2016 Season QB Thread

[Matt0424]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

I'm curious what the big question is about the arm strength of Bateman. Through 2 scrimmages this year there have been no reports of Bateman having inadequate arm strength. Bateman was the #2 QB all last year and is the #1 QB right now. Do you think CNS would recruit a QB who couldn't make all the throws necessary to run the offense? Would CNS and CLK have Bateman as the #1 QB (AT THIS POINT) if he wasn't capable of making all the throws?

Being able to make "all the throws" isn't something you predicate really recruitment on.There are a ton of throws Bateman never would/will have to make at Alabama.

Why people question his arm strength is because he has the "weakest" (and I use that term lightly) arm of any of the four guys in the competition. I don't think that matters, though, because he won't be asked to do anything that doesn't suit him.

Bateman isn't a chump. He was a highly regarded prospect out of high school.

Yes, and No.

He was one of the highest rated QB's, yes. His biggest detracting factor by recruiting services was the level of competition he played. He was on a decent team (not great, as I'm pretty sure they didn't win their classification), playing typically poor competition.

Much like Cornwell out of HS, he was still a slightly unknown entity.

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[RTR91]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

I think people are comparing him to the other qbs on our team, in which it might not be as a big of a problem as people think. I think the real concern is that Bateman has appeared to be the best qb in practice for the last two years according to reporters, some REC, and some praise by CNS, but for whatever reason you never see it on the field. But then again how many times have we seen a qb suddenly turn the corner after "meh" backup performances.

Am I forgetting something? I don't recall hearing any talk of him being the best QB last year. Matter of fact, he moved to WR last spring to add depth after Cam Sims went down.

Last spring the talk was about Cornwell pushing Coker and Barnett impressing while Alec Morris plays the role of "most experienced option that won't take any risks and turn the ball over" candidate. Then, we get the talk of Cornwell having off the field issues causing him to drop down the list when fall camp arrived.

 

[CrimsonForce]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

Being able to make "all the throws" isn't something you predicate really recruitment on.There are a ton of throws Bateman never would/will have to make at Alabama.

Why people question his arm strength is because he has the "weakest" (and I use that term lightly) arm of any of the four guys in the competition. I don't think that matters, though, because he won't be asked to do anything that doesn't suit him.

Yes, and No.

He was one of the highest rated QB's, yes. His biggest detracting factor by recruiting services was the level of competition he played. He was on a decent team (not great, as I'm pretty sure they didn't win their classification), playing typically poor competition.

Much like Cornwell out of HS, he was still a slightly unknown entity.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

You left part of my statement off in your response. My OP said "make all the throws necessary to run the offense." I would think CNS would base his recruitment of a QB on being able to make the throws to run our offense. That doesn't mean Bateman can make every throw on the field but that CNS saw him make the pertinent throws to run our offense. I don't think there are passing plays that will have to be removed from play calling if Bateman is the QB. That's all that really matters. Can Bateman (or whoever) run the offense the way the coaches want to..

 

[81usaf92]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

Am I forgetting something? I don't recall hearing any talk of him being the best QB last year. Matter of fact, he moved to WR last spring to add depth after Cam Sims went down.

Last spring the talk was about Cornwell pushing Coker and Barnett impressing while Alec Morris plays the role of "most experienced option that won't take any risks and turn the ball over" candidate. Then, we get the talk of Cornwell having off the field issues causing him to drop down the list when fall camp arrived.

In the spring he wasn't because Cornwell was believed to be a suitable alternative to Coker, but In the fall the there were quite a lot mixed reports in which some said Bateman was getting a considerable amount of love over Coker. The only time Morris got a lot of attention was between a scrimmage and for the few days Coker was hurt. Cornwell's appeal died off right when fall practice started, and for that matter barnett's kinda lessened as the days went on.

In 14 there were quiet a few heads turned in the fall by Bateman as well, it was not as jumbled up between so many qbs that year.

 

[KrAzY3]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

Couple things: I think it's just a matter of time until we see a guy like Hurts or Barnett as a QB at Bama under CNS. The Blake Sims project was proof that CNS is willing to go dual threat

I think one could argue he's wanted to go dual threat for a while. It's been mentioned but going back to Fanuzzi he was looking at QBs with running ability. It's probably more fate than anything else that most the starters didn't end up having mobility.

