Saban declined to put the three players in any order, but referencing “several times before” suggests what many have thought: Alabama will use the first game(s) of the season as a final test for the quarterbacks.
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With Jake Coker idle for three practice s last week, Morris, who was a stand-in punter during spring practice, took advantage of his increased reps. “Everybody gets work. Everybody’s working, but those guys got the bulk of the work”.
Like he has done in the past, Saban said the team will prepare two quarterbacks for every game with a third on standby. “Its who gives up the fewest plays”. He added that playing two quarterbacks against the Badgers is not out of the question and admitted to being surprised by the attention this race has received. When the time comes, head coach Nick Saban will make the decision and he’ll be “all for it”. Just not prematurely.
“His completion percentage has been very, very good, you know, relative to the other guys”, Saban said.
“Alec has done a nice job all [preseason]”, Saban said to reporters. So then you have to un-name him. He helps the other players play better. Casagrande said Cornwell is making waves of late.
Anything that might confuse the opposition might be considered at this point-like back in 2009 when Greg McElroy was expected to take his first snap as the starting quarterback and Alabama came out in a wildcat formation.
“Nah, not specifically”, Drake said. “Whoever he chooses, I’m all for it”. Saban did not mention Cornwell last Wednesday or Saturday when discussing the quarterbacks but was asked specifically Thursday about the redshirt freshman.
Saban praised Morris after Saturday’s second scrimmage and was quick on Thursday to compliment Bateman, a 6-foot-3, 220-pounder from Murray, Utah.
The three are Coker, junior Alec Morris and sophomore Cooper Bateman.
Of the meeting Saban said, “I told him, ‘Look, you’ve done everything we’ve asked you to do for the team”. You’ve very athletic. You went out and tried to play receiver when we needed you to do that.
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Jacob Coker (14) is one of the quarterbacks vying for the starting job for Alabama.
