Coach Saban Has Nothing But Praise As Rolando McClain Enters The Draft

As was announced, Rolando McClain will be entering the 2010 NFL Draft. Head Coach Nick Saban gave McClain much praise and support for the seasoned Alabama linebacker. The press conference was held January 11th regarding Rolando McClain's decision. Here are Saban's words.

Nick Saban

"I would like everyone here to know that Rolando McClain has been as great an ambassador to Alabama probably as anyone ever has in terms of how he's represented himself, his family, the university, and the state of Alabama... and our team. Not only in terms of being a great football player, probably best defensive player in the country in my opinion... or at least one of them, and certainly at his position. But he always did things right, he's don't a great job academically. And his leadership is one that had an impact on our team's success since he's been here the last three years even in his freshman year... as anyone that I've ever been associated with.

We appreciate that... He certainly is, I'm not letting out any secrets here but... he is a projected first-round pick. Everyone here knows my philosophy on guys coming out early for the draft... If you're projected to be that, that's something I can support you on. I still want "Ro", and he's kinda promised me that he's going to do what he can, and he understands the importance of getting an education and graduating from school someday. But he has my support, in terms of what he's doing, and we're going to help him in any way we can as a family of people at Alabama. Even though we'd be glad to see him play for us, we're also going to be very supportive of him for the individual goals he can accomplish at the next level, and what he can contribute at the next level.

He's capable of doing it, he can do it, and I'm sure he will do it. And we're going to be very supportive of that and we're thankful for everything he's done for our program here in so many ways. So with that, I just want everyone to understand that this is a fine young man, and we're very supportive of what he's doing, and we're very appreciative of what he's done for us."

Link for the press conference video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0F9s2huvks&feature=channel