I'm curious what the big question is about the arm strength of Bateman. Through 2 scrimmages this year there have been no reports of Bateman having inadequate arm strength. Bateman was the #2 QB all last year and is the #1 QB right now. Do you think CNS would recruit a QB who couldn't make all the throws necessary to run the offense?

I'm going to rehash things, but I think you really have to take a step back to get perspective on this. Bateman was part of a desperation class of QBs. Alabama had Phillip Sims and had a pretty good shot at Jameis Winston, along with an entrenched starter. They hadn't been recruiting the position especially hard given the situation.

Then Phillip Sims transferred, Alabama didn't get Winston, and it honestly seemed like Alabama was doing anything they could get build depth. First they took a commit from McLeod, which to me at the time seemed like just taking the best they could get. He, like the Alec Morris addition looked like someone there primarily because they needed someone at the position. Then things got interesting when Alabama landed Bateman, who was a pretty highly rated prospect but not really high on anyone's radar. He was a Utah commit if I recall correctly, and despite a fairly high ranking he seemed to be kind of on the fringe of being a big prospect at the position. Alabama wasn't done yet though and Luke Del Rio walked on as a highly ranked 3 star.

The thing is from that point on it was Luke who impressed the most. He ended up third on the depth chart despite being unable to play due to walk-on rules. At this point Bateman just faded away. It wasn't that he was bad, he just exited the conversation almost completely. There was a QB battle between Sims and Coker, Coker had the early lead, Sims ended up taking the job without Bateman being a factor. A lot of us wrote him off completely, kind of like Alec Morris only to see him emerge last season.

So why the doubts? What gives? Well, for one he didn't hit the ground running. The other is that while we can argue he should have potential, he's probably shown the least of it of the major candidates for the job. We know he can run, this is documented. However, he's never done it in a game. Can he throw the deep pass? I knew Sims could, I said he could, but people have claimed Bateman has a "pop gun arm" and his career long at Alabama is a 31 yard pass. In some ways he's mirrored Blake Sims. He was tried at WR, Blake was tried at RB. Neither had any deep passes in games (up until Blake started). The difference here and it's key, is Blake did run the ball and Bateman hasn't. Also, I saw Blake throw the deep ball, I haven't seen Cooper do it. It doesn't help that there was a lot of doom and gloom at some points in the fall last season, where it was reported that none of the quarterbacks looked good.

To add to the confusion, the notion of Bateman being able to run has really been a fairly recent thing. He was pro-style and not viewed as a runner coming out of high school. Part of writing him off was just, oh his arm isn't really that great and we moved on. He's just really hard to get a good read on. He has a lot of things I think he has to prove before people are going to look at him differently.

Last spring the talk was about Cornwell pushing Coker and Barnett impressing while Alec Morris plays the role of "most experienced option that won't take any risks and turn the ball over" candidate. Then, we get the talk of Cornwell having off the field issues causing him to drop down the list when fall camp arrived.

Well Saban himself has said he thought Cornwell would be the guy coming out of fall. So I guess that sums things up as well as anything. Even with his role as second string, Bateman appeared to kind of back into it. All we got was talk that one of the two (Kiffin or Saban) preferred him over Coker.

It's a really interesting and somewhat contradictory situation. In the previous two years, and even in the AJ/Phillip battle, experience won. However! Based on what we have read, it was Coker not Sims who lead coming out of spring (edit: got a bit mixed up, the lead was only in people's minds heh), and Cornwell not Coker that lead coming out of spring last year. So with Bateman apparently in the lead, it's odd because we are to either expect things to change like they have, or for the experienced guy to get the job like they have.

 

[CrimsonForce]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

For those doubting the arm strength of Bateman please watch this highlight video. Just watch the first pass if you want. The first pass is an 80 yard bomb he hits the WR in stride. The second pass is equally impressive. Also, I would imagine his arm has gotten a little stronger since his senior year of high school..

 

[RTR91]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

I think one could argue he's wanted to go dual threat for a while. It's been mentioned but going back to Fanuzzi he was looking at QBs with running ability. It's probably more fate than anything else that most the starters didn't end up having mobility.

