Alabama Football: Who Will Be the Tide's 2012 Starting QB?

The Alabama Crimson Tide are currently sitting in the No. 2 spot in the BCS Rankings and appear to be just one win away from the national championship. They have had a very successful season and a lot of that has to do with their running game and a fantastic defense.

But what about the quarterback? Running back Trent Richardson will likely move on to the NFL after this season, so who do the Crimson Tide go with in 2012? 

AJ McCarron

McCarron started the season off very shakily when he threw two interceptions against Kent State. However, he has since calmed down.

Only a sophomore, McCarron is gaining confidence as every week goes by. He may not be the flashy quarterback that will lead your team to victory, but he doesn't do anything to hurt your team either. He's completing 65 percent of his passes so far and has thrown 13 touchdowns to five interceptions. 

Phillip Sims

Sims was a top recruit for Alabama. He struggled early on in the season and threw two interceptions in the season opener. He has a strong arm and is known for his accuracy, which he hasn't really shown in his freshman year.

Sims has all of the tools to eventually be the starter, but he has to prove it on the football field. 

Alec Morris

Morris is one of Alabama's top recruits of the 2012 class and for good reason. The kid has a cannon for an arm.

He is the recruit that Crimson Tide fans should be most excited about as he is a dual-threat quarterback. He provides toughness and is not afraid to lower his shoulder to pick up a first down. During his senior season in high school, he passed for over 2,500 yards, had 32 total touchdowns and completed 63 percent of his passes. 

Verdict

Both Sims and Morris will provide tough competition for McCarron as they all have the physical tools to get the job done. However, the problem I have with both of them is that they lack the much needed experience to win in the SEC.

The Crimson Tide are coming off a successful season and will be thinking national championship again next season. Every quarterback is capable of getting the job done, but I'll take the quarterback who has the experience and the confidence already. There's no point in rushing a young quarterback out there right now when you have somebody who has already proven he can lead this football team.

McCarron should be the guy heading into next year.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]