AJ McCarron's Future at the Capstone

[GMacFan]

How do yall predict AJ McCarron's future will unfold at the Capstone? I've heard a lot of great things about AJ but I can't help but feel that he's in an unforunate, or at least tricky, predicament with the commitment from Phillip Sims.

The most likely scenario next year is that he and Phillip will play behind GMac and push him to play better. One thing I really like is the stable of quarterbacks we have now, should provide a lot of healthy competition and result in three player that are better than they would've been without eachother. But after next year, AJ will be a redshirt sophomore competing for time against Sims, many feel was the best quarterback of his high school class and will have had a year in the system.

Now, if it does turn out that Saban feels AJ is the more ready of the two, which is a very likely scenario, and plays him over Sims, this presents a problem for the following year. AJ will gain more experience and maturity from a year starting than Sims will sitting on the bench any way you slice it, and if he has success on the field Saban will probably be more comfortable playing him the following year over Sims (AJ's redshirt junior year). I doubt that Sims is coming to the Capstone expecting to be riding than bench his redshirt sophomore year, and, in no disrespect to his character, I doubt he will be pleased in that position.

I think these kind of situations are great for the team, just tricky for some of the players involved. What do yall think is the most likely scenario? Cause it seems like many on the board are eager for AJ to take the reins, so just wondering.

 

[CapstoneGrad06]

I think A.J. will push McElroy very hard in the spring, but will most likely remain the back-up in the fall, unless Star Jackson see more improvement. Beyond that, it's hard to predict. I think spring practices in 2011 will be fun to watch, as A.J. McCarron, Star Jackson (if he stays), and Phillip Sims will all be battling for the starting QB spot.

 

[jeremy]

McElroy didnt start until his junior year either. Ive never been crazy about true freshman QBs anyway. Unless they are extremely talented, most QBs need at least a year to sit on the bench and develop. McCarron has a chance to be a redshirt sophmore when he gets the starting job. And Sims will likely end up being a redshirt junior when he starts. I really wanted to see Star Jackson do better though but hes kinda gotten lost in the mix.

 

[Dallas4Bama]

Its always amazing how quickly the qb at Alabama gets overlooked for the backup. Now we have a backup being overlooked for the true freshman. Pretty funny stuff.
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[Airborne Tider]

Its always amazing how quickly the qb at Alabama gets overlooked for the backup. Now we have a backup being overlooked for the true freshman. Pretty funny stuff.
Posted via Mobile Device

Happens every time.

 

[rgw]

It takes a special kind of quarterback to start as a true freshman. I think USC's Matt Barkley is that type of quarterback. Texas' Gilbert demonstrated that he would have likely been able to lead Texas to a solid season if he was the starter all year. Matt Stafford was that type of player for Georgia a few years ago. I think Jimmy Clausen was too. Also, remember that Colt McCoy started from game 1 as a true freshman at Texas.

That is not say that these guys didn't struggle but they were obviously ahead of the majority of the rising class of high school senior quarterbacks and were ready to at least manage a college offense from the get-go. It takes a greater deal of control from the offense staff to not put too much on his plate and add more responsibility as he shows he can handle it. Needless to say, it takes a talented team around the kid. Look at how Clausen struggled early on.

Anyway, my point is that Phillip Sims and AJ McCarron probably just aren't in that echelon coming out of high school. Sims is probably the closest to being physically ready, but McCarron was in need of some weight-room gains before seeing the field. It's rare to have a 18-year-old who can make all the throws, doesn't require any growth because he's already in a "college-ready body", and picks up on the offense immediately. McCarron might have had the offense down and the ability to make the throws...but was his physically ready this season?

 

[The3rdWalterLou]

McElroy has never lost a game. No way he loses his starting spot to anybody before next year. As long as he wins, he will start. Hopefully, CNS will make the wise decision and redshirt Phillip Sims. After next year, I see AJ starting for two or three years (depending on how well he does) and Phillip Sims starting after AJ leaves.

 

[rhYno]

Phillip Sims has one thing to say about McCarron's future: bleak.

