A former Alabama wide receiver talks about Nick Saban’s terrible catch and the Tide’s best quarterbacks.

**A Former Alabama Wide Receiver Talks About Nick Saban’s Terrible Catch and the Tide’s Best Quarterbacks**

In the annals of Alabama football, the stories of unforgettable games, legendary athletes, and groundbreaking coaching moments are as rich as they come. One of the most interesting figures in Alabama football history, of course, is Nick Saban, a man synonymous with winning, discipline, and unparalleled success. As the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Saban has led the team to multiple national championships, redefining the standard of excellence in college football. However, there’s a side to Nick Saban that not everyone is familiar with, especially regarding his playing days as a defensive back and his brief foray as a wide receiver during his college years.

One former Alabama wide receiver, who played during the golden era of Saban’s coaching reign, recently opened up about one particular story that showcased the coach’s early athletic struggles and a major moment that would go on to shape his coaching philosophy: Nick Saban’s “terrible catch.” The conversation also expanded to some of the best quarterbacks to ever play for the Crimson Tide, examining how their connection with Saban’s coaching staff helped elevate Alabama to the top of the college football world.

### Nick Saban’s Playing Days: The “Terrible Catch”

Before he became the “head ball coach” for Alabama, Nick Saban was a student-athlete himself, playing college football at Kent State University in the early 1970s. Saban’s college career, however, is largely overshadowed by his later success as a coach. It’s easy to forget that Saban was once just another player on the field, trying to carve out a path for himself.

It was during Saban’s playing career that the former Alabama wide receiver recalls an amusing and humbling moment that would go on to become an inside joke within the Crimson Tide program. The story centers around a fateful practice session that Saban himself would later laugh about, especially given the success he would achieve as a coach.

According to the former Alabama wide receiver, Saban, who was playing as a defensive back for Kent State at the time, was known for his meticulous preparation and defensive strategy. However, there was one practice play that stuck with everyone who witnessed it: Nick Saban’s “terrible catch.”

The catch, as it’s now known among the Tide’s players and coaches, happened during a routine drill where the defense was supposed to intercept passes thrown by the quarterbacks. Saban, as one of the defensive backs, was stationed in his usual spot. But during this drill, Saban was given the chance to make a catch as part of an offensive play – a rare and somewhat unorthodox decision that came as a joke within the context of the practice.

The ball was thrown his way, but the result was less than spectacular. In fact, Saban, who had excelled on the defensive side of the ball, displayed none of the skill set required for an elite wide receiver. The ball was thrown too high, and Saban, unable to adjust his body to make the catch, fumbled and awkwardly dropped the ball. His teammates immediately began to laugh, and the once-sterling reputation of Saban as an elite athlete on the field was briefly tainted.

It’s said that Saban himself could not stop laughing either, although he later acknowledged that his performance in that moment was a perfect example of why he had always been a better coach than a player. His performance—or lack thereof—became an anecdote that he would share with players during Alabama’s practices, serving as a reminder that no one, not even the great Nick Saban, is immune to failure or imperfection.

But what the former Alabama wide receiver points out is that Saban’s inability to make the catch wasn’t the defining part of the story. Instead, it was how Saban responded to the mistake. Rather than allowing it to linger as an embarrassment, he used it as a lesson in humility, perseverance, and self-awareness. This story would later become a defining example of Saban’s leadership style, emphasizing the importance of owning up to your mistakes and learning from them.

As the former Alabama wide receiver recalls, it was that same humility and drive for improvement that Saban later instilled in his players when he became the head coach of the Crimson Tide. Saban’s early experience with failure, coupled with his ability to laugh at himself, shaped his mentality as a coach—always striving for perfection, but understanding that failure was part of the process.

### The Tide’s Best Quarterbacks: A Relationship with Saban

While Saban’s “terrible catch” remains a funny anecdote, the former Alabama wide receiver also shared insights into the quarterbacks who played under Saban’s tutelage, describing their evolution within the system and how they helped build Alabama’s success. Saban’s coaching expertise not only shaped his defense but also revitalized Alabama’s offensive scheme, producing some of the best quarterbacks in college football history.

#### 1. **Tua Tagovailoa**
One of the most well-known quarterbacks under Saban’s tenure, Tua Tagovailoa redefined Alabama’s offensive approach and became a household name with his electrifying playmaking ability. Tua’s most famous moment came in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship when he replaced Jalen Hurts in the second half of the game and led Alabama to a comeback win over Georgia, capped off by a game-winning touchdown pass in overtime.

According to the former Alabama wide receiver, Tua’s impact was immense, not just because of his ability to make incredible throws but because of the confidence and composure he brought to the field. Even as a freshman, Tua had an undeniable calmness about him that allowed him to thrive in high-pressure situations, something Saban often emphasized in practice. The connection between Tua and his receivers was unmatched, and his precise accuracy allowed for big plays down the field, becoming a major part of the Tide’s offensive resurgence.

What stands out to the former wide receiver is the way Tua embraced Saban’s system while still showcasing his natural playmaking skills. Saban, known for his disciplinarian style and focus on fundamentals, recognized Tua’s special talent and trusted him to lead the offense. The trust that Saban placed in Tua was one of the major factors that led to Alabama’s national championship in 2017 and set the stage for Tua’s eventual success in the NFL.

#### 2. **Jalen Hurts**
Before Tua became the star quarterback, Jalen Hurts was the face of Alabama’s offense. Hurts, a dual-threat quarterback known for his ability to run the ball as well as throw it, led Alabama to the national title game in 2016. Under Saban’s guidance, Hurts displayed remarkable poise for a young player, and although his passing game was a work in progress, his leadership and ability to win games were never in question.

The former Alabama wide receiver recalls Hurts as a player who was never afraid of the moment. Hurts’ determination, especially in big games, made him a special player, and his ability to come through when it mattered the most earned him the respect of his teammates. However, it was the emergence of Tua that would ultimately shift the starting quarterback role.

Nevertheless, Hurts’ impact on Alabama football was undeniable, and his time with Saban set the stage for his subsequent success at Oklahoma and the NFL, where he would go on to achieve great things as a quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

#### 3. **Mac Jones**
Mac Jones is another quarterback who flourished under Saban’s watch, becoming a Heisman finalist in 2020 and leading Alabama to a national championship. Jones, who came in as a backup to Jalen Hurts and Tua, was often seen as an afterthought early in his career. However, his work ethic and mastery of Saban’s offense propelled him into the starting role, where he went on to lead one of the most potent offenses in Alabama history.

Jones’ relationship with Saban was one of mutual respect. The former Alabama wide receiver notes that Jones was meticulous in his preparation, always studying film and striving to improve his technique. Jones’ leadership style was quieter compared to Hurts or Tua, but his ability to lead the team with precision and poise made him one of the most successful quarterbacks under Saban’s regime.

Jones’ success in 2020, culminating in an undefeated season and a national championship, was a testament to both his growth as a quarterback and to Saban’s ability to develop quarterbacks in his system.