Jordan Battle reveals which Alabama guest speaker has been his favorite
Each preseason Alabama football invites guest speakers from across the globe to Tuscaloosa in order to impart their wisdom to the roster and staff alike. Whether discusses academics, athletics or life, the high-profile names offering advice to the young athletes also seem to leave a mark.
This year, a new group of speakers gave their speech to Jordan Battle and the rest of the Alabama roster. While he appreciated each one, the senior safety quickly identified his favorite.
“I’d have to say (C.L. Shephard),” said Battle. “He just came the other night. He was talking about something called ‘good, better, best’ and he defined greatness as the dirty work in the dark. So he’s been my favorite so far.”
Making sure not to leave out the other celebrities who spent time with the team, he provided high praise for a number of other guest speakers as well.
“Obviously, Michael Phelps was great,” said Battle. “Maria Taylor, we had her yesterday, she was great. And Larry Fitzgerald as well, just letting us hear his story, and how he got there, and what he can do better. We had some great speakers this year.”
More guest speakers visit Alabama
During his time at Alabama, Nick Saban has loved to bring in guest speakers for his program. Since Jordan Battle provided his assessment, another one of those high-profile speakers has presented his words of wisdom on a variety of subjects.
The former ESPN reporter and now Fox analyst Tom Rinaldi has been on college football morning pregame shows for years, telling some of the most compelling stories throughout the sport. Now, he had the opportunity to do so in front of the entire Alabama team. Rinaldi also got some personal time with Saban, with the two pictured meeting in the head coach’s office.
Rinaldi will most likely get to work one Alabama game this season, with their premier nonconference matchup against Texas being broadcasted on Fox. Big Noon Kickoff will pick the game up, meaning Rinaldi will get to produce a few packages during the pregame show.
At the very least, the reporter got a sneak preview of what the Crimson Tide will look like come Sept. 10.