Nick Saban revealed his five favorite Alabama football players to coach, praising their leadership, dedication, and impact on the team.

When it comes to Alabama football, there is no higher authority than Nick Saban. As one of the most successful college football coaches of all time, Saban’s ability to build championship-caliber teams has earned him unparalleled respect in the world of sports. His coaching philosophy, which revolves around discipline, excellence, and constant improvement, has made him synonymous with success in Tuscaloosa. Under Saban’s leadership, Alabama has become a perennial powerhouse, consistently competing for national titles and producing NFL-caliber talent year after year.

Saban’s role as a mentor and leader extends beyond just coaching football. Over the years, he has cultivated meaningful relationships with his players, providing guidance both on and off the field. His impact on the lives of his players is one of the key reasons for his success and the program’s sustained dominance. Saban has had the opportunity to coach some of the most gifted athletes in college football history, and recently, he revealed his five favorite Alabama players to coach—athletes who stood out not only for their talent but also for their leadership, work ethic, and the lasting impression they left on the program.

In this article, we will explore the five players that Nick Saban holds in high regard, delving into the qualities that made them stand out during their time at Alabama. We will also reflect on the lessons Saban learned from coaching these players, examining the broader impact they had on the team and the legacy they left behind.

1. Derrick Henry: The Dominant Force in the Backfield

Derrick Henry, the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner, is often considered one of the most dominant running backs in college football history. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing in at 247 pounds, Henry possessed the physical attributes of a prototypical NFL running back. During his time at Alabama, Henry became a wrecking ball on the field, breaking records and leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 2015.

Why Henry Stands Out

For Nick Saban, Derrick Henry was a joy to coach because of his rare combination of size, speed, and determination. But it wasn’t just Henry’s physical attributes that made him special—it was his mindset and work ethic. Saban often speaks about how Henry would show up early for practice and put in extra work in the weight room, always striving to improve. Despite his immense talent, Henry never rested on his laurels. His commitment to continuous improvement became a model for his teammates and a key factor in Alabama’s success during his tenure.

“Derrick is a guy who did everything the right way,” Saban once said. “He worked hard every single day, never took a day off, and led by example.”

Henry’s leadership was also vital to Alabama’s success. His presence in the locker room and on the field inspired his teammates to elevate their own play. His willingness to push through pain and adversity set the tone for Alabama’s offense, and his humility in the face of overwhelming success made him a respected figure among his peers.

Legacy

Henry’s legacy at Alabama is undeniable. He finished his college career with 3,591 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns, including a record-breaking 2,219 rushing yards in his Heisman-winning season. His ability to dominate in the run game while also remaining a key leader for the team made him a perfect example of the kind of player Saban values: one who combines talent with relentless work ethic and leadership.

2. Tua Tagovailoa: The Quarterback Who Rewrote Alabama’s Passing Game

Tua Tagovailoa’s time at Alabama was nothing short of transformative. The Hawaiian-born quarterback, who took over the starting role in 2017, redefined Alabama’s offensive approach, introducing a high-powered passing attack that was previously uncharacteristic of Saban’s run-heavy teams. Tua’s ability to throw deep balls with pinpoint accuracy and his cool, calm demeanor under pressure made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football history.

Why Tua Stands Out

Nick Saban has often spoken about how Tua’s natural ability to lead and his unflappable demeanor made him one of the most memorable players he’s ever coached. Tua had an innate ability to perform in clutch moments, and perhaps the most iconic example of this came in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, when he led Alabama to a comeback victory over Georgia. His poise in the biggest moments was a testament to his mental toughness and maturity, qualities that Saban holds in high regard.

“Tua was a unique player,” Saban said in an interview. “He had such a calm, cool demeanor, and he wasn’t fazed by big situations. His leadership and competitive spirit were contagious.”

Beyond his talent on the field, Tua’s humility and dedication to his teammates made him an ideal representative of Alabama football. He was a player who valued teamwork over individual accolades, always crediting his offensive line and skill players for his success. Tua’s relationship with his teammates and his unwavering commitment to the team-first mentality endeared him to Saban and the entire Alabama football program.

Legacy

Tua finished his Alabama career with over 7,400 passing yards, 87 touchdowns, and a national title to his name. His legacy is not only defined by his statistical achievements but also by the way he changed the perception of Alabama’s offense. Tua was instrumental in shaping Alabama into a more balanced team, capable of competing through both the air and the ground. His influence on the program is still felt today, as Alabama has continued to emphasize a more dynamic, passing-oriented offense.