Exactly right. It's been more fate than want in regards to the quarterbacks Alabama has signed under Saban. BB8 was the first true mobile QB to sign under Saban, but he wasn't the first one Saban recruited.

Well Saban himself has said he thought Cornwell would be the guy coming out of fall. So I guess that sums things up as well as anything. Even with his role as second string, Bateman appeared to kind of back into it. All we got was talk that one of the two (Kiffin or Saban) preferred him over Coker.

It's a really interesting and somewhat contradictory situation. In the previous two years, and even in the AJ/Phillip battle, experience won. However! Based on what we have read, it was Coker not Sims who lead coming out of spring, and Cornwell not Coker that lead coming out of spring last year. So with Bateman apparently in the lead, it's odd because we are to either expect things to change like they have, or for the experienced guy to get the job like they have.

Coker was in school during spring 2014. How could you forget since you participated so much in the Sims-Coker talk?

 

[BamaMoon]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

For those doubting the arm strength of Bateman please watch this highlight video. Just watch the first pass if you want. The first pass is an 80 yard bomb he hits the WR in stride. The second pass is equally impressive. Also, I would imagine his arm has gotten a little stronger since his senior year of high school..

I watched about 5 minutes of the video and it cuts both ways. Sure, he threw the ball on that first play 60 yards in the air. It may or may not matter that he was rolling out and then took two steps to get his feet under him and throw it. Doubt he'll get that type of time in the SEC but to give credit he made the throw.

However, in 5 minutes I didn't see one ball thrown on a rope. Mostly touch passes. Against slow defensive backs. I wonder if those teams could beat Hoovers middle school team.

I know you've mentioned the point a few times about his arm not being "bad," but his arm doesn't appear to be his strength. Can it be adequate? Probably. Can it make many of the throws our offense requires? For sure. But, if he wins the job CLK will have to dial back some of the throws Coker and even Sims were called to make. JMO.

 

[KrAzY3]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

Coker was in school during spring 2014. How could you forget since you participated so much in the Sims-Coker talk?

Heh, a lot of QBs, transfers, and what not to keep up with. But yes you're right, he had to graduate from FSU before he could transfer and didn't arrive until the fall. What I was thinking of, was Coker lead early on in the fall scrimmages, and then Sims overtook him. My bad. I just had it in my head that both times the guy who ended up with the job appeared to trail at one point.

 

[GrayTide]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

We really don't know if any of our QBs would be successful running against SEC defenses.

 

[TiderJack]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

Bateman isn't a chump. He was a highly regarded prospect out of high school.

This^^^^. Bateman was in the Elite 11 but did not win. I thought his arm strength was really good coming out of HS and don't think anything has changed. Obviously not Coker's arm but not bad either.

 

[Sabanizer]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

This^^^^. Bateman was in the Elite 11 but did not win. I thought his arm strength was really good coming out of HS and don't think anything has changed. Obviously not Coker's arm but not bad either.

Bateman was underwhelming after his Junior year recruiting in season and camps, like many of our QB recruits the past few years. But the fact remains that he was a top recruit and has had several years in the system. I am starting to get the feeling that it is his job to lose as a Junior. If that is that is the case, I hope that Blake is OK starting a couple of years and not transferring. I am worried about the 190lbs. Cooper reminds me of Watts, and Watts was ok in my book. Overratted, but had a good arm and good legs......and had guts. I think it will be Cooper. I have done a 360.

 

[CRMSNtide]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

Some of the greatest QBs didn't have the most impressive arm talent, like Joe Montana.
Release, accuracy and timing can go a long way.

Bateman seems to have enough arm if the other parts of his game are solid.

I really loved watching Coker last year, the guy had a howitzer, as a fan i do like a strong armed QB.
It's not always necessary though.

 

[BAMAfan777]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

Maybe we should start a seperate Quarterback thread gentlemen?

