MOBILE — Former University of Alabama Crimson Tide star quarterback Jalen Hurts is still beloved by many in Bama nation, including head coach Nick Saban.
Saban has spoken this past year about his respect and admiration for Hurts. However, speaking to members of the media on Wednesday at the second day of Senior Bowl Week practices at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Saban made it clear he really feels that Hurts is still part of the Tide family.
To open his remarks, Saban said, “My only comment is we’re glad to be here. It’s always great to come back to Mobile for the Senior Bowl. It’s such a tradition, and I think this community really embraces this game.”
“It’s really good for the players to have the opportunity to showcase their talent, any player from any place but especially good to see our players be able to do it — and Jalen, who I still consider one of our players … always good to be here to support our players,” Saban continued.
The legendary coach then answered questions for approximately four minutes.
He discussed what NFL teams will like about both Hurts and outgoing Tide junior quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Watch:
This came after Hurts this week has spoken highly of the University of Alabama football program, its fanbase and the state of Alabama.
Hurts will wear a two-sided helmet during Saturday’s Senior Bowl game; one side is a replica of his iconic No. 2 Bama helmet, and the other has the Oklahoma Sooners logo on it.
RELATED: Bama’s Jared Mayden glad to be reunited with ‘natural leader’ Jalen Hurts for Senior Bowl
Hurts recently said about Saban, “We always had a love for each other … our relationship will never die.”
Get tickets to Saturday’s Senior Bowl game here.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
