Nick Saban: Brock Bowers 'one of the premier players in college football'

Nick Saban is preparing for a showdown with Georgia after advancing in the College Football Playoff. While the Bulldogs vaunted defense will be a focus, Saban has his eyes on Georgia star tight end Brock Bowers.

In his first season with the Bulldogs, Bowers has put himself on the map. The freshman tight end has become one of the best playmakers on the Bulldogs, and a huge focus on their offense.

With their matchup looming, Saban spoke glowingly of Bowers.

“I think this guy is one of the premier players in college football,” stated Saban. “I know he’s just a freshman. But this guy’s got great size. He’s a good blocker. Physical. He’s tough. And he’s got wide receiver skills in every way, shape or form, which makes it difficult being a bigger guy for bigger guys to cover him and it makes it also difficult for smaller guys to cover him.

“So this guy is just a phenomenal football player all the way around. They do a really good job of featuring his talents as well. And he’s been extremely productive in a lot of ways.”

Moreover, Saban praised Bowers’ unsung blocking ability as well. The Crimson Tide coach believes the Bulldogs tight end is as well-rounded as any in the sport.

“I know everybody always knows the passes he catches, but also a really good blocker,” stated Saban. “Does a good job in his part of executing whatever he needs to do to help his teammates have success as well.”

In the first showdown between Saban and Bowers, Alabama won the game — but Bowers showed out. The Georgia tight end caught ten passes for 139 yards and a touchdown against Alabama. He’ll look to be on the winning side this time instead.

More on Brock Bowers, Georgia

Brock Bowers is one of the Bulldogs’ most important players. However, the star tight end had been battling a shoulder injury for a few weeks coming into the team’s College Football Playoff semifinal, and banged it up even more against Michigan.

Still, Bowers finished the game with six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown — but only one of those receptions came in the second half. The Georgia tight end had to leave the game, and didn’t return in the team’s dominant 34-11 win.

After the game, Kirby Smart said that Bowers had been limited in practice last week leading into the Orange Bowl. Moreover, Smart added that the tight end wanted to return to the game after exiting and being checked out in the medical tent, but Georgia ultimately decided to keep him sidelined out of precaution.

Luckily for the Bulldogs, it seems like Brock Bowers will be fine for the national championship against Alabama.