Alabama vs. Georgia: Jordan Jenkins almost committed to Crimson Tide

Georgia Bulldogs freshman linebacker Jordan Jenkins has been waiting for a date with Alabama ever since he said "no" to the school less than a year ago.

Jenkins was "heavily leaning" toward committing to Alabama, but never had a good relationship with Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, according to Seth Emerson of The Telegraph. Jenkins developed a better relationship with Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.

The bond with Saban wasn't as tight. Jenkins recalled the time Saban visited Harris County School.

"We had to keep it hush-hush, snuck him in the back doors. I walked right past coach Saban and shook coach Smart's hand. I remember coach Saban putting his hand out and I didn't see him because he was so short. I said: What's up coach?"

Jenkins was glad to see Saban there, but he never really warmed to him.

"It was always a little awkward when I talked with coach Saban, because just that presence about him," he said.

So, instead, Jenkins committed to Georgia.

Jenkins said Saban's presence was built up by Alabama's dominance, which Jenkins referred to as the "Mark Ingram era."

"That's pretty much when everybody started being bandwagon Alabama fans," Jenkins told The Telegraph.

The Bulldogs have used the true freshman well this season. Jenkins has 28 tackles in 12 games. He also has seven tackles for a loss, including four sacks. That number is the second-highest on the team behind junior linebacker Jarvis Jones, who has 10 1/2 sacks.

No. 3 Georgia meets No. 2 Alabama in the SEC Championship game at 4 p.m. Saturday.