In April of last year, Phillip Sims opted to transfer out of the Alabama football program thanks to AJ McCarron holding a firm grip on the starting quarterback job.
Nine months later, and with McCarron continuing to build on a legacy that includes two straight BCS titles, another Phillip at the position is apparently looking to pull a Sims as well.
According to Josh Newberg of 247Sports.com, Phillip Ely is exploring the possibility of as transfer. Specifically, Newberg reports, Ely is looking at USF as a potential future destination.
If Ely were to transfer to another FBS school, he would be forced to sit out the 2013 season. He would then have two years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2014.
Neither of the schools, obviously, will respond to the rumored development.
After redshirting as a true freshman in 2011, Ely played in six games last season. He completed three-of-four passes for 42 yards and a touchdown in very limited duty. Ely was listed as the No. 2 QB the first three weeks of the season, but after that was listed as the co-backup along with redshirt sophomore Blake Sims, who attempted 10 passes in limited action.
Not only is McCarron firmly entrenched as the starter for another season, and Sims inching ahead in the backup battle, the Tide is bringing in two quarterbacks as part of their 2013 recruiting class. Included in that mini-group is Cooper Bateman, a four-star prospect who is the No. 11 pro-style QB in the country and the No. 1 player in the state of Utah.
Ely was a three-star member of the Tide’s 2011 recruiting class, rated by Rivals.com as the No. 20 pro-style QB coming out of high school in Tampa, Fla.