5-Star RB checks in with Nick Saban during offcial visit

The Alabama Crimson Tide may have a new head coach at the helm, but Nick Saban’s influence is far from gone. That was evident this past weekend as one of the top players in the nation, 5-star running back Jamarion “Jet” Collins, made his official visit to Tuscaloosa—and made it a point to check in with the legendary former head coach.

Collins, the No. 1 running back in the 2025 recruiting class per multiple scouting services, spent three days on Alabama’s campus, meeting with coaches, current players, and academic advisors. But perhaps the most memorable moment of the visit came not during a practice walkthrough or a stadium tour—but during a sit-down with Saban, now serving as the university’s athletic director following his retirement in early 2024.

“I had to see Coach Saban,” Collins said with a wide grin. “He’s a legend. Just being in the same room with him gave me chills. He didn’t have to talk long—everything he said hit deep.”

Saban may no longer roam the sidelines or bark instructions during practice, but for elite recruits, his presence still carries the weight of college football royalty. When Collins arrived with his family Friday afternoon, Saban personally welcomed them into his office on the top floor of the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility.

According to sources close to the program, Saban spoke with Collins about more than football—he emphasized character, decision-making, and building a lasting legacy.

“He told me, ‘This isn’t just about the NFL. It’s about who you are when football is over,’” Collins said. “That stuck with me.”

Saban, who has long been known for developing running backs who not only thrive in college but go on to excel in the NFL—names like Derrick Henry, Mark Ingram, Najee Harris, and Josh Jacobs—reportedly told Collins that he had the potential to be “the next great Alabama back.”

“He told me the standard is the standard, whether he’s on the field or in an office,” Collins recalled. “And I believe that.”

Current Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, entering his second season after succeeding Saban, has made Collins a top priority for the 2025 cycle. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound back from Houston’s North Shore High School brings explosive speed, contact balance, and elite vision—traits that fit perfectly in DeBoer’s offensive system.

During the visit, DeBoer and new offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan spent extensive time breaking down film with Collins, showing how his skill set would be featured in Alabama’s offensive scheme.

“Coach DeBoer’s energy is real,” Collins said. “He’s got a plan for me. Not just to run the ball, but to catch, block, and be a leader.”

Alabama’s staff has emphasized that Collins would be used in a similar role to how Washington featured its backs under DeBoer—shifty, decisive runners who could line up all over the field. It’s a vision Collins finds appealing.

“They’re not just handing it off and hoping for yards,” he said. “It’s all designed to make the back dangerous.”

Alabama’s official visit weekend was star-studded, with multiple top-100 players in attendance. Collins was joined by fellow 5-stars Malik Adams (WR), Trent Wallace (OT), and safety Bryce Conner, among others. The group toured the athletic facilities, met with academic advisors, participated in team bonding activities, and enjoyed a players-only event at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

But for Collins, the highlights went beyond the glitz and glamour. A dinner at Saban’s Lake Tuscaloosa home—a staple of official visits even post-retirement—proved especially meaningful.

“Coach Saban invited us to his house. His wife Ms. Terry was amazing. It felt like family,” Collins said. “We talked about life. He shared stories from when Derrick Henry was being recruited. You could just feel the tradition.

Collins is one of the most heavily recruited players in the country, with offers from nearly every Power Five program. His top schools currently include Alabama, Georgia, Texas, USC, and Ohio State, though Alabama and Georgia are widely considered the frontrunners.

A source close to Collins said the visit to Tuscaloosa “moved the needle” in a big way, especially with the Saban meeting.

“That wasn’t just about football,” the source said. “That was about legacy. That kind of conversation stays with a kid.”

Collins plans to make additional official visits in July and has targeted August for a possible commitment. He’s been adamant about making a decision before his senior season begins.

“I want to go into my senior year locked in,” he said. “No distractions. Just ball.”

Part of what makes Alabama so appealing for Collins—and other top backs—is the Crimson Tide’s unmatched track record at the position. Since 2009, Alabama has produced multiple NFL stars at running back, including:

• Mark Ingram (2009 Heisman winner)
• Trent Richardson
• Eddie Lacy
• T.J. Yeldon
• Kenyan Drake
• Derrick Henry (2015 Heisman winner)
• Josh Jacobs
• Najee Harris
• Brian Robinson Jr.
• Jahmyr Gibbs (2023 NFL first-round pick)

That legacy isn’t lost on Collins.

“You grow up watching these guys,” he said. “Seeing them on TV. Then you hear from the same program that developed them? It’s hard not to picture yourself in that jersey.”

Current Alabama running backs Justice Haynes and Richard Young also met with Collins during his visit, giving insight into life in Tuscaloosa, the demands of the program, and how the new coaching staff has kept Saban’s intensity alive.

“They told me it’s different now but still Bama,” Collins said. “They still grind. Still hold each other accountable.”

NIL and the Modern Recruiting World

Collins’ camp has been strategic in navigating the recruiting process. While NIL opportunities are part of the conversation, his family has emphasized they are not the deciding factor.

“Money is temporary. Legacy is forever,” Collins said. “I want to be great. I want to go somewhere that’ll get me to the next level and make me a better man.”

That mindset has made Alabama particularly attractive. The school’s NIL infrastructure is strong, but its real pitch is development. Both DeBoer and Saban emphasized that point.

“They said if I handle my business, the rest will come,” Collins said. “I believe them.”

Collins will visit Georgia and USC in early July and has expressed interest in returning to Alabama for a game day visit this fall—possibly the Texas A&M or Georgia matchup.

Though he’s keeping his options open, Collins said Alabama “feels like home” and that the meeting with Saban “left a mark.”

“You don’t meet people like him every day,” Collins said. “It wasn’t about hype. He told me the truth, and I respect that.”

With his decision looming, Alabama fans can take solace in knowing they’ve done everything right so far. A generational talent like Jamarion Collins doesn’t come around often—and if his visit is any indication, the Crimson Tide may soon have another superstar in their backfield.

“If I choose Bama,” Collins said, pausing with a smile, “I’m coming to be the next great. I’m not scared of the standard. I’m chasing it.”