Alabama head coach Nick Saban visits Escambia, Copeland and talks about talent in Pensacola

Alabama head coach Nick Saban has had his fair share of visits to Escambia High and Pensacola, and Thursday's visit fell in line with the rest.

Saban, who has won six national titles, was in town to visit with Escambia senior wide receiver Jacob Copeland, a four-star recruit who will decide between the Crimson Tide, Florida and Tennessee on National Signing Day next Wednesday.

It continues a pattern of Saban and his coaching staff going after the very best high school football talent the Panhandle and Pensacola have to offer since he was hired by Alabama in 2007.

Saban spoke exclusively with The Pensacola News Journal during his visit about recruiting Pensacola, although NCAA rules don't allow him to talk specifically about Copeland.

"There's a lot of great players here in Pensacola and a lot of good programs," Saban said."We have been fortunate to have several really good players, from this area, that have made a significant contribution to the success of our program. Our goal is to create value for those guys so they have a better chance to be successful in life and we certainly want to keep our part of the bargain.

"But the guys that we've had from this area have done extremely well for us."

Two Pensacola natives — one current Alabama player and one former player and SEC Offensive Player of the Year award winner — are likely at the top of Saban's list of Pensacola products that joined Alabama football.

Most recently, Alabama freshman offensive lineman and Booker T. Washington graduate Alex Leatherwood filled in early in the second half for the injured Jonah Williams in the national championship game as the Crimson Tide rallied to win in overtime.

More: Tennessee's Pruitt stops by Escambia High to visit Copeland

"Alex did a great job this year," Saban said. "When young guys come into the program, it's really important for them to focus on the things they need to do to become a good player. Offensive line is a difficult position to play early in a career.

"Alex worked hard all year long and when he got an opportunity in the championship game, he did a great job."

Nine years ago, it was Escambia's Trent Richardson that signed with Alabama on Feb. 4, 2009, after being heavily recruited by Saban.

Richardson was a USA Today High School All-American in 2008, a two-time BCS National Champion at Alabama and won the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2011. He also finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting 2010.

He's played for two NFL teams (Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts) and had opportunities to play for the Baltimore Ravens and the Oakland Raiders from 2012-2016.

He's currently active in the Canadian Football League after joining the Saskatchewan Roughriders for last season.

But, Saban believes Richardson' opportunity to play in the NFL still exists.

"I don't think there is any question about it," Saban said. "If Trent does the things he needs to do, can stay in shape and keep his weight down ... I don't think there is any question about it. When you have a bump in the road, the best thing to do is put some evidence on tape that people can look at and show that you are serious about trying to make a comeback. I think some team will get a real bargain if they give him an opportunity."

But presently, Saban's focus is undoubtedly on Copeland and the rest of the players in Alabama's potential 2018 signing class.

Copeland, a 6-foot-1, 191 pound wide receiver was a 2017 Pensacola News Journal Super Senior, 2017 PNJ Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team PNJ All-Area wide receiver. .

Copeland has taken four unofficial visits to Alabama — not including Alabama's junior day on Feb. 26, 2017 — and took his official visit to the university on Jan. 26.

He was visited Jan. 12 by Alabama assistant coach Mike Locksley. Copeland has stated on the record that his decision will come down to Alabama, Florida and Tennessee. Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt visited Pensacola to see Copeland on Wednesday.

Copeland has 32 offers and is ranked the No. 13 wide receiver in the country according to 247Sports. Copeland is one of Alabama's top prospects, and certainly one of its most sought after receivers. Alabama currently has just one receiver that has signed a national letter of intent — Xavier Williams of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida. Williams is ranked the No. 24 receiver in the nation.

Brian Achatz can be reached at bachatz@pnj.com 850-435-8521.