Alabama HC Nick Saban speaks with Top 100 safety prior to trip

Nick Saban doesn’t take too many days away from the Mal Moore Athletic Facility. Most people think he’s at the football complex year-round, but Saban left for a trip to Italy this week. He had at least one reason to celebrate prior to the departure abroad. The University of Alabama added cornerback Trey Amos from the transfer portal. He also made a few phone calls to top high school targets.

Peyton Woodyard, the No. 4 safety in the country per the On3 Industry Ranking, spoke with the Crimson Tide’s head coach on Tuesday. Woodyard revealed plans on Saturday for an official visit to Alabama on June 23-25. He also took an unofficial visit in Tuscaloosa on April 15. It was his first visit back in almost two years.

“He (Coach Saban) wanted to talk with me before he left on his trip,” Woodyard told BamaInsider on Tuesday evening. “He just wanted to make sure that I knew that, not only does he want me there at Alabama, but that he needs me there. He said he is looking forward to having me and my family there for my official visit. We had a great conversation.”

Woodyard, who committed to Georgia in January, has also locked-in official visits with the Bulldogs (June 8-10) and Ohio State Buckeyes (June 16-18). He is keeping the doors open at this time, but also remains comfortable with his decision. Alabama hopes it can change his course as Coach Saban is treating Woodyard as a top priority.

“It means a lot to me,” he said of the conversation with Coach Saban. “Especially with him coaching up the DBs (defensive backs). He’s the goat. He was telling me that he likes my football IQ and how quickly I diagnose plays.”

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Peyton Woodyard with Alabama DB coach Travaris Robinson during April 13 visit.

Alabama assistant coach Holmon Wiggins will visit Woodyard’s school on Wednesday. Travaris Robinson, the Tide’s secondary coach, will return to see him next week. The recruiting efforts have picked up major steam in the last five months when Woodyard did not include Alabama in his top seven.

There were some notable coaching staff changes in Tuscaloosa prior to Woodyard’s return last month. Alabama changed defensive coordinators. There were also changes in the secondary the last two years. The connection with Alabama seemed to slip in large part because of it.

“I grew up watching Bama, and they were always a childhood favorite/dream school,” Woodyard told BamaInsider last month. “My dad is from Alabama, and we still have plenty of family there. I have always loved the defense at Bama. My mom and dad love the South, and they enjoyed the visit to Alabama.“

Does Alabama have a realistic chance to flip to the UGA commitment? Discuss with the BamaInsider staff and fellow fans on the Talk of Champions!

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