Dual Sport Athletes & Nick Saban - Birmingham New Article

[AeroEngUA07]

http://www.al.com/sports/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/sports/1187858308101220.xml&coll=2

Coach Saban not only allows it but is in favor of 2 sport athletes

 

[JoJoforHeisman]

Thanks for posting that article, AeroEng. That's great news for the baseball program. I'm pleased to hear that not only does Saban allow his players to participate in two sports, he actually encourages it. It's unfortunate that until now, Coach Wells's tenure at Alabama had coincided with those of some fervently "anti-baseball" football coaches (with the possible exception of Franchione). This stance has likely cost us quite a few standout ballplayers over the years. Granted it was shortly before Coach Wells arrived, but a prime example is none other than Todd Helton. Helton's older brother Rodney played linebacker under Curry (lettered in '89), and Todd was recruited heavily as a quarterback. Unfortunately, he would not follow in his brother's footsteps to the Capstone simply because he would not have been allowed to play two sports. Needless to say, things worked out a little better for him in baseball.

 

[AeroEngUA07]

I agree I think this will certainly help, but there seem to be a few more problems that CJW needs to find solutions for before we can ascend to consistency again, but I won't complain too much about him because he is a sight better than Barry schallenberger (sp?)

 

[JoJoforHeisman]

Very true. In the grand scheme, the new "pro-baseball" policy for football players may have only a minimal impact with regard to the success of baseball program, but it's a positive step nonetheless. Obviously, relying heavily on two-sport athletes is largely unrealistic to begin with, and doing so would really be nothing more than a guaranteed ticket to the league cellar. I guess the real benefit is that perhaps the next time one of those rare Todd Helton-type talents comes along, we'll have a better chance of landing him than we otherwise would have. Can Woodall and Hood manage to balance two sports while excelling in both? We'll see. Right now, I tend to think that Hood is the safer bet to have a productive baseball career at the collegiate level. Woodall seems to be more high-risk/high-reward, yet his upside is pretty much through the roof (quite possibly the highest on the team).

 

[AeroEngUA07]

I tend to agree with you about Woodall. I had a class with him in the spring and he seemed anxious about being able to play next season. I agree with you analysis on Hood too unless he goes pro, hopefully the fact that Saban will let him be a dual sport athlete will bring him here. I have also heard Darius Hanks may play. Thoughts on him?

 

[JoJoforHeisman]

Don't know anything about Hanks other than he played shortstop for a fairly decent metro Atlanta high school program in the state's largest classification. While it really has no bearing on how good he may turn out to be at this level, he was not considered a truly elite-level prospect like Hood and Woodall. Hanks's best tool is clearly his impressive speed (4.4 40), something a team can never have too much of. At worst, he's a valuable asset as a pinch runner. If he plays, a transition to the outfield is definitely foreseeable.

 

[AeroEngUA07]

Thanks for that info. I hope this next season can be more fun to watch that the last one.