| FTBL Saban says freshmen may play key roles

[Guest]

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080709/SPORTS/807090336/1002/sports

On Johns:

"I've been asked about this over and over and over," he said, referring to the constant high expectations surrounding the former "Mr. Football" from Mississippi. "This guy did not play a significant role on our team last year and he had not solidified a significant role on the team we're about to have this season. So I don't know what the concern is."

On freshmen:

"It's going to be an opportunity for someone else to play," Saban said. "We've got some good young players, good freshmen. If we end up starting two or three freshmen who really want to play, really want to do things the right way, really want to represent the organization in a first-class way, I think we'll be far better off in the long run."

At this point can we expect Harris and Hightower to be starting at linebacker? Will they start the season opener?

Here's a couple of write-ups about the two
Harris http://www.realfootball365.com/index.php/articles/alabama/11929
Hightower http://www.realfootball365.com/index.php/articles/alabama/11919

 

[Guest]

Put the best 11 on the field regardless of class. We have to remember, this class is CNS's foundation, hopefully, he can continue to bring top flight level to T'town.

 

[aMAZEnFan]

WOW!!! We are better off without Johns? I want to say it is not so, but the proof is in the pudding!

 

[pimpsahoy]

WOW!!! We are better off without Johns? I want to say it is not so, but the proof is in the pudding!

The only thing he did well last year was in kickoff coverage. And that was probably all he was going to do this year as well.

 

[StuckNMS]

he played kickoff coverage and i remember alot of 15 yard penalties we ended up with because of him.

I hope he gets his life together but coach speaks the truth, he didn't really contribute on the playing field.

 

[aMAZEnFan]

WOW!!! We are better off without Johns? I want to say it is not so, but the proof is in the pudding!

The only thing he did well last year was in kickoff coverage. And that was probably all he was going to do this year as well.

Yeah and he was the #1 on-the-field cheerleader with his infamous fist pump!!!

 

[Guest]

Put the best 11 on the field regardless of class. We have to remember, this class is CNS's foundation, hopefully, he can continue to bring top flight level to T'town.

As long as Saban is there he will bring top talent. That is a fact.

 

[Guest]

WOW!!! We are better off without Johns? I want to say it is not so, but the proof is in the pudding!

The only thing he did well last year was in kickoff coverage. And that was probably all he was going to do this year as well.

Yeah and he was the #1 on-the-field cheerleader with his infamous fist pump!!!

Cheerleader and leader are to very different things...we need more leaders. Hopefully we see evidence of leadership this year. I expect it. Dunno about you.

 

[Guest]

he played kickoff coverage and i remember alot of 15 yard penalties we ended up with because of him.

I hope he gets his life together but coach speaks the truth, he didn't really contribute on the playing field.

Gets his life together?!? A little late for that. He's sure as hell going to have plenty of time to think about it.

 

[Guest]

I heard he was going to swap positions to receiver.

:lol:

 

[Guest]

On freshmen:

"It's going to be an opportunity for someone else to play," Saban said. "We've got some good young players, good freshmen. If we end up starting two or three freshmen who really want to play, really want to do things the right way, really want to represent the organization in a first-class way, I think we'll be far better off in the long run."

Considering the JJ was a Senior, all his "runs" were relatively short..."the long run" could not have meant any further than the bowl game.

That said, I wonder just how long CNS anticipated it would take before JJ was benched by a 2008 model.

I was not blown away by JJ at LB during the A-Day game. Too much thinking was needed by a guy who was not the best thinker on the filed. Personally, I suspect that one of the Freshman who has been playing the position since the 9th grade could "react himself" into the right space quicker and more ofter. My2cents

 

[AFF]

he played kickoff coverage and i remember alot of 15 yard penalties we ended up with because of him.

I hope he gets his life together but coach speaks the truth, he didn't really contribute on the playing field.

Gets his life together?!? A little late for that. He's sure as hell going to have plenty of time to think about it.

:shock: :?

I bet he hopes you're not going to be on the jury.


IMHO, it is never too late for anyone to become a better person. He and his family are in my prayers and I hope he does get his life back on track.