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

The University of Alabama football program has long been a cradle for legends, from iconic head coaches to future NFL stars. Yet, one of the most interesting aspects of Alabama football history isn’t necessarily about the Heisman-winning running backs or the game-changing wide receivers. It’s about the evolution of the program under Nick Saban, and the dynamic relationship between his coaching philosophy and the quarterbacks who have led his teams. For one former Alabama wide receiver, reflecting on his time in Tuscaloosa brings a mix of pride, laughter, and insight into the program’s unique growth under Saban’s leadership. Among the highlights of this conversation is a humorous yet memorable event: Saban’s infamous “terrible catch.”

Nick Saban’s Catch That Wasn’t

Nick Saban, the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide since 2007, is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in college football history. He’s known for his meticulous attention to detail, his focus on building dominant defenses, and his championship pedigree. However, there’s one moment during his tenure that doesn’t exactly fit the typical Saban narrative. It’s a lighthearted anecdote from his early years at Alabama, and it involves a “terrible catch” that has become part of the lore of the program.

The incident occurred during a practice session in the early 2010s. Saban, wanting to show his team that he could still compete, decided to get involved in a drill where a coach throws passes to the wide receivers. The goal of the drill is to simulate game-like situations where wideouts make tough catches in tight spots. But what happened next was far from textbook.

For those who were present at the practice, the sight of Saban trying to make a catch, and failing, is unforgettable. According to Alabama’s former wide receiver, who was part of that practice session, the moment was a mix of shock, disbelief, and laughter. “He was trying to prove a point that day,” the receiver recalls. “But when the ball came to him, it was obvious he hadn’t caught a pass in years. He dropped it. And it wasn’t just a drop, it was a complete whiff.”

The coach, who’s known for his no-nonsense approach and tough demeanor, didn’t take too kindly to his miscue. “It was bad. I mean, he wasn’t even close,” the receiver continued, chuckling. “He got up and gave us this look, like he was trying to shake off the embarrassment. But then, as expected, he fired up the whole team and used it as a lesson on focus and preparation. Even though it wasn’t a great catch, it was a great teachable moment.”

In the end, the catch itself may have been terrible, but the lesson that Saban imparted afterward was anything but. Saban’s relentless drive to improve — even in the face of a moment that could have been seen as embarrassing — reflected the mentality he instilled in his players over the years. This story, while humorous, speaks to the perfectionist tendencies that made him a coaching legend and helped build Alabama into a football dynasty.

The Evolution of Alabama’s Quarterback Play Under Nick Saban

While Saban may have had a “terrible catch,” one area where he has excelled over the years is developing quarterbacks. When Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2007, Alabama had not had a standout quarterback in a while. The program had always been known for its elite defenses and dominant running games, but the quarterback position was often considered a weak spot. That all began to change when Saban started recruiting and developing quarterbacks who would go on to become stars, not just for Alabama, but also in the NFL.

1. John Parker Wilson: The Early Foundations

The first quarterback under Saban to lead Alabama back to national prominence was John Parker Wilson. Wilson, who was already on the team when Saban arrived, had a rocky start but developed into one of the more reliable quarterbacks in Alabama history. He led Alabama to multiple bowl games and provided the foundation for future quarterbacks to build on. Wilson’s steady play helped to stabilize the position during Saban’s early years, setting the tone for the future.

“John Parker Wilson was a huge part of the team that changed the culture at Alabama,” said the former receiver. “He wasn’t the flashiest, but he was tough and did whatever was asked of him. His leadership paved the way for guys like A.J. McCarron and Tua.”

2. A.J. McCarron: The Golden Age of Alabama Quarterbacks

Perhaps the most successful quarterback of the Saban era — at least in terms of winning championships — was A.J. McCarron. McCarron led Alabama to two national championships (2011 and 2012) and was known for his poise, accuracy, and ability to perform under pressure. While McCarron wasn’t necessarily the most athletic quarterback, he had a football IQ that was off the charts, which made him the perfect fit for Saban’s methodical and balanced offense.

McCarron’s impact on the program cannot be overstated. He was the quarterback who proved that Alabama could win national championships without relying on an elite, dual-threat quarterback. Instead, McCarron’s strengths were in his ability to control the game, manage the clock, and execute the passing game when needed.

“McCarron was a true leader. He could stand in the pocket and take a hit. He had the confidence to know when to air it out, and when to lean on the running game,” the former wide receiver added. “He was the perfect fit for Saban’s system, and he left an indelible mark on Alabama football.”

3. Tua Tagovailoa: A New Era of Alabama Offense

While McCarron was successful in managing Alabama’s offense, Tua Tagovailoa brought a whole new dynamic to the position. Tua’s electrifying playmaking ability and his prowess as a passer were revolutionary for Alabama’s offense. His incredible performances in the 2017-2018 season, including his heroic performance in the National Championship Game against Georgia, cemented his place as one of the best quarterbacks in Alabama history.

Tua’s ability to make all the throws, coupled with his leadership and knack for making big plays, brought a new sense of excitement to the Alabama program. Saban, who had always been known for running a more traditional, ground-and-pound offense, had to adapt to Tua’s skills, creating an offense that could dominate both on the ground and through the air.

“Tua was a game-changer,” the former receiver said. “He made everyone on the field better. The chemistry we had with him was unmatched. We’d go out there, and it felt like the game was in slow motion when he was throwing those perfect balls.”

4. Jalen Hurts: The Dual-Threat Quarterback Who Could Do It All

Before Tua, there was Jalen Hurts, who was a key figure in Alabama’s success in the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Hurts was a unique dual-threat quarterback who could beat defenses with both his arm and his legs. While Hurts’ passing wasn’t as polished as Tua’s, his ability to run the football added another dimension to Alabama’s offense, making the Tide an even more dangerous team.

Hurts was thrust into the spotlight as a freshman and led Alabama to the College Football Playoff in 2016. His ability to lead the team, especially when the odds were against him, made him one of the most beloved figures in recent Alabama history. Despite losing the starting job to Tua in the 2018 season, Hurts’ resilience and leadership throughout his career were crucial to Alabama’s success.

“Jalen was the heart and soul of that team,” the former receiver recalled. “Even when Tua took over, Jalen’s leadership never wavered. He’s one of the toughest competitors I’ve ever been around.”

5. Bryce Young: The Next Big Thing

After Tua and Hurts left, Bryce Young stepped into the starting role and became the next big thing in Alabama football. Young, a Heisman Trophy winner in 2021, brought his own brand of playmaking to the quarterback position. His poise, vision, and ability to make plays from the pocket have made him one of the top quarterbacks in the country.

“Bryce is special,” said the former receiver. “He’s got all the tools: the arm, the accuracy, the ability to read defenses. He’s going to be one of the greats at Alabama, and I’m excited to see how he continues to develop.”