Get ready for photos, autographs and lots of arm talent.
A trio of Alabama stars—John Parker Wilson, Blake Sims and Jacob Coker—were announced as participants for the A-Day Quarterback Challenge at halftime, per rolltide.com.
Coker came to Alabama in 2014 as a graduate transfer from Florida State. It took him a while to settle in, but his moxie and leadership won over a radical Crimson Tide fan base.
He was a perfect 14-0 as a starter and came so close to delivering a comeback for Alabama against Ole Miss off the bench. Coker led the Tide to huge wins over Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Auburn, Florida (SEC Championship Game and Clemson (national title game).
His finest performance came in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl against Michigan State in the College Football Playoff. Coker completed 25 of 30 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns.
He ended the 2015 season with 3,110 passing yards, making him the third quarterback under Saban to accomplish this feat.
Coker threw for 21 touchdowns to eight interceptions.
Sims, who started one season at quarterback, is currently Alabama’s single-season passing record holder (3,487 yards).
He came to Tuscaloosa in 2010 and served at running back, wide receiver, defensive back and backup quarterback, prior to earning the starting job over Jacob Coker in 2014.
He guided the Crimson Tide to a 12-2 season, with marquee wins against LSU, Auburn, Mississippi State (ranked No.1 in November 2014) and Missouri in the Southeastern Conference title game. Sims accounted for 3,487 passing yards, 350 rushing yards and 35 total touchdowns.
Wilson, a three-year starter (2006-08), played under Mike Shula and Nick Saban.
He earned the respect of fans, teammates and coaches with his toughness, accuracy and leadership in 2008.
Wilson navigated Alabama to a 12-win season, which included a 36-0 beat down of Auburn and a six-point victory over No.15-ranked LSU at Tiger Stadium in overtime (27-21).
He compiled a 25-14 record as a starter and held every passing record in school history, until AJ McCarron (2009-13) re-wrote the books. Wilson threw for 7,924 yards and 47 touchdowns. Bryant-Denny Stadium will be electric as Alabama’s 10th A-Day is set for Saturday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
