Nick Saban Would Not Hesitate to Start a Freshman QB Like Blake Barnett

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) – Nick Saban says he wouldn’t hesitate to start a freshman quarterback if he’s Alabama’s best option, same as any other position.

Highly rated quarterback signee Blake Barnett has seven months to try to make his case as either the starter or the backup, beginning with spring practice. Age alone won’t keep him from the mix.

As Saban says, "If he’s the best player, why would we not play him?" Other five-star freshmen like Julio Jones, Trent Richardson and Cam Robinson have made huge impacts under Saban but it hasn’t happened for a quarterback.

Barnett and 2010 signee Phillip Sims are the highest rated passers Saban has brought to Alabama. Sims later transferred to Virginia.

Last season’s backup, Jake Coker, is presumably the favorite to replace Blake Sims.

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