Nick Saban: Cooper Bateman leads Alabama QB competition

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Nick Saban says rising redshirt junior Cooper Bateman leads Alabama’s quarterback competition this spring, reports ESPN’s Chris Low.

“If we had to play today, it would probably be Cooper Bateman,” Saban said. “But we don’t have to play today.”

For the third consecutive preseason, the Crimson Tide are embroiled in a quarterback competition. This year, the battle is among Bateman, rising redshirt freshman Blake Barnett, rising sophomore David Cornwell and rising freshman Jalen Hurts.

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“Just like last year, we’re going to choose the guy who wins the team,” Saban said. “Some of our younger guys have a high ceiling, but how long does that take to develop?”

In six appearances at quarterback last season, Bateman completed 37 of 52 pass attempts for 291 yards and one touchdown, while also tossing two interceptions.

Alabama will play its A-Day spring game on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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