Rece Davis believes Nick Saban will “thrive” in his new role with ESPN’s “College GameDay.”

The host of the popular traveling college football pregame show looks forward to the former Alabama coach joining the desk, alongside Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee.

“Nick has already shown a remarkable ability to slide into that seat and provide expert analysis. He handles the tapes well,” Davis said on the “College GameDay” podcast. “He understands how to speak in headlines because he is a gifted public speaker – and not just to his team. If you’ve heard him any other format, it’s really quite an impressive thing. So I don’t have any doubt at all that he will thrive in this role.”

Davis believes the show will be even better with the addition of the 7-time national championship coach.

“You have to find ways to improve,” he explained. “You have to find areas to grow. You cannot stand still and certainly if you bring Nick Saban into any mix – whether it is your Ferrari dealership, Mercedes dealership or your TV program – you best not stand still.”

Saban’s new gig will introduce the college football watching world to something Alabama fans have seen for years.

“This guy has a real good sense of humor,” Davis added. “Now, it’s a dry wit and a low-key wit. It’s a chop-busting wit, but I think that is going to play perfectly on the set.”

Davis even joked he would share with Saban the same advice he received from the late Bobby Knight.

“My boy, you’re in charge out there and don’t you forget it,” Davis recalled. “You’ll be leading us and we’ll go where you say we’re going. I think Nick would be wise to remember that as he embarks on his television career.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.