A.J. McCarron: Alabama's Big-Time Backup

How often does a redshirt freshman quarterback challenge an undefeated senior for playing time?

It's basically unheard of.

Believe it or not, it is happening at Alabama, where hotshot A.J. McCarron is pushing the accomplished Greg McElroy for meaningful snaps. 

Bama fans got their first look at McCarron at Alabama's annual spring game, where McCarron tore the field up and made perfect throws. McElroy played fairly well but threw an interception.

To cap off his great performance, McCarron threw a 39 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Gibson to win the game.

McCarron was originally a heavily recruited four-star quarterback who chose Alabama over Miami and others.

Last year, during the 2009 season, coach Nick Saban announced prior to the LSU game that if McElroy went down with an injury that McCarron would step in to replace him. McCarron started shouldering part of the load calling plays against Mississippi State.

After McElroy graduates in 2010, McCarron will have to fend off some heavy competition from probable redshirt freshman Phillip Sims. If he does, the starting job at QB belongs to him.

Alabama's past two Quarterbacks—John Parker Wilson and Greg McElroy—were primarily game managers, Tide fans should be excited to see someone lead the offense that can really light things up in the passing game.

Should Greg McElroy be looking over his shoulder and be worried about losing his starting status? Probably not.

Will McCarron be a great player at Alabama? You can bet on it!