By Adam Abramson
The fruits of Nick Saban are beginning to blossom in Tuscaloosa.
The Tide coach is putting together one of the most impressive recruiting classes in the country in just his second offseason. One of his crucial verbal commitments is quarterback Star Jackson of Lake Worth, Fla.
And after a 7-6 season, a fresh start on the offensive side of the ball could be what Saban is looking for.
John Parker Wilson took almost every snap at quarterback this season, posting middle-of-the-road numbers. Actually, considering he's the starting quarterback at Alabama, they're not even close to good enough. Wilson completed 55% of his 462 attempts with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions (he did have five touchdowns on the ground, as well).
Those numbers are actually down from the 2006 season, his first as the starter.
Wilson will be a senior this year, but Saban is trying to restore the Tide to its powerhouse status as quickly as possible. With a quarterback depth chart full of young options, Parker might not finish his career as he hopes.
In addition, the departure of Major Applewhite on Wednesday could mean major changes for the offense and quarterback position. Applewhite, Saban's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, is headed to where he played quarterback in college, the University of Texas, to coach the running backs.
The 2008 will feature Wilson, a sophomore, redshirt freshman and Jackson. The high-profile QB prospect said Applewhite's departure has no bearing on where he'll be next fall.
Redshirt sophomore Greg McElroy comes out of Carroll High School, the same program as Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel. There were rumors at the end of this season that McElroy was looking to transfer, but he put those to rest saying "I'm at Alabama to stay."
In his first year on the depth chart, McElroy attempted nine passes, completing eight -- one for a touchdown. Unlike the guy he took over for at Carroll, you will rarely see McElroy tuck the ball and take off out of the pocket. But he has a cannon arm and great timing/touch on intermediate and deep routes.
Also on the depth chart is another Texan in Nick Fanuzzi. The 6'3, 200-pound redshirt freshman is a dual threat guy, but he looks to pass first, and he throws a very nice ball. He had his choice of Bama, Miami, Michigan State and Purdue amongst others, but landed in Tuscaloosa.
With Jackson coming in and so much youth on the depth chart, someone's going to be left disappointed. Check two, two guys are (three if Wilson is supplanted).
As for Jackson, he's everything that coaches for in the new-age quarterback. He has a strong arm and has no problem slinging it around the field. And when things break down, he's a fantastic scrambler. On film (first clip above), you can see he has a lot of upside, but a lot of work to do as well. If you watch the video, you can see he has no problem going through reads, but the touch on his deep ball can use a little work. Also, he's a little thin for SEC football, in my opinion. A year at the dining halls and in the strength and conditioning program could do him well. But he has big-time written all over him.
It's tough to say how this QB race will end up because there's so many options. Wilson should go into the spring and fall listed as the starter, but on a very short leash.
Applewhite wanted to implement a spread at UA like he ran at Rice, but Saban wasn't budging from a pro-style offense. Is Saban waiting to get the right personnel in place? If so, Wilson and McElroy could be on the outside looking in, leaving Jackson and Fanuzzi to duke it out. I wouldn't be surprised to see Saban wait on drastically adjusting the offense until his personnel can settle in and mature some (physically and mentally).
So, Wilson on the short leash with McElroy ready to jump in if necessary. If McElroy gets his shot and keeps completing 88% of his passes (ha), I don't think you'll see the pro-style offense go anywhere.
This race is one definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Other 2008 Quarterback Controversies
Monday - Southern California
Tuesday - Virginia Tech
Wednesday - Penn State
Thursday - Alabama