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SEC Football Spring Preview: 10 biggest questions and storylines

By Patrick Schmidt

Sep 5, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Cooper Bateman (18) in game action against the Wisconsin Badgers at AT&T Stadium. Alabama won 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Cooper Bateman (18) in game action against the Wisconsin Badgers at AT&T Stadium. Alabama won 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Barnett (6) runs onto the field before playing against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Barnett (6) runs onto the field before playing against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Who is Alabama’s best quarterback?

Jake Coker played his best football in his last two games for the Crimson Tide as he helped lead the team to wins over Michigan State and Clemson in the College Football Playoff after a so-so regular season. Coker wasn’t asked to do a lot with Derrick Henry behind him and one of the best defenses in the country, but his successor will be asked to shoulder a bigger load.

It wasn’t long ago that Cooper Bateman was experimenting playing wide receiver after coming to Tuscaloosa as one of the nation’s top passers. He will get the first crack at winning the starting job over David Cornwell and redshirt freshman Blake Barnett.

Barnett has the most upside and brings a dual-threat to the offense with his ability to pick up yards with his feet, but will Saban be able to trust him with so little in-game experience? Barnett is the upside play, Bateman is the safe choice and Cornwell may have the most arm talent.

Expect the competition to last into fall practice and possibly into the regular season as Saban has allowed the process to play out into the season the last two years with Coker and Bateman last year and Coker and Blake Sims in 2014.

Next: Who replaces Derrick Henry?

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