Connect with us

Alabama Football News

Alabama QB Cooper Bateman to transfer; may not be with team during Playoff

Marvin Gentry - USA TODAY Sports

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 MagazineYou can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

More in Alabama Football News