The business of Alabama football doesn't rest — not even in a championship celebration.
There's still a deadline looming.
Underclassmen have until Jan. 15 to declare for the NFL draft and that process is well underway the morning after beating Georgia 26-23 in overtime of the CFP national championship game.
Nick Saban on Tuesday morning said he met with seven underclassmen who are considering the move.
"Probably have several that should," Saban said, "and probably have several that shouldn't, from a business perspective."
None of Alabama's underclassmen have officially declared, though there are a few who are locks for first-round selections if they should. Defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick and receiver Calvin Ridley are safe picks for the first night while others like Damien Harris and Da'Ron Payne have an opportunity to be in the conversation.
"I think I really just want to take it slow and just talk to my family first and just go from there," Payne said Tuesday morning. "Right now, I'm just celebrating with my team and just happy for the success we had last night. Just want to take it day by day."
Saban said the traditional 24-hour rule still applies to this championship celebration even if nine months separate Alabama from its next game.
"Thinking about we've got a Thursday meeting as a team to get guys back in school," Saban said, "and get them back on the right track to do what they have to do and lay out a little calendar for what they need to do the next couple months."
Running back Bo Scarbrough after the game said he had not made a decision on his senior season at Alabama. Asked for a timetable for his decision, the junior was in no rush.
"Probably the last day that I'm able to," Scarbrough said. "It's a hard decision right now."
Players who declare for the draft by Jan. 15 have until Jan. 19 to withdraw their names from consideration and retain their eligibility.
Alabama had three juniors leave early last season. Marlon Humphrey was the only first-rounder in that group while Cam Robinson won a starting job in Jacksonville as a rookie and ArDarius Stewart started two of the 15 games he played with the Jets this season.