Nick Saban mocks Grant Delpit over LSU career after taunting Derrick Henry: 'How many times did they beat us?'

Former LSU defender turned Cleveland Browns defensive back Grant Delpit is preparing for a showdown with Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens this weekend. He had some fascinating comments ahead of the matchup.

On Thursday, Delpit was asked how hard it is to bring down the bruising running back in Henry. The defensive back quickly replied: “Not hard,” via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.

Well, the quote made it back to Henry. The Ravens star responded to Delpit later on Thursday afternoon, explaining that he was made aware of Delpit’s comment: “He had a quote,” Henry stated, via ESPN. “We’ll see on Sunday.”

While Henry decided not to add any more fuel to the fire, his former coach at Alabama in Nick Saban took a different approach. He joined The Pat McAfee Show on Friday, shocked at Delpit’s claim.

“I don’t even know which Cleveland Browns guy said that,” Saban responded to McAfee, “but if they had to practice every day against this guy, I guarantee you they’d be the first one to say, ‘I ain’t tackling his ass every day.’”

Then, Saban learned it was Delpit who made the statement, and remembered that he went to LSU. He took a shot at the Tigers afterwards: “LSU guy,” Saban scoffed. “How many times did they beat us when he played?”

Thankfully for Delpit, they did have one win over Saban while he was with LSU — a 46-41 victory in Tuscaloosa, where Joe Burrow exploded for three touchdown passes. Unfortunately, the Tigers’ defense didn’t do much, as Tua Tagovailoa passed for four touchdowns and 418 yards, but Delpit did make two tackles in that game.

As he looks ahead to a showdown with Henry this weekend, Saban at least tried to give Delpit a scouting report. He raved a bit about Henry’s size, but the former coach provided the blueprint for how to stop him.

“Do you understand how long this guy’s arms are when he stiff-arms you and you try to tackle him? I don’t know what his sleeve length is, but it’s long,” Saban added. “… Once this guy gets going, once he gets downhill, he’s way faster than people think. He doesn’t even look fast, but with that long stride, guys have angles and still can’t catch him.

“You don’t want him to get out in space. You’ve got to keep him boxed in. Everybody’s got to play with leverage. I always taught DBs to tackle high, but with a guy like Derrick Henry, I’m not sure you’re better off not going low.”

Perhaps Delpit will regret his comments after this weekend, as Henry will certainly be seeking him out. We know whose side Saban is on, as the Browns and the Ravens are ready for what should be an emotional game in Week 2.