Senators Attend Saban-Alabama Football Camp

Tuscaloosa, AL.- When Alabama head football coach Nick Saban speaks, people listen.

That was the case two weeks ago in Tuscaloosa as members of the Sparkman High football team and coaching staff attended the Alabama Camp, which featured products of football instructions, 7 on 7 tournament play and chances to see and hear Saban speak of team unity and facing adversity. Saban spent much of time floating amongst the camp held at the University of Alabama looking at possible prospects, but more importantly, making sure each camp participant had an enjoyable experience.

“It was a great experience. I’m a Bama fan, so I was in heaven,” laughed Ethan Caselberry, senior defensive back for Sparkman. “Just being there change me. The camp made me want to make myself a better player.”

Laron White, new head coach at Sparkman and former Alabama Crimson Tide player, said there were many fine teams representing schools from all across the state. Many of those teams showed their speed and well-orchestrated offense in the 7 on 7 Tournament where the Senators posted a respectable 4-3 overall record in the passing only competition.

“Our guys rose up and competed against some great competition,” said White. “Our team seemed to jell. It was a good experience and we worked hard.”

“We got into the groove and played much better after losing our first two games,” said Devin Kimbrough, senior quarterback. “I personally learned about constructive criticism and how to be hard on yourself. I’m learning how to do that. I feel I’m better every day due to my attending the camp.”

Like many of the teams in attendance, Sparkman took along some linemen who went through a barrage of training and skills camps while the other players basically played in the action tournament. Saban visited every team, every skills setup and watched as many players as he could. White, who played for the Crimson Tide from 1993-1996 after being a stellar four-year, All-State performer at Courtland High, listened to Saban when he would try and stop at each team’s place within the confines of the facility in T-Town.

“I hope our players learned how to come out of the challenges that await them in football and in life,” said White. “You either do it the right way or you’re going to fold. Coach Saban speaking of that adversity and facing it caught my ear.”

Caselberry expressed what he learned while attending the camp. He said, “I had to learn things about myself. Things like being more patient, being more vocal about helping my team connect mentally as a team unit. A team is only as strong as its weakest link.”

“Coach Saban spoke on what they look for in players when they are recruiting,” said Kimbrough. “Players must be good representatives for the school. Just to see Coach Saban in person was a great experience as each player looked up to him.”

Caselberry, who has been courted by several colleges for his play as defensive back, has one sticking memory of the camp. He said, “I walked into the indoor facility and on one side was items showcasing all of the SEC championships Alabama has won. On the other side was items about the National Championships. I was awestruck.”