Alabama football coach Nick Saban bids farewell to three-year players on an annual basis, with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Calvin Ridley, Quinnen Williams and Josh Jacobs among the more notable standouts recently who have missed out on senior day festivities inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The Crimson Tide will play their final home game this Saturday against Western Carolina, and there are juniors such as running back Najee Harris, receiver Jerry Jeudy and safety Xavier McKinney who likely will be playing inside Bryant-Denny for a final time. It certainly will be the last home hurrah for seniors such as defensive end Raekwon Davis, outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings and defensive backs Shyheim Carter and Jared Mayden, who have traveled a four- or five-year path under coach Nick Saban.
"If a guy is here for three years, he's obviously done a really good job, and we appreciate them and what they've done," Saban said Wednesday night in a news conference. "We just hope that they all make good business decisions. The guys who have been here and stay here become leaders and are more mature. They certainly have a great impact and set a great example for younger players, and I do have a great regard for those guys.
"Most guys who have been here four or five years have overcome a lot of adversity, like an Anfernee Jennings, who had a really tough injury and worked hard to get back."
Carter and Jennings are among Alabama's eight players who have competed this season as graduate students.
Alabama's fourth-year seniors have compiled a 50-4 record during their time in Tuscaloosa, while the fifth-year seniors are 64-5. Fifth-year seniors such as Jennings, offensive lineman Matt Womack and inside linebacker Joshua McMillon experienced national championships in the 2015 and 2017 seasons.
"We're excited about what this senior group that we have has been able to accomplish," Saban said. "To win 50 games so far in their four years and 64 games over a five-year period is a pretty significant accomplishment."
McMillon, who was shelved for the season in August due to a knee injury, may not be finished with the Tide. Saban said Wednesday night that he would petition the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility.
"Then at least he'll have a choice," Saban said.
Tide tidbits
Saban said his three injured defensive linemen - Davis, DJ Dale and Phidarian Mathis - are "very questionable" for this week's game, as is junior receiver Henry Ruggs III. ... Saban continues to stay in touch with Tua Tagovailoa, saying the injured quarterback remains in good spirits.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524. Follow him on Twitter @DavidSPaschall.