re: *** OFFICIAL Alabama Spring Quarterback Battle Royal ***

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For the last two years, Alabama returned a fifth-year senior who had been around the program (Blake Sims) or around a college program (Jake Coker) for at least four years prior to their lone season as the starter.

And even though both battles publicly lasted into the season, the older guy won out each time.

This is the first season where the position truly feels up for grabs.

A serious case could be made as for why Bateman, Cornwell or Barnett should be the starter. While talented, Hurts is a true freshman and no true freshman has taken a snap at quarterback during Nick Saban’s tenure at Alabama.

For Bateman, his obvious advantage is experience. Bateman is the lone returner who has thrown a pass in a game at the college level. He was in last year’s competition all the way up to the Ole Miss game as he earned the start against the Rebels.

A costly interception led to Bateman being replaced by Coker, who held on to the job en route to winning a national championship.

In one start and seven appearances last year, Bateman completed 71.2 percent of his passes (37-of-52) for 291 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

Based purely on game experience, Bateman could be considered the front-runner.

Depending on who one talks to, Cornwell legitimately had a shot at winning the job coming out of last spring. But things changed between then and preseason practice. When Saban released his depth chart, Cornwell checked in as the No. 5 quarterback. He didn’t make any of the trips for true road games last season.

But that’s all in the past, and Cornwell said he’s excited to make another run at the job when he spoke with reporters at the Cotton Bowl.

He’s spent two years on the scout team, and should have a good understanding of the playbook heading into his third season on campus. At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Cornwell possesses the physical tools to win the job. He’ll need to make sure he doesn’t have any off-field issues during this competition.

Then there’s Barnett, whom most believe to be the heir apparent. During his first year in Tuscaloosa, Barnett starred on the scout team and received high praise from former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and a lot of the players on the Tide’s starting defense for his ability to give the unit a good look of the opponent.

Barnett, a former five-star prospect, is a dual-threat quarterback who could bring a true running threat to the position for the Tide. Barnett has put on some muscle during his time in the strength program. Now it’s time to see how everything translates to the field heading to his second spring with the team.

I don't see Saban starting anyone except Bateman.

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I see what you are saying, but I disagree.

Too much talent not named Bateman at the QB position to assume that he will be handed the starting job.

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There was more talent not named Coker this year too.

I'm just curious what the backstory will be when Bateman gets the job. Last year, Cornwell was whippin' out his cock and throwing hissy fits in practice. I wonder what accusation gets thumbtacked to Barnett.

Who was more talented and more prepared than Coker?

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There was more talent not named Coker this year too.

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And he wasn't "handed" the job. He earned it. Whats your point?

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And he wasn't "handed" the job. He earned it. Whats your point?

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I didn't say he didn't. I simply said other QBs had just as much (if not more) talent/abilities and long-term promise.

Coker earned the job and the trophy, and I'm not taking anything away from him. I just hate starting over at QB every year, and I honestly feel that we could have went the distance with Cornwell. Maybe I'm wrong.

This years younger QB's are much more likely to compete for the job than last year.

Last year Bama did have that Sr. QB that Saban seems to lean toward over talent.

Thats not the case this year. Job is totally up for grabs in my opinion.

I'm actually thinking Barnett has a great shot at winning the job because he has the teams respect, and they all seem to like him a lot. Do not underestimate how important that is.

Team Whoever Saban decides and I'll like it because Saban has earned my respect til he throws a girl out there under center.

Even then I'll be like, let's see the deep ball guys.