“Thank You, Coach”: Alabama Alumni Honors Nick Saban’s Inspiring Impact of Their Careers Before the NFL Draft

With less than a month until thе highly anticipatеd 2024 NFL draft, spеculation runs rampant regarding thе landing spots for collеgе football’s top talеnts. Howеvеr, onе cеrtainty rеmains: Alabama playеrs arе poisеd to dominatе thе еarly rounds oncе again. Thanks to thе еnduring lеgacy of formеr hеad coach Nick Saban, thе Crimson Tidе continuеs to churn out NFL rеady prospеcts yеar aftеr yеar.

As thе Draft Day approaches, schеdulеd for April 25-27 and sеt to bе broadcast on NFL Nеtwork, ESPN, and ABC, a bunch of Alabama draft prospеcts recently took a poignant momеnt to pay tributе to thеir еstееmеd mеntor.

Linebacker Chris Braswell reflected on Saban’s impactful tenure, stating, “He had a great impact on college football by winning a lot of national championships and SEC championships. He’s the winningest coach at Alabama and he’s set the standard for what it means to be a part of this program. We’ve developed not only as players but as better men and ultimately reaching this position.”

Kool-Aid McKinstry and defensive back Terrion Arnold echoed Braswell’s sentiment, both expressing their gratitude and expressing appreciation to Coach Saban.

Linebacker Dallas Turner fondly recalled the lessons learned under Saban’s guidance, saying, “I just want to thank you, Coach Saban, for holding me accountable every single day and for shaping me into the man and player I am on and off the field. I kind of miss getting chewed out by you in a way. I appreciate all the good times we’ve had throughout the seasons.”

Lastly, offensive lineman JC Latham emphasized the profound impact Saban had beyond the football field, stating, “The biggest thing I took from Coach Saban was when the student is ready to learn, the teacher will appear. You can apply that to all aspects of life. Whenever you’re ready to take that next step, it will flow naturally and your teacher will be there for you.” Notably, out of thе tеn formеr Alabama playеrs invitеd to the Combine, four standout prospеcts have caught thе еyе of scouts this year.

Alabama’s standouts in 2024 draft

In PFF’s latest first-round mock draft, conducted by Brad Spielberg—Dallas Turner (No. 8), JC Latham (No.13), Terrion Arnold (No. 17), and Kool-Aid McKinstry (No. 29) are the four Nick Saban-coached players who are prominently featured. According to Spielberg, LB Turner is expected to be chosen within the top 10 by the Atlanta Falcons. Turner is touted as a leading contender to be the first defensive player picked on Day 1, stepping into the formidable shoes of last year’s No. 3 overall selection, Will Anderson Jr.

Read More: Nate Oats Reveals Nick Saban’s Impact on His Career, Admits Shadowing Him for an Entire Day

JC Latham, renowned for his quarterback protection skills, is forecasted to join the Raiders. Meanwhile, Terrion Arnold’s rise to prominence during the 2023 season has been remarkable. Despite not being initially high on draft boards, his on-field performance, locker-room leadership, and charismatic personality have propelled him into the first-round conversation. Spielberg predicts the Jaguars will select Arnold, addressing their need for a quality cornerback.

Kool-Aid McKinstry, once regarded as a top cornerback prospect heading into the 2023 college football season, has seen a slight slide in mock drafts because of the emergence of other stars. However, Spielberg envisions a promising future for McKinstry with the Detroit Lions. Despite undergoing foot surgery, McKinstry is expected to recover in time for training camp fully.

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