Question: Who are our "QB'S In Waiting"?

[JackDaniels]

Could one of them give MacElroy competition to start? Just curious.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

I doubt it. We tend to forget that a first year starter in the SEC should be expected to have growing pains. Gmac had those and played through it and ended up having a stellar season for a first year starter. I expect him to take an enormous step in progression from this year to 2010 season. Experience is invaluable and he's now got an entire season under his belt and went 14-0. He had ups and downs and worked through it. That will produce it's fruit next year.

I expect Gmac to be a field general next season. The others behind him will have to wait their turn (AJ McCarron, Phillip Sims, Star Jackson).

 

[NYBamaFan]

I agree with BB, but expect McCarron to get quite a bit of playing time next year.

GMac has passed every test. What more could we ever want from a QB?

 

[AlexanderFan]

It all comes down to the mental aspect of the QB position. We all know that GMac has the mental capacity and toughness to play the position as he did this year. IF one of the other QBs on campus can grasp the system and pass the trial under fire that is playing QB in a live game then GMac will be passed rather quickly, as he does not possess the physical attributes of the QBs behind him (arm strength, height, etc.)

 

[Bamabuzzard]

Just watch how much better Gmac is next year now that he has a full season under his belt. 61% completion percentage 17 td's and only 4 ints ain't bad for a first year starter in the SEC.

It all comes down to the mental aspect of the QB position. We all know that GMac has the mental capacity and toughness to play the position as he did this year. IF one of the other QBs on campus can grasp the system and pass the trial under fire that is playing QB in a live game then GMac will be passed rather quickly, as he does not possess the physical attributes of the QBs behind him (arm strength, height, etc.)

 

[bamacon]

I agree with BB, but expect McCarron to get quite a bit of playing time next year.

GMac has passed every test. What more could we ever want from a QB?

Especially after seeing the BCSCG. I hope our backup has had a significant amount of game action. I just hope the 1st team gets them in position to do that. Something tells me they will.

 

[TideEngineer08]

Not only did Greg McElroy produce game changing plays from the QB position this year as well as go through his growing pains during the middle of the year to emerge as a stronger, wiser QB, if you watched any of the game highlight videos that caught some of his pregame talks with the team, you will know that he took over that offense and became its leader this year.

Obviously, guys like Mike Johnson, Colin Peek, Drew Davis and Roy Upchurch were leaders, but McElroy turned into a damn fine leader as well.

I don't see anyone supplanting him because he will only get better. I expect McCarron to play and I expect Sims to redshirt. Star Jackson is the wildcard. Does he storm back and take over the #2 spot? Anything can happen. Different players "get it" at different times in their career. I think that the QB position will be one of the most interesting spots to watch this spring, not necessarily because McElroy would see his starting spot challenged, but that the backups are all talented and the competition for #2 should be fierce.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

GMc will be hard indeed to unseat, but AJ has shown some excellent potential. I think that CNS will find it easier to insert him in games where we aren't in a blowout situation. I look for P. Sims to make some waves in the spring, but I think he RSs. B. Sims, if he still has offer and comes, will play another position, as he should...

Edit: Forgot S. Jackson. If he stays, I don't think he slides down below P. Sims, but, fortunately, a team seldom has to go to a third QB. I think he would play ahead of P. Sims, if that disaster should hit...

 

[AlexanderFan]

Just watch how much better Gmac is next year now that he has a full season under his belt. 61% completion percentage 17 td's and only 4 ints ain't bad for a first year starter in the SEC.

I'm in no way doubting GMac's ability, just saying that if the mental aspect is equal that the current backup would get the nod because of superior physical attributes.

I was ecstatic with GMac's play this year. He missed a few, to be sure, but that was expected with a first year starter. I would like for him to be more confident with the ball and a little quicker on his reads, and I think that will happen this year. I fully expect GMac to break the 3,000yd/20 td plateau next year and cement his name in Alabama history even further.

 

[derek4tide]

The Offseason has officially begun!


Will we go to white helmets this season???

 

[bodiddle]

No way Gmac will be passed!

 

[TIDE-HSV]

No way Gmac will be passed!

Yes, "way."

 

[briancm]

Yes, "way."

Interresting post.

 

[BamaFossil]

I'm in the "No way GMac is unseated" camp. I expect him to be even better in 2010 with a year under his belt. That being said, I do hope the backup can get some serious playing time.

And yes, I'm intrigued by Tide-HSV's post.

 

[Dartigan]

I guess there's some chance I'm wrong, but I'd almost swear I just saw Phillip Sims in University Mall in Tuscaloosa wearing an Alabama hat. He was with a group of guys wearing Alabama gear. Players frequently come in here, but they normally have a hoodie over their head so they're actually able to shop. I don't know how or why he'd be here yet... or maybe he has a twin brother, but the guy I saw looked JUST like this:

Does anyone know the status on P. Sims other than he's a solid verbal? Any reason he'd be in Tuscaloosa?

 

[mjstide]

I guess there's some chance I'm wrong, but I'd almost swear I just saw Phillip Sims in University Mall in Tuscaloosa wearing an Alabama hat. He was with a group of guys wearing Alabama gear. Players frequently come in here, but they normally have a hoodie over their head so they're actually able to shop. I don't know how or why he'd be here yet... or maybe he has a twin brother, but the guy I saw looked JUST like this:

Does anyone know the status on P. Sims other than he's a solid verbal? Any reason he'd be in Tuscaloosa?

he is an early enrolee so yes he would be here

 

[Dartigan]

he is an early enrolee so yes he would be here

Thanks. I somehow missed this thread.

 

[PacadermaTideUs]

I think next year, GMAC will easily still be the starter. I expect AJ to supplant Star as the #2. Star should hold on to #3, while Phillip redshirts.

In the long run, I think Phillip Sims probably has more potential and upside than any of the 4, but AJ is probably not too far behind.

I hate to say it, but I don't think Star will hold off Sims beyond next season. AJ and Sims may battle for the starting job in 2011-2012. Both should be exceptional.

 

[rammerjammer69]

Although it didn’t seem like it, this was Gmac’s 1st year to start, so I’d expect him to improve and be more consistent next year. I’d say he will start, but we also need to get AJ some meaningful snaps early. Had Gmac gone down early on, we would have obviously struggled with Star or AJ coming in so soon.

Whoever is at QB, one area we need to improve is the passing game, specifically route running and pass blocking. At times we looked great, but other times it was awful. We have to be more consistent and I’m interested to see how guys like K. Kelly, Bowman, and possibly K. Allen might shake things up some.

 

[J.E.B. Stuart]

. . . .

Obviously, guys like Mike Johnson, Colin Peek, Drew Davis and Roy Upchurch were leaders, but McElroy turned into a damn fine leader as well.

. . . .

What is so funny about this, is that Greg is a STRAIGHT A student except for ONE "B" at Bama. That B came in his LEADERSHIP class! :rolleye2: