TUSCALOOSA, Ala.–After four regular seasons in an Alabama uniform, backup quarterback Cooper Bateman has been granted a release from the program. News of Bateman’s transfer was first reported by AL.com, on the heels of the Crimson Tide winning a Southeastern Conference championship.
The conversation of starting quarterback for the Tide in preseason was between he and redshirt freshman Blake Barnett. Barnett started the year against Southern California, but would ultimately lose to Jalen Hurts.
While Barnett left for a junior college, Bateman stayed in Tuscaloosa to finish the season. The Murray, Utah native completed 12 of 14 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown in 13 games, along with being a holder.
As for the College Football Playoff, Bateman’s participation is unclear.
Depending on how much he’s needed immediately for his new team will depict the timing of him leaving. At Alabama, Bateman was a member on three SEC title teams and a national championship squad in 2015.
He was one of the nation’s top signal callers in the 2013 recruiting class.
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.
