Former Alabama HC Nick Saban has blunt words for players who entered transfer portal following his exit: "Those guys are probably sorry"

Former Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban surprised his players when he announced his retirement in January. Several recruits who had committed to the program bolted for the transfer portal before the new coach, Kalen DeBoer, was announced as Saban's successor.

During the SEC media days, Saban, an analyst for the SEC Network, had blunt words for the prospects who departed the program.

“I think it’s really important to note that guys like Ryan (Williams), who had the patience to give you the opportunity to visit with them, to come and visit, and guys didn’t just bolt without making an evaluation," Saban said. "I think some of those guys are probably sorry, because Alabama is a special place and [DeBoer's] gonna do a great job there. I appreciate the Ryan Williams’ of the world that didn’t do that.”

Kalen DeBoer reveals how Alabama convinced transfer to recommit

Wide receiver Ryan Williams was among the main players who de-committed from the Alabama Crimson Tide after Nick Saban's retirement. The five-star prospect reopened his commitment shortly before new coach Kalen DeBoer convinced him to return to Tuscaloosa.

During the SEC media days, the recruitment-centric coach revealed how he convinced Williams to stay loyal to the program. He went on to praise the talented wide receiver's enthusiasm.

“Right away, we got him (Williams) back for an official visit, after getting to see him during that contact period in January," DeBoer said.

"JaMarcus Shephard’s our receivers coach and both of them obviously have connected on another level. Being a receiver, it’s special and close to my heart too. I may not look like it anymore but that’s what I do. All of us really having a chance there early on to connect, relationship-wise those guys have a special connection."

"He has been instrumental. He’s got this personality about him that’s contagious and fun to be around. It’s brought other guys in and been something the rest of our team has appreciated as well."

Per Tuscaloosa News, Williams was reminiscent of former cornerback Terrion Arnold, who departed for the NFL.