TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama officials would not comment on
reports that coach Nick Saban might have violated NCAA rules
limiting contact with potential recruits.
The Miami Herald and canesports.com reported that three south
Florida junior prospects described conversations with Saban during
his recruiting trip last week that might have exceeded NCAA rules
limiting face-to-face contact with recruits to "exchange of a
greeting" between April 15 and May 31. Coaches are allowed to
evaluate high school players at their schools during that period.
If violations occurred, they were likely secondary and wouldn't
lead to significant penalties. Alabama spokesman Doug Walker said
Thursday the university would not comment on the reports.
Miami Krop junior linebacker Etienne Sabino said Saban told him
he's "the big physical type of linebacker" Alabama needs.
Miami Northwestern High junior Brandon Washington said Saban
asked if "my heart was in Miami." He has verbally committed to
playing for the University of Miami Hurricanes.
Northwestern teammate Marcus Fortson said he spoke to Saban for
"a few minutes" and that the coach told him Alabama "is a great
place to get a degree."