Alabama coach Nick Saban said Thursday that he hopes to attend the first round of the NFL Draft on April 26, when as many as five members of his national championship team are expected to be chosen.
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"It really is a happy time to know that all these guys probably worked their whole athletic career to this point to have an opportunity like this," Saban said, according to The Birmingham News. "I certainly hope and pray that each one of these guys do get picked in the first round. ... I think it's great for our program."
Running back Trent Richardson, linebackers Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, and safety Mark Barron will all attend the draft's first round at New York's Radio City Music Hall. Saban said the players requested his presence at the draft.
Saban, who has won three national championships as a college coach, also coached the Miami Dolphins in 2005 and 2006, going 15-17.
