Nick Saban Looks Ahead Toward Upcoming Senior Day [VIDEO]
Like any college football coach, Nick Saban has met with a countless number of prospective recruits over the years, but that doesn’t mean he easily forgets those interactions.
In fact, at least with some of the current seniors he wooed over to sign with Alabama years ago, those meetings are still fresh in his mind.
“I look at some of the guys who are seniors on our team, and I’m saying, ‘Man, I just went in that guy’s house it seems like two weeks ago,” Saban said.
On Saturday, Alabama (9-1, 6-1 SEC) plays host to FCS team Charleston Southern in its final home game of 2015, but on a personal level, for 25 seniors, the game will also double as Senior Day.
“It’s going to be really special,” senior H-back Michael Nysewander said Monday. “I was talking with a buddy on the team a couple of days ago about being here five years and looking back at everything, this team, this university has done for us, it’s going to be really special just going out there and taking it all in.”
Nysewander, a former walk-on who was placed on scholarship in January ahead of his fifth and final season, said he will cherish the fond memories he’s gained over the years.
“It’s been great just being a part of every team,” Nysewander said. “Each team’s different, couple of championship teams, and just meeting guys every year that come in and making friendships with older guys that have already left and still stay in touch with them, that’s probably what I’ll hold close.”
Cornerback Cyrus Jones, a four-year player, called his final game in Bryant-Denny Stadium this Saturday “bittersweet.”
“It’s been a long ride here with some good times and bad times, but it’s just been a blessing to be a part of this program and just build these relationships with great people,” Jones said, later adding, “It’s going to be exciting in the end, but it’s going to be a little sad, too.”
Saban, who said the players’ time with the team goes by fast for him too, thanked the senior class in advance for their dedication to the program.
“I certainly hope that our fans show the kind of appreciation that we all should have for these guys’ hard work – blood, sweat and tears – have contributed to the program over the last four or five years,” Saban said.
“Lot of good people, lot of successful guys, guys that are going to be successful in life. They’ve been great ambassadors for The University of Alabama and this program and we’re just very thankful for them for what they’ve contributed.”
The Senior Day ceremony will take place prior to kickoff, where each senior, accompanied by family members, will be recognized on the field and pose for a picture with Saban. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. on the SEC Network.
For Saban's Senior Day comments, go to the 2:08 and and 7:28 marks in the video.
Watch player interviews from Monday: