catches in crucial moments. His athleticism made him a matchup nightmare for defenders, and his ability to make contested catches in the red zone allowed Alabama to stretch defenses in ways they had not been able to before.
Jones’ most memorable moment at Alabama came in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game against Texas, where he made several key catches, including a critical touchdown catch that helped Alabama secure the victory. Throughout his college career, Jones was an integral part of Alabama’s offense, leading the team to the national championship in 2009 and earning numerous accolades along the way.
Saban credits Jones with revolutionizing the wide receiver position at Alabama and helping to change the way the program viewed passing offense. His success in the NFL, where he became one of the top wide receivers of his era, further solidifies his legacy as one of the best players in Alabama history.
5. Jonathan Allen – Defensive Lineman (2013-2016)
Finally, Jonathan Allen is another player who Saban consistently names among his top Alabama players. A dominant force on the defensive line, Allen was an anchor for Alabama’s defense throughout his career. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 295 pounds, Allen had the size and strength to overpower offensive linemen, but he also possessed the agility and quickness to wreak havoc in the backfield.
Allen was a key contributor to Alabama’s national championship run in 2015 and was a cornerstone of one of the most dominant defenses in college football. He earned numerous honors during his time at Alabama, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive player.
What set Allen apart was his ability to impact games in a variety of ways. Whether he was stuffing the run, pressuring the quarterback, or blocking passes, Allen made his presence felt on every snap. His leadership on and off the field helped to galvanize Alabama’s defense, and he was a pivotal figure in the team’s success during his time at Tuscaloosa.
After leaving Alabama, Allen was drafted by the Washington Football Team (now Washington Commanders), where he has continued to excel in the NFL. Saban’s admiration for Allen’s versatility, work ethic, and leadership make him a key figure in the discussion of Alabama’s all-time greats.
