Players, too, take offense at Saban's comments

USF coach Jim Leavitt wasn't the only one on campus who took offense to Alabama coach Nick Saban's comments suggesting the Bulls are winning with players that couldn't get into other schools. At least one defensive starter finds it ironic, because Saban offered him a scholarship when he coached at LSU.

"I was a SuperPrep All-American (recruit) coming out of high school. I picked USF because I wanted to pick USF," senior cornerback Mike Jenkins said. "I could have gone to the Floridas, the Florida States, the Alabamas, the LSUs. (Saban) offered me a scholarship (at LSU). I didn't go there. He offered me a full scholarship and I picked USF. So I disagree with that."

Senior center Nick Capogna said Saban's comments are insulting to all USF players, on offense or defense.

"Where's he getting that research off? Did he open up our records?" Capogna said. "It's a shot at me. I don't know if I can play at Florida State, but it says I'm not academically smart enough to play at another school. It's disrespectful. He's entitled to his opinion. I got a good SAT score, had a good GPA in high school. If he wants to look at transcripts, I'll give him mine gladly."

Jenkins said he's noticed more criticism of USF since the Bulls jumped into the national rankings.

"That's just coaches talking," he said. "I don't know if he said these exact words, but (FSU) Coach (Bobby) Bowden said he'd be surprised if we hold onto the No. 6 ranking. That's their opinion. Coach Leavitt's doing a heck of a job right now."

For the record, Bowden said he'd be "amazed."

Comments

[Terry Lucas]

I'm glad Mike Jenkins and Nick both opened up and said something. Hey... if the kids are passing their classes... why ride them at this point in time. People grow up... my GPA in high school was pathetic (but people don't know the extenuating circumstances that could lead to a horrible GPA - family issues, lack of food, surrounding hood). My college GPA was 1.2 points higher. Educationally, you can mature in school without the home distractions (I still missed the whole maturity bus in college - but so be it).

I'm surprised Leavitt said anything... he is typically low key... but I'm glad Mike stepped up to the plate. Some kids truly want to be Bulls! Thanks Mike and Nick for representing!

[Dave]

As well they should be. Not only were the players publicly disrespected without merit, but our entire university has been ridiculed. I'm going to have the same degree as these guys, so if you devalue their education and degree, then you necessarily devalue mine as well. It's pretty upsetting.

There is one player I talk to frequently, and all I'll say is that he was once a walk-on but is now on scholarship, and he is very impressive academically speaking.

[Curtiss Gibson]

I'd like to thank Nick Saban and Bobby Bowden for firmly placing a chip on our players shoulders.

[Les]

Good for all the Bulls who stepped up to the plate. The bottom line is you don't see anyone wearing Green and Gold regretting their choice!
They believed in Leavitt and Leavitt delivered... and so did the players and the fans!

[Robert Schmitz]

I would rather have respectful, good character, law abiding citizens who happen to not be so bright in school; than some of the thugs these other schools allow on their teams.

[Brian R]

Saban is an idiot. The Big East doesn't allow partial qualifiers but guess who does? The SEC is one of two BCS conferences that allow 2 partial qualifiers. The SEC will take the minimum. I know for a fact. I went to high school and played with an offensive lineman that went to UF. He was an All American at UF. He had a 2nd grade reading level his senior year in high school and it took him multiple attempts to get a 700 SAT to get into UF to play football. Higher standards? Vandy maybe but not the rest of the SEC where the 11 other institutions have been on probation. SEC football is all about whatever it takes to win so long as we don't get caught. Alabama is the worst offender of that. How many times has Alabama been on probation? That's only the times they have been caught.

[Reality]

How quick some of you are to call out the "thugs" on the other team.......those that live in glass houses shouldnt throw stones.

[DR]

I hope these guys win out and make history. That would be the ultimate spit in the face of all these coaches that are discrediting Jim Leavitt, the players, and the school's education program.

[Kevin]

Any thinking Alabama fan should really wonder who they have as coach over there. Saban has embarrased his players, the Alabama program ans school. He should apologize to them and us. Then get to work on his game plan instead of making excuses for why he lost to Bowden and could never compete with Leavitt.

[Richard Todd]

My thought is Saban is so confused he mistook USF for FSU - dyslexic ? We didn't even play them. For you FSU fans this is not a knock on FSU just wondering how bright Saban really is.

[Nick]

Are the grade standards the same to get into USF and FSU and UF. NO, it is tougher to get into FSU and UF sorry but thats a fact.

[Ken]

I think what Nick says is true, in general, but the gap is getting smaller each year--but the question is whether it true for football players? I don't know, but I doubt it. I don't know how the admissions standards at Alabama and USF compare, nor whether they are different for football players.