章 4: 004 Team Trials
"Hey, hey! Did you hear? Coach Burns dug up a gem from the school, saying he's a once-in-a-lifetime talent who's never played football before. The coach is putting a lot of stock in him, sought him out several times."
"That's perfect, just let me give him a proper lesson, training day shock education, to show him who's boss."
"Hahaha."
"Maybe that's not necessary. We're actually short on running backs; relying solely on Josh, that freshman, I think our offense might struggle to get going this year."
"Josh is pretty good, Damian's injury isn't serious, he'll be back soon. I don't think we need any more running backs. What, do you think the coach randomly picked up a vagrant from the street and then made him out to be our Crimson Tide Storm's savior?"
"A savior, not to that extent..."
"I don't know what Coach Burns is thinking, when did the Crimson Tide Storm become so casual, letting any Tom, Dick, or Harry join? If my grandpa knew about this, he'd probably drop dead of a heart attack."
"I heard it's an Asian kid..."
"Really?"
"No way?"
"How come I never knew Asia played football?"
"Idiot, didn't you hear what was said before? The kid's never played football before. You'd better shut up, or you'll lower the average IQ of the whole field."
It was April 2016, with just under half a year to the September kickoff of the new season, but the team was in the middle of spring training camp, the last chance to gather before the summer break.
Rustling sounds swirled among the warming-up players, whispering back and forth. Through the exchanges of glances, the surge of youthful hormones was palpable, each of them too restless to contain themselves, their minds disturbed by the morning's rumors.
Not just in Tuscaloosa, but across the whole state of Alabama, the University of Alabama football team had an unparalleled popularity. With no other professional league teams, the football teams from the University of Alabama and Auburn University unquestionably captured the hearts of all residents. The viewership for their games even surpassed that of professional matches.
As you can imagine, the players' pride and euphoria were beyond imagination, every one of them thrilled to be part of the Crimson Tide Storm, especially the locals.
But now, suddenly, an outsider—a monk from elsewhere—
Subconsciously, they grew wary.
However.
Ahem!
A cough came from the sidelines of the field, and the whispers instantly disappeared. No one even dared to look that way, focusing wholeheartedly on their training, knowing it was a signal from the head coach.
Nick Saban.
One of the greatest coaches in the history of NCAA football, widely considered unparalleled, even without the "one of." This 65-year-old coach had a career record as a college football head coach of 282 wins, 70 losses, and 1 tie up to the year 2023—a staggering win rate that was unmatched by any predecessor or successor.
After achieving such splendor in the NCAA, Saban also tried his hand in the NFL, but his three separate attempts at different times did not yield satisfactory results, including an unhappy two-season stint starting in the 2005 season with the Miami Dolphins. Later, he returned to the college scene.
In 2007, Saban, having returned defeated from the NFL, along with his coaching staff—including Burns—took over the University of Alabama Crimson Tide Storm. They revived this long-dormant traditional football powerhouse, and within just two years, in 2009, they reached the pinnacle of the nation, returning to the throne after 17 years.
In his nine seasons at the University of Alabama, Saban brought the Crimson Tide Storm three national championships, three national semifinals, and another three divisional final appearances. In other words, for the past nine years, they have invariably been bowl-eligible after the regular season, deservedly one of the best college football powerhouses in North America.
Glorious, dazzling.
Without question, Saban ruled with absolute authority over the University of Alabama football team.
It's worth mentioning that Saban is extraordinarily talented, and for any coach to be part of his team is a matter of honor, so his coaching staff has also become a target for other teams to poach from. Over the years, team members have come and gone in waves, but the one exception is Burns.
Burns, as a legendary running back coach, was once the running back coach for another traditional football powerhouse, Clemson University. In 2007, after Saban personally succeeded in poaching him, their collaboration continued to this day.
In front of Saban, Burns's words naturally carry a different weight.
Now, if Burns says they need Li Wei, then Saban believes they need Li Wei. Saban also looks forward with great expectation to the talented individual whom Burns has been tirelessly praising.
Buzz.
Buzz buzz buzz.
Without needing to turn around, one could judge from the looks and reactions of those young lads on the field that the hero of the conversation had made an entrance.
Saban did not turn around.
The coach had his own style, dressed in a suit for every game, every practice, with a head of neatly combed silver hair and a pair of caterpillar-like eyebrows as his signature feature.
He stood erect and solemn, not until Burns appeared in his field of vision and gave a greeting did Saban glance over at the young man—
Height. Physique. Weight.
More than the outward appearance, what truly caught the eye was his calm and introspective aura, naturally exuding an air of erudition. On the surface, he seemed calm, but Saban could see from the lines of the muscles on his arms and calves, they held power, ready to burst forth. If anyone underestimated this young man because he seemed somewhat slender or judged him by the color of his skin, they would surely stumble.
Saban knew of Burns's capability in selecting promising players, having a keener eye than him, not just for running backs but for other positions as well. The bond of trust he had with this assistant head coach was entirely different from that with anyone else.
But on the surface, it was still unapparent.
"What?" Saban withdrew his gaze and called out.
Li Wei repeated his self-introduction, "Just call me Li Wei."
"Li Wei, good," Saban nodded slightly in acknowledgement, avoiding any small talk, and turned to look at the field, "Why don't we get down to business right now...
After a brief pause, Saban scanned the field and could see on those young and naive faces an array of unguarded expressions: curiosity, inquiry, contempt, amusement, provocation. Young people are always so passionate.
Saban seriously considered that he should indeed see what this young man was made of. Only by understanding the upper and lower limits of his capability and grasping his potential could he make plans for the season—
The running back position, currently held by freshman Josh Jacobs.
Of course, Jacobs secured the role through his performance and strength, and his potential was highly regarded by the coaching staff; but the decision to put a freshman as the main player also revealed the difficult situation of the running back position.
If Li Wei could be a pleasant surprise...
Therefore, he should choose a main player to compete against to see the depth. There was no need to go all out at the start, first to assess the young man's basic physical quality. The choice of players should be mixed and matched a bit.
Then, Saban made his selection.
"Foster, Humphrey, Allen, Jackson, the four of you step forward."
Roar.
Roar roar roar.
Hearing their names called, the other players immediately began to jeer, with whistles even, their excitement to see the show blatantly aflame.
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