Alabama Football Recruiting: Breaking Down Top QB Options for 2013 Class

On the heels of bringing in the nation’s top recruiting class in February, Nick Saban has stockpiled talent on Alabama's roster at nearly every position—except quarterback. 

With AJ McCarron entering his junior season and the Crimson Tide having only two additional freshman quarterbacks on scholarship (although running back Blake Sims could be switching to quarterback), the depth chart should look enticing to at least one of the dozen quarterbacks offered by the Crimson Tide thus far. 

After the transfer of heralded backup signal-caller Phillip Sims two weeks ago, the need to land a quality field general in the 2013 class has moved up the priority list for the Crimson Tide staff. 

While several of their offered targets have made commitments to other schools, there are still a number of viable options that could end up in Tuscaloosa to join the battle to become McCarron’s eventual successor. 

Here are four possible quarterbacks that could end up in the 2013 Crimson Tide class.  

Cooper Bateman

The 6’3”, 195-pound Bateman is rated as a four-star pro-style quarterback and the number 48 prospect in the country according to 247 Sports. 

Although the Salt Lake City native is considering the home-state Utes and fellow Pac-12 member Washington, the rest of his top schools—Alabama, Auburn, LSU and Florida—reside in the SEC.

According to Justin Hopkins of 247 Sports, Bateman is closing in on a decision—but not before he gets a chance to check out Tuscaloosa for a second time. 

If new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier can reel in a pledge from Bateman, it could go a long way towards helping the Crimson Tide close in on another top-ranked class next February.

Riley Ferguson

Ferguson has been on the Crimson Tide’s radar for some time—and his visit to Tuscaloosa for the A-Day game made a lasting impression on the Matthews, NC, native. 

According to Charles Power of 247 Sports, Ferguson is planning a return trip to the Capstone next month.

ESPN rates Ferguson as the 94th best player in the nation and the eighth-best pro-style quarterback in the class of 2013. 

As a junior, Ferguson completed more than 66 percent of his passes for 3,345 yards and 48 touchdowns at Butler High School in the Charlotte area.  

Mitch Trubisky

Trubisky is another out-of-state signal-caller that made the trek from northern Ohio to take in Alabama’s A-Day game last month.

The trip went well enough for the dual-threat signal-caller to place Alabama in his current group of top schools, where it joins the likes of Ohio State, Michigan State and Tennessee on his short list.

Given Nussmeier’s success with dual-threat quarterbacks like Jake Locker and Keith Price at Washington, the attraction between Trubisky and the Crimson Tide could grow as the process moves forward.

Trubisky accounted nearly 4,500 yards of total offense and 53 total touchdowns (41 passing, 12 rushing) in his junior season.  

Ryan Buchanan

Buchanan is the only quarterback on this list without an offer from Alabama, but that could change sooner than later.

In an interview with GatorBait.net’s Luke Stampini, Buchanan stated he will make his way to Tuscaloosa next month.

“I’ll probably go to Alabama’s camp,” Buchanan said.  “They’ve been talking about an offer once I throw at their camp.”

SEC rivals Auburn, Florida, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Mississippi State have all extended offers to one of the fastest-rising prospects in the southeast. 

Should Alabama jump into the mix with an offer, they will likely be a major player for the services of the Flowood, MS, native. 

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