It is still early and all four guys have a chance, but the coaching staff has an idea of who may start at quarterback in the fall.
Chris Low, a college football writer for ESPN, visited the University of Alabama today.
He was able tour the facilities, and even nudge head coach Nick Saban into giving information in regards to who could possibly be the starter at quarterback for next season.
Nick Saban told me Cooper Bateman would probably be Alabama's starting QB if they played today, but that the race is far from over.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) April 11, 2016
Saban has stated multiple times that Cooper Bateman “tends to move the team the best.”
A former four-star prospect, Bateman was one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in the 2013 recruiting class.
The 6-foot-3, 224-pound redshirt junior played in all 15 games last season, including a start against Ole Miss.
He completed 37 of 52 passes for 291 yards with one touchdown to two interceptions. Bateman possesses elite arm talent, being ranked No. 3 pocket passer by ESPN and No. 5 according to 247 Sports and Scout recruiting services.
He competed in the Elite 11 quarterback competition, prior to enrolling at Alabama from Murray, Utah (Cottonwood HS).
Bateman enters his fourth year in the system and third season under Lane Kiffin this fall. He’s looked sharp in spring practice, but anything can happen between now and fall camp.
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.
