Turning of the Tide | Part 1: The Arrival of Nick Saban

AL.com presents "Turning of the Tide", a three-part look back at the Alabama Crimson Tide's pivotal 2008 football season, and the role that particular team played in changing the face of Alabama football, and all of college football, as we know it today.

In Part 1 of the series, we take a look at the arrival of Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa and how the coach’s first full recruiting class in February of 2008 transformed the program almost overnight. Julio Jones, Mark Barron, Marcel Dareus, Barrett Jones - names that would become synonymous with Alabama’s early dominance under Nick Saban - all joined the roster on the same momentous day. How did it happen? We take a look inside how Alabama’s most important recruiting class in school history came together.

[michaelpendergraft]

I’m an OU fan! I have watched this documentary like 4 times. I love college football. There is no doubt Nick Saban is the best College Football Coach in my lifetime so far.

[liljoec.]

Roll Dam Tide!! Nick Saban needs to make 20 million a year. The best coach ever and the best coach ever at the University of Alabama!!! Unbiased by race at any and every position!!! NO WALLACE!! NO "I GOT TO GET ME ONE OF THEM!!" Just a great man at the greatest University. Roll Tide Roll!!

[thechristopherfaurisshow]

I’m a Buckeye fan and I can really appreciate this series. I remember when Bamba was struggling and I was pretty happy when they hired Nick Saban. The football world wasn’t quite right with Bamba not performing as they should. Looking forward to a great game!

[BrownBoyVisuals]

People dont realize Julio had prototypical measures as a junior in high school! I got recruited with him, Hightower, John Michael Boswell, Tyler Love, Marcel ect....Julio was the real deal, once in a lifetime talent! Watching this brought back so many memories, i didnt play with Alabama but the recruitment experience was amazing!

[danielwatts]

“I’m not going to tell you what we’re going to accomplish, I’m going to tell you HOW we’re gonna do it.” That’s how you knew good things were in store for the Tide.

[thecrimsonknight]

and since that day, teams have all wanted Alabama. Its nice to feel wanted, even when you regret it later.

[banjo]

Listened every game to John Forney broadcast the good and the bad. Blessed to attend Alabama in the championship year of 1978.
Bama had years of down seasons post Bryant. Still loved Alabama football!

[Alexander-frkk]

I love that Saban is also a good Catholic man... he’s a hothead on the field, but he’s a leader and mentors his men!!!

[hchastain]

I’ll never forget how embarrassed I was as a kid to be a fan of Alabama. Those pre Saban days were rough and the only thing keeping me a fan was the stories of all the championships and great players from days past told to me by my dad and grandpa. All that being said, I’m so happy and appreciative of everything Saban has accomplished at Alabama. He’s definitely made it easy to be a proud Bama fan again.

[m.marcam]

Kudos to the miami dolphins players for not embracing the process so saban can come back to teach kids, i enjoyed every minute of it. RTR

[marimartell]

Best coach in college football! Roll tide coach Saban ❤🐘🏈#🏆

[PheeFab]

I watched a documentary about Tua and decided to continue... I haven't stopped. Was never interested in college football, but now I am a total Alabama fan. I've looked up the school, the football team, the history (which was not so good. I was surprised to find out it was the college that famously and reluctantly let black students in their school) Love watching Tua and Alabama Tide play. I've watched other players love watching the Coaches press releases, love Nick Saban, he is the man. Go Crimson Tide!!! Oh, and I am a number 1 rugby fan from NZ, Go ALL Blacks!!! For those who don't know - the greatest winning sports team in the last 100 yrs.

[alwayslookinround]

Love this. Anxiously waiting for notification.

[oscarevans]

The greatest dynasty in the history of college football!!

[NVRAMboi]

Never forget the members of the 2007 and 2008 teams who bought in, worked their tails off and built the foundation for what everyone has seen over the past 12 seasons. Several of them didn't win rings/titles before they left. Instead they did the hard work of lifting the program up and giving it the direction we've enjoyed since they left. I'd list names but there are too many. Bama fans know who you are, men - and we thank you. Roll Tide!

[michaelhighland]

Sure is good to be back.... September 23rd 1978 day i became a fan..(fyi lost that day to USC)... thank u nick... u da man!!!

[mattmann]

THANK YOU COACH SABAN...ROLL TIDE FOREVER!!!

[faydenereed]

So cool! He’s so great in Foley and he’ll be great as always at Julio was and still is great! Miss seeing him here in Foley! And at Alabama. Atlanta Falcons had him first in NFL! Lucky team!

[dontarguewithfools]

I will never forget the plane arriving and us Tide fans going crazy for Nick Saban. The rest is history

[billybergendahl]

Nick Saban, Rich Rodriguez and Jimbo Fisher all came from my home state of West Virginia.