The concern is not as bad as it was three years ago for Alabama fans, yet it still wants an answer to a burning question: Who will line up under center next season?
Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin was exceptional in guiding Blake Sims and Jacob Coker to 3,000-yard seasons, Southeastern Conference championships and for Coker, a national title in 2015. He now faces a third year in locating a dependable quarterback. Four guys are vying for the starting job—Cooper Bateman, David Cornwell, Blake Barnett and Jalen Hurts—but even after spring practice, one still doesn’t know who truly has the lead. Saban singled out Bateman as one who “tends to move the team the best,” however, it was Hurts that had the strongest outing on A-Day (11/15 passing, 120 yards, one touchdown).
Barrett Sallee, lead SEC college football writer for Bleacher Report, was on the Paul Finebaum Show today giving his stance on Alabama’s quarterback race heading into the fall.
His chips are stacked toward a 6-foot-5, 200-pound redshirt freshman from California.
“I’m still going Blake Barnett,” Sallee said. “I don’t think it’s Cooper Bateman, I know they are siding with Bateman now because of him being a veteran, but I think that’s more so they have a leader to lead them through this time of year during summer workouts. I think Barnett has the most upside. I think he has the best arm of the group. I don’t think David Cornwell is much of a factor. When I think of the three, I think of Hurts, Barnett and Bateman.”
Barnett spent last season running the scout team offense.
He enrolled in 2015 as the highest rated quarterback under Saban, a five-star prospect. A graduate of Santiago High School, Barnett accounted for 5,911 passing yards, 1,241 rushing yards and 68 total touchdowns in his career.
He was listed as the No. 1 pocket passer according to ESPN and top-rated dual threat quarterback, per Rivals. Barnett was the most valuable player in the 2014 Elite 11 competition, while also participating in Nike’s “The Opening” competition.
He led Team Highlight to a 46-6 victory in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game.
Barnett was able to move the ball in Alabama’s spring game, connecting on 9 of 16 passes for 102 yards. He stepped up in the pocket and completed a few huge throws to wide receivers Cam Sims and Xavian Marks. Despite weight being a lingering issue, Barnett enters his second year under Kiffin. The former Tennessee and USC head coach hand-picked Barnett to come.
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.
