A crippling fear we have in today’s society is the fear of being wrong.
We crave validation and the joy of making the right decision. Alabama fans are asking themselves a question after Thursday’s news of a transfer quarterback committing to the Crimson Tide. Did Nick Saban make the right decision? People have hung tightly to the slogans “Trust the GOAT” or “Saban knows what he’s doing” for a long time. The seven-time national champion does not often give supporters a reason not to trust him, but adding a new signal-caller from the transfer portal brings concerns.
RELATED: How Alabama fans reacted to Tyler Buchner transferring to Alabama
Tyler Buchner, a former Notre Dame quarterback, entered the portal Wednesday. He reportedly visited the University of Alabama and announced via Twitter his decision to commit to the Tide. He has 13 games of experience, including three games in 2022.
Buchner completed 55.4 percent of his passes (46-of-83) for 651 yards.
He totaled three touchdowns to five interceptions. Buchner was a four-star quarterback from California in the 2021 class and rated No. 71 overall as a player. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder has talent, but is he what Alabama needs? Understandably, Saban wants to push more competition for Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson by bringing in a transfer; however, why not bring in someone of elite-level quality? Buchner is not of the same caliber as Caleb Williams (USC Trojans) or Drake Maye (North Carolina).
RELATED: BREAKING: Former Notre Dame QB Tyler Buchner commits to Alabama
If he was, then the reward would be worth the risk. Nevertheless, he is not of that caliber.
One has to ask itself, does this hurt the chemistry of the locker room? Crimson Tide fans were fine with the quarterbacks in last week’s spring game. Each one showed improvement and the capability to be a starter. Milroe had three touchdowns (two passing scores), Simpson made several impressive throws, Dylan Lonergan led a touchdown drive, and Eli Holstein looks promising.
Fans were okay with Alabama coaching and developing the guys on the roster. The Tide has been known for developing quarterbacks, including Greg McElroy, AJ McCarron, Blake Sims, Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young.
Jacob Coker was the lone transfer in 2014 from Florida State, but he did not start until 2015. Alabama fans don’t want to run the risk of losing one or multiple quarterbacks to the transfer portal. Saban could prove everyone wrong with this move.
Buchner could be what Alabama needs, but the initial optics do not look good.
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