 

[tidefanbeezer]

I think having Sims coming in will be great for McCarron. Competition will push McCarron to play better. You saw what he did this year competing with Star Jackson - made his way to the #2 slot on the depth chart. If Sims is as good as advertised, I think he'll force McCarron to be at the top of his game all the time.

Only good things will come of this.

 

[JohnnyCache]

Hmmm, smells like fresh TEASE title in here.

 

[bamaslammer]

You're over thinking it, Alabama is a national championship level program now, even if a QB starts one year he can easily launch an NFL career assuming he has the skills. As long as AJ and Sims are not in the same class they will both get their chance.

However recruiting never ends, only the best will rise to the top. If you wanted the easy road you don't play for Nick Saban.

 

[chuaner]

that's right. and i believe both of the players could lead our offense very well.

You're over thinking it, Alabama is a national championship level program now, even if a QB starts one year he can easily launch an NFL career assuming he has the skills. As long as AJ and Sims are not in the same class they will both get their chance.

However recruiting never ends, only the best will rise to the top. If you wanted the easy road you don't play for Nick Saban.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

From everything I've heard, AJ's future, barring injury, is very bright at the Capstone...

 

[Ole Man Dan]

Don't you think that CNS would not have moved McCarron to #2 before the Fl. game if he thought he was not ready to go. In the hoopla over McCoy going down in the Championship Game; we should not forget that CNS had a contingency plan to play A.J. if Greg went down...
Prediction:At Spring practice Greg #1, A.J.#2, and the battle is between Sims and Jackson for #3.
Sims may indeed catch up to A.J., before the season is over, and that's good.
AJ & Sims should keep Greg on his toes.
Star may have to accept a lesser roll. (Grant accepted the lesser roll this year)
QB should be a bright spot for us for the next couple of years.
:BigA:

 

[JohnnyCache]

Don't you think that CNS would not have moved McCarron to #2 before the Fl. game if he thought he was not ready to go. In the hoopla over McCoy going down in the Championship Game; we should not forget that CNS had a contingency plan to play A.J. if Greg went down...
Prediction:At Spring practice Greg #1, A.J.#2, and the battle is between Sims and Jackson for #3.
Sims may indeed catch up to A.J., before the season is over, and that's good.
AJ & Sims should keep Greg on his toes.
Star may have to accept a lesser roll. (Grant accepted the lesser roll this year)
QB should be a bright spot for us for the next couple of years.
:BigA:

Agreed. We may be looking at a situation where we have 1st, 2nd and 3rd string QB's who could be starters anywhere for the foreseeable future. And that could be said for a lot of positions. Smoke that stogy (the cigar, not the shoe), boys, it's going to be a fun ride.

 

[bonehouse81]

Phillip Sims has one thing to say about McCarron's future: bleak.

Obviously. Sims is ranked a few spots higher, right? :rolleye2:

This isn't Croyle vs. Pennington or something like that. Oh, and Sims hasn't had a single practice rep yet.

 

[Fury]

How do yall predict AJ McCarron's future will unfold at the Capstone? I've heard a lot of great things about AJ but I can't help but feel that he's in an unforunate, or at least tricky, predicament with the commitment from Phillip Sims.

The most likely scenario next year is that he and Phillip will play behind GMac and push him to play better. One thing I really like is the stable of quarterbacks we have now, should provide a lot of healthy competition and result in three player that are better than they would've been without eachother. But after next year, AJ will be a redshirt sophomore competing for time against Sims, many feel was the best quarterback of his high school class and will have had a year in the system.

Now, if it does turn out that Saban feels AJ is the more ready of the two, which is a very likely scenario, and plays him over Sims, this presents a problem for the following year. AJ will gain more experience and maturity from a year starting than Sims will sitting on the bench any way you slice it, and if he has success on the field Saban will probably be more comfortable playing him the following year over Sims (AJ's redshirt junior year). I doubt that Sims is coming to the Capstone expecting to be riding than bench his redshirt sophomore year, and, in no disrespect to his character, I doubt he will be pleased in that position.

I think these kind of situations are great for the team, just tricky for some of the players involved. What do yall think is the most likely scenario? Cause it seems like many on the board are eager for AJ to take the reins, so just wondering.

