Nick Saban addresses how Alabama filled DB need on signing day

Nick Saban and Alabama had plenty of success on the recruiting trail this year with the nation’s top class through the early signing period. One area of need was at defensive back, and he said the staff filled it.

Alabama hauled in the No. 1 recruiting class in the country this year, according to the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings. Four defensive backs were among the group, headlined by Five Star Plus+ safety Caleb Downs — the No. 6 recruit in the country, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Saban addressed the level of talent Alabama has coming in at the position, and said he might try them at different positions. In fact, some of the new faces could get different looks on defense.

“There’s four DBs there,” Saban said. “A couple guys, I think, will try corner. I think all the guys are capable of playing safety or star. I think corner is one of the most difficult positions to find, and that’s still something that we’re going to continue to look for.”

All told, Alabama had seven top-50 recruits with two cornerbacks — Desmond Ricks and Jahlil Hurley — in the mix as part of an impressive haul on signing day.

Nick Saban shares impact of NIL on 2023 National Signing Day class

In the end, National Signing Day was good to Nick Saban and Alabama. After the early signing period, Alabama has the top-ranked class, according to the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings.

Despite Alabama always recruiting well, there are always questions about how NIL affects recruiting in the modern game. The Crimson Tide are no exception. Saban was asked about the impact that NIL had on this class during a press conference.

“We’re not allowed to be involved in NLI [NIL], at least from my perspective,” Saban said. “You know, I do think that it did have an impact on recruiting with some players.

“I don’t know how you make comments about things that are really crazy, kind of a crazy situation right now, and there’s not really a sensible response to it.”