What Alabama's Nick Saban said about his sideline conversation with TE Jahleel Billingsley
Nick Kelly
At one point on Saturday in Alabama football's win over Miami, TV cameras showed Nick Saban talking with tight end Jahleel Billingsley on the sideline.
On Monday during his press conference, Saban was asked about the message he was trying to convey to Billingsley in that moment.
"We’re just always trying to encourage players to do the right things and do the things they need to do to create value for themselves," Saban said. "Jahleel and I have talked on several occasions because he’s certainly a guy that we want to have success for his own benefit individually as well as for the team. Sometimes when you get a little external encouragement it can be a positive thing for you. I think for the first game he did OK when he went out there and played."
Billingsley did not get the start against Miami. Cameron Latu had the biggest game of the tight end group, catching two touchdowns.
During preseason practices, Saban sent a stern message to Billingsley about how he was conducting himself.
On Aug. 11, Saban said Billingsley needed to work his way back up the depth chart and buy into the principles and values of the team and be a good teammate. Then later that month when he was asked if Billingsley had in fact worked his way back up the depth chart, Saban said that's up to Billingsley.
The junior tight end did play Saturday. In addition to some snaps on offense, Billingsley returned a kickoff for 17 yards.
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