TUSCALOOSA, Ala.| The love affair with Blake Barnett being an Alabama quarterback is over.
After reports broke concerning a transfer and coach Nick Saban addressing the media about Barnett on Wednesday, the coaching staff received information on his leave from the program on Thursday.
Saban immediately sent out a press release, detailing the matter.
“We received word this afternoon that Blake Barnett has officially withdrawn from school and is no longer with our program,” Saban said. “The quarterback position is a very unique position where only one player can play. We are very disappointed any time a player leaves the program who feels he can compete for a starting position elsewhere, rather than here at Alabama. We wish Blake the very best of luck in the future.”
Barnett becomes the seventh quarterback under Saban to transfer, following Star Jackson, Phillip Sims, Luke Del Rio, Parker McLeod, Phillip Ely and Alec Morris. He was the highest rated guy signed to Alabama, enrolling as a five-star in its 2015 class. He earned the starting job against Southern California and despite throwing a touchdown pass, Barnett could not hold off true freshman Jalen Hurts–who’s won both the team and job.
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 @Smsmith_TDALMag.
