NFL Draft 2014: Nick Saban tried to keep DB Vinnie Sunseri at Alabama

Aug 31, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Vinnie Sunseri (3) runs for a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second quarter of the 2013 Chick-fil-A Kickoff game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Saban is losing one of the more talented defensive backs that he’s had on his roster the past few seasons as junior Vinnie Sunseri will be in this May’s NFL Draft, declaring that a few weeks ago. But, the decision didn’t come without Saban trying to make one last pitch to his safety to stay in Tuscaloosa.

Sunseri told an Atlanta radio station that both Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart did all they could to keep him on the team for one more season, but to no avail.

"“Coach has his process and how he wants to handle certain things. He really wanted me to stay. Him and Coach Kirby Smart did everything they could to keep me to stay,” Sunseri told the station, which posted an audio file of the interview at 790thezone.com. “For me, it’s not about the money. I just want to be as successful as I can and I feel like I’m ready to take that next step and prove myself in the NFL.”"

In this instance, the coaches may have been in the right. Not to say Sunseri isn’t talented enough to play in the NFL, but he missed the better portion of the 2013 season with a torn ACL, and he also received a fourth-round grade from the draft advisory board.

One more year with the Tide could have gone a long way.

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