SEC Media Days was in full swing Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency in Hoover, Ala. The Crimson White caught up with radio personality Paul Finebaum to get his thoughts on his new role with the SEC Network, SEC Media Days and Alabama.

Crimson White: What’s your new role going to be with ESPN?

Paul Finebaum: It will be interesting. For the most part, the network will simulcast the radio show. So whatever happens there will be on television. And obviously there will be other things I’ll do there.

CW: Is your show going to change at all?

PF: I think it will. I don’t think it’s going to be unrecognizable, but I think when you broaden the program like we’re going to broaden it, it will be a little different.

CW: Is Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel the biggest SEC Media Days story since Tim Tebow?

PF: Easily since Tebow. I think [Wednesday] will determine where he stands. But I’ll say that right now – obviously I’m pretty tied into ESPN – ESPN didn’t cover Tebow like they’re going to cover [Manziel] tomorrow. You’ll have the [MLB All-Star Game] over with, but it’ll just be nonstop [Manziel] tomorrow. It’s unprecedented.

CW: What’s going to be the big story when Alabama is here on Thursday?

PF: Well the real question is whether AJ [McCarron], to try to keep up with Manziel, brings Katherine Webb. I think that’s AJ’s only shot.

I will say this. For the first time, Nick Saban is – I won’t say this too loudly – but he’s almost an afterthought. For two reasons: One, Manziel. And secondly, everyone seems to think they’re going to win again. So there’s just not a lot of drama connected to Saban.

CW: Do Alabama and Nick Saban like not being in the spotlight?

PF: Yeah. That doesn’t mean he won’t say something that is quotable. He will. The thing about Nick Saban is he doesn’t just walk in here. But it’s still Alabama – there will be people in the lobby.

But as far as people that I talk to in the media, it’s all about Manziel.

CW: Is Alabama your favorite to win the national championship?

PF: Absolutely. This is not a joke – I will pick Alabama to win as long as Nick Saban is there.