I think what A LOT of people are overlooking is that... this is, in general regard, a DOWN year for QB recruits. Sims really isn't any more touted than McCarron was coming out of high school. Many of the QB's ranked ahead of AJ last year, could be argued as the Top Overall QB this year (had they only been born a year later).

I know, Sims is a 5-Star on Scout. But stars are awarded based on rank within the recruiting class, not talent! The rank is established based on talent. But what happens when a a certain position is lacking in numbers? It's pretty understandable for "the tops" at the position to recieve a little bump in their rank because they are essentially a "rare commodity." (I also believe this year's top RB are very subpar to last year's top backs- maybe it's just a down year overall).

Anyway, look at the Scout 300 over the past few years... They all have QB's ranked in the Top 10, if not better. This year's 300 is different. Heaps is the #1 QB at an overall rank at #21 - Sims is ranked at #23.

Or, look at the Rival's 100, who usually does a better job of ranking/evaluating. Heaps is the #1 QB, ranked at #63 overall. Sims is a few spots behind at #67. How does this compare to other years? In last year's Rival's 100, there were FIVE QB's in the Top 60 players (including 3 in the Top-20 - TWO in the Top 5). There were also 5 QB's in the Top 60 of the '08 class, with Pryor #1 overall.

 

[iltidefan]

This is a nice problem to have. I dont see Greg losing his job this spring or at any point this season. I think that AJ will be our qb to start 2011 but I would expect Sims to push him. Saw someone posted about this years incoming qb class being down from years past and thats true but Sims still looks like he is a smart kid that will be a great player one day.
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[JDCrimson]

If we think that GMac can just maintain the same level of play and keep his job next season whether he is winning or never lost a game. I think we are mistaken at the expectation level Saban has for the team as a whole.

GMac is going to have to be more decisive and more explosive in the passing game next season because it appears that AJ maybe approaching him in knowledge of the system but has more physical tools. If AJ can move the ball and avoid turnovers I can see a scenario where he will play and play considerably.

I know that Julio had some injuries this season but we have to be more effective in getting him the ball and for some reason I am concerned that GMac is not as capable of rifling the ball in the window where Julio is open. Julio probably lacks that great separation speed that maybe a RMoss has but Julio can really do some damage across the middle and yards after the catch.

We now have the talent on hand at the QB position that we had back in the 60s and 70s where we could legitimately platoon QBs and see no drop off in performance or leadership. My expectation is that Saban view of a starter is based purely on their ability to play at a superior level and I doubt win-loss records of starters has little influence on his decisionmaking regarding who the starting QB is. This sort of philosophy is truly a professional culture in development.

CNS is so confident in his ability to continually recruit and development new talent that NO ONE will ever feel comfortable in their position as starter. Does this sound familiar to any of you out there over the age of 40?

 

[HighBrowCat]

I think what A LOT of people are overlooking is that... this is, in general regard, a DOWN year for QB recruits. Sims really isn't any more touted than McCarron was coming out of high school. Many of the QB's ranked ahead of AJ last year, could be argued as the Top Overall QB this year (had they only been born a year later).

I know, Sims is a 5-Star on Scout. But stars are awarded based on rank within the recruiting class, not talent! The rank is established based on talent. But what happens when a a certain position is lacking in numbers? It's pretty understandable for "the tops" at the position to recieve a little bump in their rank because they are essentially a "rare commodity." (I also believe this year's top RB are very subpar to last year's top backs- maybe it's just a down year overall).

Anyway, look at the Scout 300 over the past few years... They all have QB's ranked in the Top 10, if not better. This year's 300 is different. Heaps is the #1 QB at an overall rank at #21 - Sims is ranked at #23.

Or, look at the Rival's 100, who usually does a better job of ranking/evaluating. Heaps is the #1 QB, ranked at #63 overall. Sims is a few spots behind at #67. How does this compare to other years? In last year's Rival's 100, there were FIVE QB's in the Top 60 players (including 3 in the Top-20 - TWO in the Top 5). There were also 5 QB's in the Top 60 of the '08 class, with Pryor #1 overall.

Insightful analysis, Thanks for posting it.