Nick Saban reveals big area of improvement for defensive line play

Nick Saban recognizes from the moment he began coaching at Alabama that the defensive line would be paramount to his success. Over his time in Tuscaloosa, the all-time great coach has made it a priority, sending multiple star defensive lineman to the NFL after successful collegiate career.

As a new season begins, Saban wants to see some improvement from the unit he relies on so heavily. In a press conference recapping Alabama’s second scrimmage, the Crimson Tide coach revealed a big area of improvement for the defensive line.

“It’s hard to evaluate, you know, how a group did, when you don’t watch the film, and you’re trying to watch 22 guys out there,” started Saban. “Sort-of looking at the big picture. But I think the thing that we have to improve on in that group, just based on practice and going into the scrimmage, is striking people upfront. Playing with more power upfront. Staying in our gaps. Playing with a little more discipline. I thought we did that today. Something we emphasized, you know, yesterday in practice. I think they were a little better at that probably today.

“But I’d like to evaluate it. That’s something that we really need to improve on with the upfront guys.”

As you can see, Nick Saban has an idea of what he wants his defensive line to be. While the Crimson Tide aren’t there yet, his track record shows that the group should be humming by the time the games count.

Nick Saban gives critical, ‘not disappointed’ assessment of second scrimmage

Continuing, Nick Saban builds his football teams to be highly successful each and every season. He expects his players to compete at their highest level each and every week. Saban wants to put a championship-caliber product on the field on Saturdays. As Alabama is currently going through spring practices in preparation for the upcoming 2022 season, Saban – just like he usually is – has openly shared his thoughts on how his team has performed.

While Alabama took to the practice field again on Saturday for its second scrimmage, Saban met with the media afterwards and offered a full assessment of the way the Crimson Tide performed – breaking down what he liked and what he didn’t.

“You know, we have guys that play really, really well. And then we’ve got guys that need to learn how to play well on a consistent basis,” Saban said. “I would say that probably sums up where we are. I mean, I don’t want to sound like I’m disappointed in any way. … It’s just that trying to get everybody to play to their full potential. And every coach is committed to trying to do that. But every player has to be committed to it – not just when we have competitive situations. But every day in practice, every rep, every meeting, every opportunity that they have.

“I would say that sort of sums it up. I don’t get into individual stats for the scrimmage. Sometimes it’s affected by who you play against and who plays again you. So, we had some good plays out there, and we obviously had some plays that need to get cleaned up.”