Post NFL Draft: Nick Saban's Era finally over?

So, with the end of the 2008 NFL draft, and seven LSU players being drafted--congratulations to those drafted Tigers and to the Tiger Nation basking in the after-glow of the NC.

But, it occurred to me... so, is THIS then technically the end of the Saban era? Do or should we now wipe the slate clean and judge CLM's recruiting/coaching abilities for his own? Afterall, all of these guys that were drafted and helped CLM win the NC were Nick Saban's recruits, right? :rolleye33:

Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating that CLM be judged harshly b/c he won and did more in his time than CNS did himself. He's added key recruits that likely CNS wouldn't have (like RP--you be the judge?). And, he's proven he could win the NC. BUT, for sake of argument, he's done that with the benefit of Nick's guys.

That all ends now (for the most part... there may be a few last holdovers, like Pittman?). Les Miles will play with his guys next year. His guys will be judged and evaluated next year by NFL scouts, and if you consider that any measuring stick--future recruits will see how many of CLM's recruits are hitting the NFL. Does the future look bright in that respect?

Believe me I'm not tooting Saban's horn (although he's probably still doing that behind closed doors, in recruiting battles and at 'Bama to keep hope alive :grin. But, you can't help but say... now the Saban era is officially over at LSU.

Will there be anywhere close to 7 CLM recruits drafted next year? Will there be the Marcus Spears, Michael Claytons, Glen Dorseys, LaMarcus Russells, Dwayne Bowes, Craig Davis's. Will there be those NFL first rounders that Coach Miles brought to Tiger town?

Not sure yet--just thought I throw out the question. :thumb:

 

not to diminish your post but i suggest we look at it as an LSU era.

the rest are merely just parts along for the ride while steering the big ball of momentum in a forward manner.

 

Sure, I'm not saying it's not a LSU era :milesmic:, but truth of the matter is fans often live in the moment and the wins today--underlying that is the momentum and de-momentum from several years before. For example, CLM is a god right now, but is he less of a god a few years from now, if his players aren't good enough to get him back to the NC?

CTJ will be hailed as a savior next year, when he turns around the men's hoops program. But, he will have done that largely with recruits that Brady and Butch had already recruited. CPM, I'll have respect for... he cleaned house (and had to) and really built from the ground up.

My point here is just, let's be cognizant of the fact that the "Saban era" is now officially over, and are Tiger fans just as confident now once Dorsey, Hester and company are gone?

 

i think by being cognizant of the fact, you're doing yourself and the program a disservice. saban doesnt enter my mind when im contemplating anything pertaining to LSU football unless it involves a distant memory or a current opponent.

its been les miles' team for quite some time despite what the media tells you.

 

I couldn't agree more. This is/and has been Les Miles' team. Now, he'll be playing with specifically HIS recruits--maybe we'll get one of those undefeated seasons we'd all like...

 

Saban didn't develop one of those seniors who went this year. Just cause he got them to sign on a dotted line doesn't mean he made them into the players they are. Do you really think Saban would have used Hester the way Miles did. My bet is if Saban was still here, Hester would have stayed at FB his entire career would not have been drafted.

My point being the "Saban Era" ended when he left in 04.

 

it changed a lot the first day when miles took over. for some reason people just think that he coaches games and that is it.

with that being said people wont stop this pointless argument until all saban recruited players have left the program...which still doesnt mean anything.

 

to be fair i think those players had ali highsmith syndrome. they had good seasons but werent nfl athletes either by size or speed.

but i was sort of hoping they had a player drafted yesterday so i dont have to hear look how well they did with no talent...blah, blah, mcblah. when in reality nfl and college talent is different.

i like what les had done with the o-line. we have had a lot of wr's and defensive linemen drafted lately but i suspect we will become o-line u with how well they have developed.

 

Kirsten Pittman, Harry Coleman, Marlon Favorite, Brett Helms, Herman Johnson, Tyson Jackson, Quinn Johnson, and Ryan Miller will be the last remaining "Saban" recruits on the team.