Alabama has plenty of quarterback news going on today. In addition to AJ McCarron not attending the Senior Bowl, Luke Del Rio , son of Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, has announced he will not be returning to the Crimson Tide in 2014.
“I had an incredible year at Bama, it’s sad to say that it will be my last,” Del Rio said on Twitter Wednesday. “I’m excited for the next chapter of my life and what it will bring, but I will always admit that Bama has the BEST fans in the nation, so much love and support through thick and thin.”
According to TideSports.com, Del Rio previously was extended scholarship offers by Oklahoma State, Oregon State and Colorado State before accepting an offer from Alabama. Whether or not those schools remain options for a transfer is anyone’s guess at this stage.
Unlike Texas Tech’s quarterback situation, Alabama seems to have options to work with starting this spring.
Del Rio took a redshirt in 2013, so he would be immediately eligible to play in the 2014 season if playing time was available or offered by another FBS program. The only other quarterback to attempt a pass for Alabama in 2013 was Blake Sims, who served as McCarron’s back-up all season. Sims figures to be the early favorite to take a lead in a spring quarterback competition for Alabama. Alec Morris also appeared in a game against Chattanooga, but the level of experience for the Crimson Tide under center after three solid years with McCarron leading the offense is relatively raw.
Another player to keep an eye on in the spring will be freshman David Cornwell. the pro-style quarterback is a four-star recruit out of Oklahoma that should be worthy of stepping in to the competition. If Nick Saban’s past is any indication, he will have little hesitation naming a young player his starting quarterback if he believes he is ready to take the lead on the field. That is exactly what he did with McCarron, and that worked out pretty well.
