Alabama head coach Nick Saban isn’t happy with the persistent questions from the media regarding the team’s quarterback competition. Saban isn’t prepared to name a starting quarterback, and he may not do so before the Crimson Tide takes the field Aug. 30 against the West Virginia Mountaineers in Atlanta.
Senior Blake Sims (pictured above) and junior Jacob Coker have been battling throughout fall camp to lead the Crimson Tide onto the field, and neither of the signal callers have truly separated themselves from the other. Saban doesn’t plan to name a quarterback until one does.
“Until someone clearly wins the job, we’re not going to make a decision,” Saban said when he addressed the media Saturday.
Coker, a Florida State transfer, has generally been considered the favorite to win the competition. Coker may have lost to Jameis Winston in a quarterback competition last year, but there clearly is no shame in that after Winston went on to win the Heisman Trophy and a national championship. Coker is believed to have one of the strongest arms in college football and all the tools necessary to be a dynamic passer behind Alabama’s stout offensive line.
However, Sims isn’t willing to hand the job to Coker. The senior waited his turn behind A.J. McCarron, and he’s prepared to take over the offense as a senior. At the moment, Sims’ familiarity with the team’s system gives him a slight edge over Coker.Saban: Both QBs played equal reps with the 1’s. Both inconsistency but Sims “playing a little faster.”
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) August 16, 2014
With neither quarterback clearly establishing himself at the top of the depth chart, another option will likely be considered. Saban may utilize a two-quarterback system to start the season and let live game action determining which of the two is truly prepared to lead the team into SEC play.
Alabama will have three weeks from the start of the season to figure out the solution before it plays the Florida Gators Sept. 20.