Alabama QB Ely Transfers to Toledo
Former Alabama QB Phillip Ely decided to transfer away from the program to pursue playing opportunities at Toledo. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Reserve Alabama QB Phillip Ely has decided to leave the program and transfer to Toledo.
Don’t shed too many tears for Alabama. With the way coach Nick Saban recruits, the program won’t be hurting for quarterbacks when A.J. McCarron leaves. Al.com’s Don Kausler Jr. reports Blake Sims and Alec Morris are competing for the QB2 spot.
Playing sparingly in the spring game provided all the evidence Ely needed to realize he had fallen well behind in the quarterback competition. Now he will move to the MAC, where he can contribute starting in 2014. He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Perhaps the most compelling part of this story is Saban’s willingness to help his players find better opportunities. Ely said Saban played a supportive role in his decision to transfer to Toledo.
This only adds goodwill on the recruiting trail for Saban. It effectively delivers the message that players have a shot to come in and compete for a starting position on the best program in the nation. If they fall short while trying their best, Saban will help them go somewhere they can contribute and get a new opportunity.
The novel approach will serve Saban well on the recruiting trail. Rival programs often use the best teams’ overwhelming depth against them, saying they won’t have a chance to play until they become upperclassmen – if at all. Programs in rebuilding mode, especially, sell the opportunity to play right away and be part of a group to lift the team into national prominence.
Playing for Saban, this move indicates, allows players to have their metaphorical cake and eat it, too.
Nobody accuses Saban of making thoughtless, non-calculated decisions. Whether this one is designed to help on the recruiting trail or not, though, it clearly indicates his willingness to do what’s best for at least some of the players who commit to him.