Crimson Tide Hope John Parker Wilson's Experience Pays Off in 2008

Experienced senior quarterbacks have proven valuable in this conference, especially in recent memory.  Take a look at Chris Leak from Florida.  Coming into 2006, while highly touted for his athletic ability, Leak was still considered by many to be somewhat of an underachiever.  Much of the Gator nation was eager to see true freshman Tim Tebow take over the reigns.  But Urban Meyer thought otherwise, choosing instead to go with the experienced option.  The result?  Leak, the senior who had seen his share of ups and downs, capped off his career with a BCS Title.

What about Jason Campbell from Auburn in 2004?  Campbell, like Wilson, had been through a number of different offensive coordinators and had seen many disappointments in his career as a starting quarterback.  But in his final season, his poise and determination was unmatched, as he led the Auburn Tigers to a perfect season and an SEC Championship.

Now, that’s not to say that John Parker Wilson is going to lead Alabama to a national title or even a conference title in 2008.  But what it does prove is that having a veteran leader under center proves to be beneficial, particularly in the Southeastern Conference, where a new battle presents itself week in and week out.

Wilson won’t be alone in these battles, however.  A quarterback is only as good as the players around him, Wilson has the tools to be successful.  He has four of five returning starters on the offensive line to play behind, including All-SEC performers such as Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell.  He has a solid stable of running backs with Terry Grant, Glen Coffee, and Roy Upchurch. He has a bevy of talent and potential waiting in the wings at wide receiver.

The pieces are in place for Alabama’s senior quarterback.  The leadership, the courageous and selfless attitude, the experience, and the offensive weapons. Now it’s time to put it all together.  The past has been shaky, and the disappointments have been obvious.

When the Crimson Tide takes the field and prepares for what promises to be yet another ruthless and rugged football season, one of the guys expected to lead the way will be a battle-scarred senior quarterback who doesn’t know the meaning of the word “quit”.

And that is promising.

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