Tide's haul started at Saban's hiring 
November, 21, 2012
11/21/12
11:51
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- For Nick Saban, his success started on the recruiting trail, not the football field.
In his first season, the University of Alabama head football coach went 6-6 and guided the Crimson Tide to a berth in the Independence Bowl, the lowly Independence Bowl, where they hung on to defeat Colorado.
Almost immediately, the turnaround began. Saban and his staff put together the No. 3 recruiting class in the country during his first full year. The group featured seven ESPN 150 prospects, five first-round NFL draft picks and included a Heisman Trophy winner.
In his first season, the University of Alabama head football coach went 6-6 and guided the Crimson Tide to a berth in the Independence Bowl, the lowly Independence Bowl, where they hung on to defeat Colorado.
Almost immediately, the turnaround began. Saban and his staff put together the No. 3 recruiting class in the country during his first full year. The group featured seven ESPN 150 prospects, five first-round NFL draft picks and included a Heisman Trophy winner.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
RECRUITING NATION SOUTHEAST COVERAGE
The Southeast Region consists of the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee and is home to some of the nation's most talented football recruits each recruiting cycle.More RecruitingNation blogs
RecruitingNation has the latest recruiting news from across the country:
• On The Trail • East Region blog
• Midlands Region blog
• Midwest Region blog • West Region blog
SOUTHEAST RECRUITING CONTRIBUTORS
Kipp AdamsESPN Archive |
Corey DowlarESPN Archive |
Dave HookerESPN Archive |
Greg OstendorfESPN Archive |
Bob PrzybyloESPN Archive |
Derek TysonESPN Archive |
