It is well-known that Nick Saban has a process at Alabama. The head coach reels in top recruiting classes every year, with 5-star recruits all over the board. However it is also well-known that Saban does not always play these blue-chip recruits immediately, and they have to earn their way onto the field for the Crimson Tide.

While these recruits likely know this going in, highly-touted 18-year-olds often think they can help a program immediately no matter what, and this leads to disappointment when they don’t get that immediate playing time.

On his weekly radio show, Saban addressed the issue, saying a little bit of patience could have resulted in Alabama having a more experienced defense in 2018.

Saban: “We’ve had 3-4 guys that would be playing for us on defense right now who left the program in their freshman or sophomore year because they were disgruntled that they weren’t playing. … What did they gain by leaving? They didn’t really play any quicker someplace else.” — Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) October 5, 2018

Some highly recruited defensive players from the 2015 recruiting class include Ohio State defensive back Kendall Sheffield, Florida State linebacker Adonis Thomas, and UCF linebacker Shawn Burgess-Becker. These may not be the players Saban was referring to, but it is not uncommon to see Tide players transfer out early despite high recruiting rankings.

Former Alabama running back Derrick Henry did not get an opportunity to start until his junior year, and used that year to win the Heisman and a national championship. Henry now is a featured back for the Tennessee Titans.

Obviously there are exceptions, such as freshman wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. But these explosive players are tough to keep off the field for any team.

Some recruits may not believe Saban when he tells them they have to earn their spot, but most will likely miss out on a championship if they choose to leave.