Alabama will feature a brand new starting quarterback this fall following the graduation of AJ McCarron. This much we know for sure: Parker McLeod will not be the new face of the Crimson Tide offense.
Multiple reports Tuesday say McLeod will be looking for a transfer out of Alabama, with head coach Nick Saban confirming to reporters at the SEC meetings he has given Parker permission to weigh his options. As noted by Al.com, Parker will be the fifth quarterback to transfer away from Alabama under Saban. Part of that is because Saban has had two quarterbacks that have proven capable of guiding the Crimson Tide in Greg McElroy and McCarron. the desire to compete and perhaps receive more playing time elsewhere has grown for some under center in Tuscaloosa.
Blake Sims and Florida State transfer Jacob Coker are expected to be the top two candidates for the starting job in 2014, but Alabama has a few other younger options hoping for a shot as well. Sophomore Alec Morris, redshirt freshman Cooper Bateman and freshman David Cornwell will all compete for playing time this fall.
There is no word yet what schools McLeod may check out, but Saturday Down South makes note he previously chose Alabama over Maryland, UCF, Boston College, Oklahoma State and Louisville. Louisville has already added a handful of SEC transfers, but each of those schools could probably benefit from adding another QB to the mix.