What they said about Alabama at 2024 SEC Media Days: Day 2

Alabama won’t make the rounds at SEC Media Days until Wednesday, July 17, but there was still plenty said about the Crimson Tide on Day 2 inside the Omni Dallas Hotel. To keep things rolling on Tuesday, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee took the stage.

Below is a roundup of what opposing coaches and players said about UA at SEC Media Days.

GEORGIA COACH KIRBY SMART

On former Alabama coach Nick Saban…

“Couple words I want to say to Coach Saban, who meant so much to me in my career. First of all, the words he shared at the ESPYs the other night were incredible, very touching, very moving. What he’s meant to myself, my family, as a mentor, as a friend, as a competitor, that drives to you get better.

“There was never a day in 11 years I worked for him that we didn’t share a room in some sort. Whether that was the defensive room, defensive back room, staff room, and I think it made me who I am today.

“Because the demand for excellence is met by none other than him. So that standard that he set for me, day in and day out, he met himself. Every coach that ever worked with him or for him will tell that you he does it all himself as well.

“He doesn’t hold you to any different standard than himself. So a lot of the success I’ve had I give credit to him and thanks. I know he’ll being critiquing me today, so I am looking forward to that as well.

“But he has started responding to texts. I told people the other day, that’s the first time ever. Either somebody has his phone or he learned how to text. That makes all of us in his circle of friends proud because we get to reach out to him.”

On hiring former Alabama assistant Travaris Robinson…

“First of all, he has a great pedigree as a player. He played in the SEC. One of the things you can never really justify or explain to people is the culture of the SEC. No. 1, recruiting. It’s tough. It’s hard. It’s cutthroat.

“You don’t have experience in those battles it’s hard to win them. He was a really good player. Played for coach Tuberville who has a lot of stories about T-Rob and the great job he’s done.

“I’ve always recruited against him and had respect for him on the road, the way he carries himself, presents himself, the fact he worked for Coach (Will) Muschamp. Coach Muschamp vouched for him and talked about the great job he has done, and brought in a tremendous energy into our secondary, which is a young secondary, and he got the valuable time over with Coach Saban at Alabama, which is invaluable in terms of knowing how our program operates.

“So I’m excited to have T-Rob. His family, he’s got a wonderful family and I know he’s excited to be with us.”

On how he expects matchups vs. Alabama to change under Kalen DeBoer…

“I don’t expect them to change. That is two great universities. You’re talking about two teams that have been at the forefront of college football, and it’s probably going to be that way for a long time.

“Both great universities, both committed. The commitment to excellence at both places is really high. The standard that coach created there at Alabama and the standard we’ve created, those two are going to be matching up for a long time, and I think that’s what is great about college athletics.”

TENNESSEE COACH JOSH HEUPEL

On fellow South Dakota native Kalen DeBoer…

“Yeah. I’m not sure anybody pictured two South Dakotans being in the SEC a few years ago. Kalen is somebody that I’ve known for a long time. I was a little bit younger, watched him as an athlete and then through our coaching paths have crossed and stayed in contact at different times. Excited to have him in the league, great person, great coach, and we’ll be ready for Saturday in October.”

GEORGIA QB CARSON BECK

On his recruitment and relationship with Nick Saban…

“Yeah, obviously I was committed there. I want to say it was my sophomore year of high school until just after my junior year going into my senior year is when I decommitted and committed to Georgia. I’d say I have a great relationship with Coach Saban, obviously one of the best if not the best college coaches of all time. His demeanor, the way he approaches the game, his intelligence level towards football, the respect that he demands from his players. I think we had a great relationship.

“Obviously I never got to experience him actually being a coach, but from what I’ve heard and what I was able to see in building a relationship with him, he’s an amazing coach and an amazing person, as well.”

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