Alabama’s quarterback conversation in 2015 come will down to Jake Coker and David Cornwell; however, more guys are putting in effort. True freshman and Corona, Calif., native Blake Barnett is headed to George Whitfield’s quarterback academy in Seattle, Wash.
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The 6-foot-5, 208-pound Barnett trained with Whitfield in early June, prior to enrolling in summer classes at the University of Alabama. The two worked on Barnett’s mechanics and decision making as a pocket passer in San Diego, Calif. Whitfield has cultivated a few highly-profiled quarterbacks, including Andrew Luck, Cam Newton and Johnny Manziel.
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Barnett was a consensus five-star prospect, the No.1-ranked pocket passer (ESPN) and the top-ranked dual threat quarterback nationally (Rivals.com) upon his arrival to Alabama.
He totaled a career-high 3,404 passing yards at Santiago High School. Barnett accounted for 47 passing touchdowns, 21 rushing touchdowns and 1,241 rushing yards in his career.
Barnett had a productive spring, as he showed flashes of how good he can become. He hooked up with sophomore wide receiver ArDarius Stewart for a late fourth quarter touchdown in Alabama’s spring game. He just needs to put on more weight and continue to learn.
This season may not be the year for Barnett, but he will get opportunities in a mop-up role.
Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban isn’t shy about starting a true freshman quarterback, yet he doesn’t want to get to that point early in the season. He would like for Coker or Cornwell to command the offense, but there is no denying that Barnett is the future.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
