Different media pundits have brought a perspective on Alabama’s quarterback competition, but now a former Crimson Tide signal-caller weighs in on the subject.
Blake Barnett, a California native, came to the University of Alabama as a five-star in 2015. People heralded him as the first elite quarterback of the Nick Saban era. The expectation was for him to light it up under Lane Kiffin, but it did not happen.
RELATED: Alabama’s QB competition highlights second week of spring practice
Barnett got a College Football Playoff National Championship ring in 2015 but did not play much at all in 2016. Jalen Hurts took the starting job, and Barnett would transfer to different schools. He has settled into life as a husband, father, and quarterback trainer; however, he has thoughts on the quarterback race for the Tide. Barnett shared those thoughts with his former teammate, Christian Miller, on The Miller’s Edge. He said Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and Tyler Buchner have an “It” factor for the team.
What are the benefits of a QB battle and where does @AlabamaFTBL stand? @Blake8Barnett weighs in 👇 https://t.co/2koRLLnLmy pic.twitter.com/nf856XoBGX
— The Millers’ Edge (@TheMillersEdge) July 15, 2023
“When you consider the current locker room and the quarterbacks you guys have, the story has been for quite some time now,” Barnett said. “You have three guys who are fully capable of starting anywhere, but with that said everyone has different strengths. That is going to breed great competition throughout camp. Each guy is so talented. Ty [Simpson] is someone who can come in and make a difference. Tyler Buchner, I trained with him back when he was in high school before he was going to Notre Dame out here in California. I remember seeing him and knowing he was fully capable of making a difference in a Division I program. Jalen, in the end, performed well against Texas A&M. He is extremely dynamic. I know it may be a cause for concern being that it is a competition, but they are in good hands. The staff is going to put them in a situation to succeed.”
RELATED: What we learned about the quarterbacks after Alabama’s A-Day
Alabama fans have shown concern about the quarterback position, but the talent is on the roster to be successful.
We will see who becomes the starter in preseason camp.
Click here to follow the Bama Elite Podcast
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
