Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban recently expressed regret over not recruiting Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson during his tenure with the Crimson Tide. Johnson, a native of Pinson, Alabama, located just 45 minutes from the University of Alabama, was overlooked by Saban’s recruiting staff. Reflecting on this oversight during an ESPN College GameDay segment, Saban remarked, “What I’m sitting here thinking about is Tez Johnson is in Birmingham, 45 minutes away from Alabama. We didn’t recruit the guy. Who was recruiting Birmingham? And I should have fired their ass.”
Johnson began his collegiate career at Troy University, where he played from 2020 to 2022. Despite impressive performances, he remained under the radar, receiving limited attention from major programs, including Alabama. In late 2022, Johnson transferred to the University of Oregon, reuniting with his adopted brother, quarterback Bo Nix. Since joining the Ducks, Johnson has been a standout player, recording 164 catches for 2,048 yards and 20 touchdowns over two seasons.
Saban’s candid admission highlights the challenges and complexities of college football recruiting, where even top programs can occasionally miss out on local talent. Johnson’s journey from an overlooked recruit to a key player for a top-tier program underscores the potential for athletes to develop and excel, regardless of their initial recruitment status.
As Johnson continues to make significant contributions to Oregon’s success, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough scouting and the unpredictable nature of player development in college football.