Even in a loss, Alabama’s senior quarterback Jacob Coker showed some leadership qualities.
He entered last week’s game against Ole Miss in the second quarter, when Alabama trailed 17-3. Coker navigated the team to 34 points on five touchdown drives, and helped the Crimson Tide nearly pull a victory from the arms of defeat against Mississippi.
Coker completed 21 of 44 passes for 201 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. The senior put in a solid effort on the ground, totaling 58 rushing yards and a touchdown.
In Monday’s press conference, head coach Nick Saban had some high praise for Coker.
“I think Jake played, when he came in the game, he played with some passion, showed great leadership when he played,” Saban said. “We still have things we need to work on and improve. At this point, provided he does the things he’s supposed to do, I think we’ll start him in this game.”
A few moments occurred against Ole Miss that had some Alabama fans thinking maybe Coker can lead this year’s team. Some adjustments need to be made where accuracy, ball placement and decision making are concerned, but the former Florida State transfer has the toughness.
Coker will start for Alabama against Louisiana-Monroe this weekend at 3:00 p.m. CT.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
