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Jake Coker expected to start at QB for Alabama vs. Wisconsin

By Patrick Schmidt

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Alabama released their depth chart in advance of their season opener and Jake Coker is the first of three quarterbacks named on the first team.

Jake Coker was expected to be the Alabama Crimson Tide starting quarterback last year after transferring from Florida State as a grad transfer, but after Blake Sims beat him out, he was relegated to clipboard duty the rest of the year.

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Fast forward to 2015 where Coker failed to separate himself from the competition that included Alec Morris, Cooper Bateman, David Cornwell and true freshman Blake Barnett in spring practice leading to questions if he could be ready for the season opener. The door was open for someone to step up and win the job in fall camp but Nick Saban is waiting for someone to win over the team, which is why he has a three-man tie at the top of the depth chart.

Saban lists his QB1 as Jake Coker/Cooper Bateman/Alec Morris, which suggests Coker is the starter, but he may have a short leash if he struggles early against the Badgers and Bateman and/or Morris can come in relief to see if they can spark the team.

It’s not a great sign to be this close to the season and not see Coker separate himself from Bateman who was being converted to wide receiver a few months ago before that plan was halted. Coker is the oldest and most experienced, but I’m not sure if he’s the most talented and if he’s capable of leading the team behind him.

Being a great quarterback is as much about the intangibles and leadership as it is about arm strength and accuracy, so if Coker comes out flat in the opener that may be his first and only chance to start for Alabama.

If you’re Saban who are you rolling out under center in the opener?

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