Why Caleb Williams wouldn’t cut it at Alabama
All of the talk this week about Caleb Williams potentially shutting it down now that USC has been shown to be the middle of the road team many of us suspected, made me think. Would he make it at Alabama?
The obvious answer from a talent perspective is yes. It’s debatable whether Williams will be that generational talent at the next level, but as a college quarterback, he is in the elite of the elite. On talent alone, he would certainly have a place in Tuscaloosa.
But, as we have seen from experience, talent alone does not win championships, and sheer talent does not make a player a good fit in a Saban-led team.
I believe the answer is a resounding no.
Coach Saban is all about players creating value for themselves, but not at the expense of the team. Caleb Williams has created extreme wealth for himself already through NIL, but he didn’t do it alone.
Williams’ Teammates Need Him
While the USC defense rarely makes a statement, the same cannot be said for the offense, and Williams doesn’t play by himself. He owes it to the other players around him to finish well. Some may lose opportunities to play at the next level without his talent to showcase them.
I don’t want to pile on too hard on Williams, who has made no public comments to indicate that he is done (or even considering shutting his season down), but it’s not out of bounds to think that where there is smoke there is fire.
Me First Doesn’t Make It With Coach Saban
That fire wouldn’t be tolerated at this point in the season at a place like Bama or many other top flight programs. Coach Saban has demonstrated in the past with guys like Agiye Hall that “me first” players don’t have a place in his program.
Final Thoughts
We’ll see how the Caleb Williams situation plays out…or doesn’t. But, rest assured that the team remains the focus at Alabama.
Sadly, guys sitting out bowl games is part of CFB today, but as long as Nick Saban is our coach, the type of selfishness being talked about other places won’t become the norm.
What do you think? Leave a comment and join the conversation.
