Battle for Position at Alabama: Quarterback

Following today's Alabama day there is no doubt, that Greg McElroy, for better or worse, will be under center for the Crimson Tide this year.  This is even if you never heard Nick Saban say that was the case for the entire spring practice time.

Even though McElroy's performance, 16 of 30, for 189 yards and two touchdowns, led the crimson team to a win over the white in the A-Day game, it wasn't a performance that will send fans home all that comfortable with the future. The main reason was the yardage for the most part came from big plays and there are two picks to consider too.

With an only a decent game from Alabama's main signal caller, why would one consider the "battle" over? 

Two reasons: the first one is because Nick Saban said so, and number two is that neither backup looked near as impressive. 

Thomas Darrah, a walk on, looked like he has made the race for backup much tighter than expected. He was clearly better than Star Jackson, who many expected to have the backup slot sewn up. He was eight for 22 with a few drops and a total of 113 yards, he got the white team in the end-zone for their only TD and had no interceptions.

Jackson on the other hand was four for 13 with 53 yards. He had no real down field success at all, his passes were too high or short, he also had 2 picks. Clearly this was not the way he wanted to showcase his case for more playing time.

Jackson has had better days in practice, this was clearly a step backward for the QB that many thought could give McElroy a fighting opponent for consideration.

Overall, McElroy embodies some of the same qualities as John Parker Wilson, someone Saban was in love with. He's got a good head, manages a game well and won't lose a game.  Saban also likes Greg's work ethic and leadership. 

A long spring will make all three better, but the battle for starter is over. The number one quarterback is Greg McElroy.

The battle for number two will go on. Judging from the gossip, practice notes and, A-day game, I'd say Thomas Darrah is the backup and Star Jackson will be the third team QB.

As for a wild card, you could look at incoming freshman A.J. McCarron, but Saban has said he would like to red shirt him this season and start his grooming for future campaigns. 

So there you have it, number two in the series of "Battling for Position".  Next up, running backs.