We have made it to July and SEC Football Media Days are coming soon.
The University of Alabama looks to return to the College Football Playoff in the fall and win a national championship. Nick Saban has several talented players, but which ones will emerge as the most impactful?
RELATED: Who is Tyler Buchner? Alabama’s new quarterback from Notre Dame
The staff at Touchdown Alabama Magazine will spotlight numerous players for the upcoming season.
Tyler Buchner, a transfer from Notre Dame, is third at quarterback.
Tyler Buchner
Classification: Transfer
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
Position: Quarterback
Previous School: Notre Dame
Size: 6-1/215 pounds
2022 stats: 651 passing yards, 123 rushing yards, seven total touchdowns, five interceptions
Strengths: Athleticism, strong arm talent, game experience (13 games at ND), relationship with Tommy Rees
Weaknesses: Has to learn Alabama’s system/culture, needs to step more into his throws, durability
Summary
Tyler Buchner is the biggest surprise in Alabama’s quarterback room.
No one separated themselves in the spring game, so Nick Saban brought more competition at quarterback.
Buchner committed to the Crimson Tide from the NCAA transfer portal during the week of the NFL Draft. He had a good high school career in California, but the Coronavirus pandemic caused him to miss his senior year. Buchner played ten games as a freshman at Notre Dame, compiling 298 passing yards, 336 rushing yards, six total touchdowns, and three interceptions.
He suffered an injury early in the 2022 season. Buchner played three games, but his best performance came in the Taxslayer Gator Bowl against South Carolina. He suffered some turnovers, but Buchner propelled the Fighting Irish to a 45-38 victory.
RELATED: First look at Tyler Buchner in an Alabama uniform and new number
Buchner brings toughness as a quarterback, but can he adjust to the learning curve at Alabama?
If he would have arrived for spring practice, Buchner could have had a better opportunity. He has the talent to possibly start for the Crimson Tide, but we will see if he can win over the team with his play in fall camp.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
