Alabama football recruiting: Nick Saban turns down 2023 prospect's huge NIL request, per reports

One recruit asked a little too much for Alabama coach Nick Saban

Alabama has signed another top-flight recruiting class, the No. 1 group in the nation in 2023 according to our College Football HQ rankings and many others, but as ever, the question of NIL and its massive influence over the process continues to influence how things are done.

Even so, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban has stated that he doesn't want to build rosters by providing lucrative NIL deals to prospects and recently admitted that he turned down a player who wanted him to do just that.

In remarks to high school coaches and relayed by those present in the room, Saban revealed how he turned down one player over his demands.

"Someone with one of the best corners in the nation came to me and asked if we'd pay them $800,000 for the player to sign here," Saban said, per Fox.

"I told him he can find another place to play. I'm not paying a kid a bunch of NIL money before he earns it."

More: What is NIL in college football? Here's what you need to know

Mobile Baker High (Ala.) football coach Steve Normand confirmed Saban's remarks, according to Fox News.

And it's not just NIL that is changing how football recruiting is done. 

The transfer portal has also caused major ripple effects, including at Alabama.

One player "wanted $500,000 and for us to get his girlfriend into law school at Alabama and pay for it. I showed him the door," Saban said, according to ALFCA president Terry Curtis.

Saban has been critical of the effects of NIL on college football and recruiting, but has maintained his support for the concept in principle.

But he's not willing to do anything to get a player to Alabama.

(Fox)

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