By Staff
from staff reports
The Beatles-esque reaction to Nick Saban's first visit to Alabama was apparently repeated on a smaller scale Monday when the new Crimson Tide coach made a visit to Brewton.
Numerous area residents greeted Saban at his arrival at Brewton Municipal Airport.
Saban made a recruiting pitch to W.S. Neal Blue Eagles senior offensive lineman Jared Cooper with a personal visit to East Brewton Monday.
Alabama offensive line coach Steve Marshall also made the trip.
Cooper verbally committed to Auburn last summer but has not signed at this time. Players cannot officially sign until next month. Verbal commitments are non-binding.
Cooper was actually hospitalized Monday with an illness, but was released long enough to visit with Saban and Marshall.
Cooper was one of the most highly recruited players in the Southeast at the time he made his verbal commitment. He since went on to win the Class 4A Lineman of the Year Award, Class 4A First Team All-State honors and a place on the Birmingham News Super All-State Team.
Saban was not allowed to comment on Cooper during his visit. NCAA rules prohibit coaches from commenting on a player until an athlete has officially signed.
When Saban, who took the Alabama job Jan. 3, first landed in Tuscaloosa later that day, he was greeted by dozens of cheering fans at the airport there.