Just a couple of hours after reports first surfaced that Jacob Coker had committed to Alabama, the Tide has taken that commitment a step further.
UA confirmed in a press release Sunday afternoon that the quarterback has signed with the Crimson Tide and “projects to be eligible to play this fall.” That projection is based on Coker receiving his degree from Florida State following the spring semester. He was released from his FSU scholarship last week.
As expected, Coker will not participate in the Tide’s spring practice sessions, with the program stating that he will enroll at Alabama at some point this summer.
“We think a lot of Jake and we are excited to have him join our team,” said head coach Nick Saban in a statement. “He is not only an outstanding football player, but he is also a fine young man who we feel will be a great fit with our program at Alabama.”
Coker, who will have two years of eligibility beginning in 2014, will be a part of what’s expected to be at least a four-headed quarterback competition to replace AJ McCarron as the Tide’s starter. The Alabama native explained in a statement sent through the university his decision to move on from the Seminoles to the Tide.
“I was very impressed with everything on my visit to Tuscaloosa,” said Coker. “I feel very comfortable with the coaches and the players, and I’m looking forward to getting started at Alabama and competing. I also want to thank my coaches and teammates at Florida State. I had a great experience there and I’m excited to build on that at Alabama.”