Saban brought in quarterback guru, Dan Enos. This was the first time that he'd had a legit full-time QB coach. Enos is top-flight. That was a huge draw for Jalen to stay. If he goes to another school as a redshirt, he essentially loses a year of training, as no one trains and reps a redshirt. From there, one has to hope that the coaching staff at the new school is actually competent at training QBs to throw. Those schools usually have a nice log jam of guys looking to play there to boot. Jalen wants to try his hand in the NFL as a quarterback. He was promised solid training opportunities with Enos, as well as good playing time as a back up and he was essentially waiting for this opportunity. As a result, Jalen Hurts has progressed notably as a passer. He confidently threw to the middle of the field last Saturday, made two nice throws while rolling out and, of course, used his legs very well.
Jalen has also made several other really nice throws this year in mop up situations. Regardless of the circumstances in the game, one can still see that he's greatly improved. Jalen also works past his initial receiver better now. He still doesn't read progressions like Tua, but few players do. Jalen still looks to roll right, which cuts off half of the field, rather than step up in the pocket, and doesn't have nearly the confidence that Tua does, nor the ability to throw guys open. However, again I say, how many guys do.
Jalen is also a class act. He's humble and he's loyal and he's a team player. If you aren't tough as nails and a team player, you won't play for Saban.
Saban is imposing. You don't walk into his office and believe that you will stare him down or make demands. He's reasonable and he's loyal and he's decent. But, he's also old school and knows that he simply cannot allow any player to be above the team. Think Glenn Frey but as a coach, not a band leader. (Interestingly, Saban loves the Eagles). Frey and Henley were insistent that "The Eagles" was bigger than the members. They sacrificed their pride and personal ambitions for the sake of the name and all it represented. You go to an Eagles concert, you get a standard. No sloppy garbage. You get the songs played like you hear them on the album...note for note, word for word. They had a standard and they met it night-after-night. The key was that the Eagles also had talent and drive. You join the Eagles, you are going to be successful - if you follow the Eagles way. Same with Saban. He has "The Process." The process works. You come to Alabama and follow the process, you will be successful. You sacrifice your self-centeredness to the team. You are not bigger than the team. The team presents its standard every game. No sloppiness...perfection. Do your job and we all win.
Hurts bought into Saban's "Process". Saban is proven. He has earned the trust.
You are all very welcome for this lesson on how to have a successful football program and rock and roll outfit. Choose your paths, young grasshoppers.
P.s.: KISS has a similar story to the Eagles in some key ways.