Alabama QB choice ‘far from getting made’
The only certainty in Alabama’s quarterback competition through Saturday’s first preseason scrimmage is that David Cornwell continues to be hobbled by a foot injury.
Coach Nick Saban said in a news conference that the redshirt sophomore again was limited at Bryant-Denny Stadium, leaving the snaps to redshirt junior Cooper Bateman, redshirt freshman Blake Barnett and freshman Jalen Hurts.
“The other three guys had an equal opportunity with each group,” Saban said, “so it should give us a good idea of who might be the most ready to manage the team. That decision is far from getting made.”
Saturday’s scrimmage consisted of about 135 plays and lasted just over two hours.
Hurts is considered the long shot in the race, since he was prepping this time last year for his senior season at Channelview (Texas) High School. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder enrolled early and helped the Crimson Tide in their postseason preparation, and he directed the only touchdown drive during April’s A-Day game.
Playing at A-Day with the second-team offense against the second-team defense, Hurts completed 11 of 15 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown, and he has continued to impress this month in the portions of practice that have been open to the media.
“Jalen is a very talented guy, and I thought he did some good things out there today,” Saban said. “The thing for both of the younger guys is consistency in performance and taking care of the ball and taking what the defense gives. All three of those guys have done a good job of not looking over their shoulders at what the other guys are doing but to focus on what they need to do to improve.”
Alabama’s starting quarterbacks the past three seasons — AJ McCarron, Blake Sims and Jake Coker — were fifth-year seniors. Saban has yet to start a true freshman at quarterback during his time with the Crimson Tide.
Saban said the first teams executed well during Saturday’s scrimmage but he could not say the same for the backups. He added that the players are tired heading into their first off day today.
Senior defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson twisted an ankle during the scrimmage and will be out a few days. Junior defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand didn’t scrimmage for a reason Saban didn’t disclose, but Saban said Hand should be back for Monday’s practice.
Tide tidbits
Sophomore tailback Bo Scarbrough had a good start to the scrimmage but then got dinged up, Saban said. … When asked about the right side of his offensive line, Saban said freshman tackle Jonah Williams continues to get bigger and stronger and Bradley Bozeman and Alphonse Taylor are playing at guard.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.