3. Minkah Fitzpatrick: The Defensive Star Who Led by Example

Minkah Fitzpatrick was one of the most versatile and dominant defenders to ever wear the Alabama uniform. A consensus All-American and the 2017 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Fitzpatrick played multiple positions in Alabama’s secondary, from cornerback to safety, and was a playmaking force in every game. His ability to shut down receivers, intercept passes, and support the run made him one of the most complete defensive players in college football.

Why Fitzpatrick Stands Out

Saban has consistently praised Fitzpatrick’s football IQ, leadership, and consistency. Fitzpatrick’s ability to diagnose plays and make adjustments on the fly was exceptional, and he was a coach’s dream in terms of being able to execute defensive schemes. But what truly set Fitzpatrick apart was his leadership. He was the embodiment of the “next man up” mentality, always willing to take on any challenge and help his teammates improve.

“Minkah was a special player because he had the ability to lead without saying a word,” Saban noted. “He showed up every day, played at a high level, and set the standard for how we expected everyone to perform.”

Fitzpatrick’s work ethic and his commitment to improving every day were contagious. He was known for his relentless approach to practice, constantly pushing himself and his teammates to reach their full potential. His competitive spirit and unselfishness made him a role model for younger players, and his leadership played a key role in Alabama’s success during his time in Tuscaloosa.

Legacy

Fitzpatrick’s legacy is marked by his outstanding play on the field, but also by his leadership and ability to elevate the play of those around him. He left Alabama with 171 career tackles, 9 interceptions, and 1,000 all-purpose yards. Fitzpatrick was a key player on Alabama’s national championship-winning defense in 2017, and his ability to dominate in all areas of the game is something Saban and the Alabama coaching staff still look for in future players.

4. Julio Jones: The Physical Freak Who Dominated the SEC

Julio Jones was a physical specimen who terrorized SEC defenses throughout his career at Alabama. As a wide receiver, Jones possessed a rare combination of size, speed, and strength that made him nearly impossible to defend. His ability to make spectacular catches and his downfield blocking helped redefine Alabama’s receiving game during his time in Tuscaloosa.

Why Jones Stands Out

Jones’ physicality and ability to dominate games were key reasons why Saban enjoyed coaching him. Jones was not only an incredible athlete but also a player who was determined to succeed, and Saban saw that firsthand.

“Julio was a guy who was incredibly talented, but he also worked harder than almost anyone on the team,” Saban said. “He was the total package—he could run, catch, block, and he had the kind of competitive spirit you just don’t see every day.”

Jones’ ability to take over games, whether it was through explosive plays or his leadership, made him a standout in Saban’s eyes. His impact on the field, as well as in the locker room, was immeasurable.

Legacy

Julio Jones’ legacy at Alabama is defined by his dominant play and the way he raised the bar for Alabama’s receivers. After finishing his career with 179 catches for 2,653 yards and 15 touchdowns, Jones went on to have a long and successful NFL career. His ability to combine physicality with finesse revolutionized the way Alabama approached its passing game, setting the stage for future stars at the position.

5. C.J. Mosley: The Heart and Soul of Alabama’s Defense

C.J. Mosley was the heart and soul of Alabama’s defense during his time in Tuscaloosa. A linebacker who could do it all, Mosley excelled in both pass coverage and run defense, earning numerous All-American honors and helping lead Alabama to multiple championships.

Why Mosley Stands Out

Mosley’s leadership and work ethic were the driving forces behind Alabama’s defense during some of their most dominant seasons. Saban has often spoken about Mosley’s incredible football intelligence, his ability to read offenses, and his skill in motivating his teammates.

“C.J. Mosley was one of the best linebackers I’ve ever coached,” Saban remarked. “His understanding of the game was second to none, and he could get everyone around him to perform at a higher level. He was a true leader.”

Mosley’s commitment to the team and his relentless drive to improve made him a model of consistency and excellence. His leadership in the locker room and his ability to execute the defensive schemes were integral to Alabama’s success during his tenure.

Legacy

Mosley finished his Alabama career with over 300 tackles, 15 sacks, and 4 interceptions, leaving a lasting impact on the program. His leadership and performance helped elevate Alabama’s defense to a level of dominance that became a hallmark of Saban’s teams. His ability to influence the game in every phase made him a player that Saban will always remember fondly.