Spring practice is over and there are many major programs that still have undecided quarterbacks to lead their teams. Headed into spring there are many quarterback battles that are going to have national title implications. Alabama, Texas A&M, and LSU have yet to name a starting quarterback. Clemson, USC, and Texas named theirs during Media Week.
LSU TIGERS
The Competitors: Anthony Jennings (SO), Brandon Harris (FR).
Legion Prediction Post Spring Game: There was a tremendous amount of hype and excitement headed into this spring game for LSU fans. The sole reason was signal-caller Brandon Harris. Sophomore Anthony Jennings headed into the spring game as the favorite for the starting position but that all changed afterwards. Coach Cam Cameron was quoted saying “I think mobility is something we like in a quarterback. You gotta have almost that sixth sense or that third eye to know when to tuck it and run and obviously Brandon has that ability.” Freshman Brandon Harris went for 11-28, 205 yards 3 TD; 6 CAR, 76 YDS 1 TD. The kid really showed the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Meanwhile Anthony Jennings went 9-17, 157 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INT and looked to be completely rattled. Les Miles has not named a starter yet, but I am positive that is it going to be freshman Brandon Harris.
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
The competitors: Blake Sims (SR), Cooper Bateman (RS-FR), Jacob Coker (TR-JR).
Legion Prediction Post Spring Game: How is it possible for Alabama to be a co-favorite with Florida State to win the national championship, yet they still do not have a named starting quarterback? Nick Saban is the reason why and with the addition of Offensive Coordinator Lane Kiffin; the loaded roster could easily run the table. Jacob Coker probably had the best spring game performance and he didn’t even suit up as he is recovering from meniscus surgery stemming late last season. Senior Blake Sims completed 13 of 30 for 178 yards, 1 TD with 2 INT. Freshman Cooper Bateman was 11-24 for 156 yards and 1 TD. Of the two, Bateman had the better performance although both quarterbacks did not really make an impression. This position is Jacob Coker’s to lose. He battled Jameis Winston all the way into spring practice last season for the starting position at Florida State. At 6’5’’ 230lbs Jacob Coker has size, mobility, and arm strength. The kid is the total package and has an absolute cannon. Coker will be the starter for the Tide after fall practices.
TEXAS A&M AGGIES
The Competitors: Kenny Hill (SO), Kyle Allen (FR).
Legion Prediction Post Spring Game: Due to the $450 million renovation there was no spring game for the Aggies this season. This competition is going to come down to the decision of Kevin Sumlin and Offensive Coordinator Jake Spavital and the direction of how they want the offense to be ran. Kenny Hill is 6’2, 210-pound sophomore is a dual threat quarterback who can offer a running threat as Manziel did. If the offense is going to be run like it was when Johnny was there, it is going to be in favor of Kenny Hill. Hill was arrested for public intoxication and was suspended for the remainder of spring practice. However, he has some experience from last season and had been in the system for a year. That alone could be enough to win the starting role. Kyle Allen is a 6’3 200-pound pocket passer who was the top ranked high school quarterback in the country in 2014. Allen was an early enrollee and was able to participate in spring practices with A&M this year. He threw for 8,201 yards, 86 TD and 66% completion percentage in his high school career. Although Allen is going to have the edge headed into fall season, Kenny Hill gives the Aggies the best chance to win early. Hill will be the starter for Week 1 but if play isn’t up to par then look for Allen to step in immediately.
OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS
The Competitors: J.W. Walsh (RS-JR), Mason Rudolph (FR), Daxx Garman (RS-JR).
Legion Prediction Post Spring Game: Oklahoma State also did not have a spring game this year, but they held a scrimmage called Orange Blitz. J.W. Walsh has the most experience of any the quarterbacks on the roster, but that might not be enough for him to win the starting position in the fall. Walsh has limited arm strength that prohibits him from getting the ball down the field and also has shown poor decision making at times. Mason Rudolph is coming in with a lot of hype. He threw for 4,377 yards and 64 touchdowns as a senior at Northwestern High in Rock Hill, S.C., while leading his team to a state championship. He showed his arm strength in the spring practice with a 55-yard touchdown pass to Blake Webb. His arm strength itself could be enough to take him into number 1 position before Week 1 if he is capable of grasping the offense. Daxx Garman has not played competitively in almost five years. It is a long shot, but former Cowboy quarterback, Brandon Weeden, has said that Garman can “flat-out spin it” and also stated that he “looks good” in the pocket. Garman missed spring final practice due to a knee injury that is not serious. J.W. Walsh is going to be the starting quarterback simply because he gives them the best chance to win early in the season. The “winner” of this battle gets defending champion Florida State in Week 1.
Other Notable Quarterback Battles:
- Miami Hurricanes
- Arizona Wildcats
- Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Southern California
- North Carolina
- Louisville Cardinals