 

[rgw]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

Bateman was underwhelming after his Junior year recruiting in season and camps, like many of our QB recruits the past few years. But the fact remains that he was a top recruit and has had several years in the system. I am starting to get the feeling that it is his job to lose as a Junior. If that is that is the case, I hope that Blake is OK starting a couple of years and not transferring. I am worried about the 190lbs. Cooper reminds me of Watts, and Watts was ok in my book. Overratted, but had a good arm and good legs......and had guts. I think it will be Cooper. I have done a 360.

I think he's 205-210 now. Not big for a QB admittedly.

 

[Sabanizer]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

I think he's 205-210 now. Not big for a QB admittedly.

That is good to hear. I like that coach Saban lets the team chemistry choose the quarterback, it served us well the past 2 years with 2 SEC's. My gut, as an outsider, says that it will be hard for Blake to beat out a determined, 2 or 3 year older Cooper Bateman. I do not hold the Ole Miss game against Bateman. Ole Miss has been historically weak, but that was one of the most talented and well coached teams we played last year. Not a good game to get thrown in to. I am sure he would have played much better if he had had a few games under the belt. I am confident that Cooper can get the job done. Watching the film, he just looks stronger than Blake. He has talent, no doubt. I am ready for the Barnett era, but Bateman could be a very fun quarterback, like Watts. He does not have the cannon of Coker, which Blake has. Either way, I am happy lol

 

[LA4Bama]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

If somebody has more knowledge on this then please correct me, but my idea about last year is based more on a kind of feeling or hunch that the reason it took so long to decide on a starting QB was due to a division between Saban and Kiffin. I imagined Kiffin placing more value in the mobility of Bateman than Saban. And Saban maybe placing less value on mobility but preferring experience. This year the more moblie guy is the more experienced guy... advantage Bateman

 

[Alasippi]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

We really don't know if any of our QBs would be successful running against SEC defenses.

Take a look at the arm and the legs. And the incredibly quick release, the fastest release I've seen since Namath, possibly Stabler, and the accuracy. This kid can send it, and on target.
He also runs like a cheetah with the football.
Look out for this youngster. I'm not saying he'll start, but if he can do it why not?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpp8wTMwbYc

 

[Sabanizer]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

If somebody has more knowledge on this then please correct me, but my idea about last year is based more on a kind of feeling or hunch that the reason it took so long to decide on a starting QB was due to a division between Saban and Kiffin. I imagined Kiffin placing more value in the mobility of Bateman than Saban. And Saban maybe placing less value on mobility but preferring experience. This year the more moblie guy is the more experienced guy... advantage Bateman

My gut says that it took Jake a long time to win the team over due to his passive personality, and it had to be done on the battle field. And yes, Bateman was seen as more like Sims. Another things against Jake was being a senior, one year and gone. To me Jake's season was like my day, it takes me two hours to wake up and then I am on fire. And I get angered and wake up faster if pushed.....and he was pushed in the Ole Miss game. Either they underestimated his arm, Kiffin just did a great job, or both. I will never know why he was pulled for that game.

Edit: And I put in another post, I do not think what we saw from Bateman reflects his talents. Bad team to be called into action cold, and the play calling did not match his strengths. I believe Cooper is a lot better than many believe because of that game.

We were a cluster f after that game, and coach Saban's process kicked in and it all worked itself out. This was Saban's finest season imo.

Strongly believe Luke would have started in 2014 and 2015 if not for Nuss and Jack Del Rio being such good friends. The trade off would have been no Kiffin. I think the results speak for bringing KIffin over Del Rio leaving. He is back with Nuss now at Florida. And Bama and Florida are similar, the quarterback just needs to not make mistakes and get the ball to the open receiver, there will be an open receiver.

 

[Ole Man Dan]

Re: Spring Practice Thread (Interviews, Press Conferences, Practice Reports)

IMO: Other factors to consider is which QBs have won the team over.
To some extent these guys are all leaders, question is who do our receivers have the most confidence in to get them the ball. Which QB makes the least mistakes.
LASTLY... Game on the line who can take the game on their shoulders and drive down the field for a winning TD?

If I knew the answer to these questions I'd be making $10,000,000/year and own a string of luxury car dealerships. Obviously none of us know the answers, so we rely on Coach Saban. The best football coach in America. (I didn't say College Football Coach, I SAID THE BEST COACH)