Ranking the Quarterbacks the Rebels Will Face in 2016
![Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) yells prior to the snap against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) yells prior to the snap against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d371d3c742d5429bcbf8b5056e78139b56955cbed99f04c1c10ca4fd12223c9a.jpg)
Cooper Bateman/Jalen Hurts/Blake Barnett | Alabama
This is another situation where there is a quarterback battle going on. The Alabama Crimson Tide always seems to reload every year. The one true question they have is at the quarterback position. But unlike most schools, there is not a two-man battle but a three-man contest. Therefore, just like Georgia, we have to list all potential starters.
Cooper Bateman got a little playing time last year, including a start against Ole Miss. After a couple of ill-fated turnovers during that game, he lost his job to Jake Coker. The junior has been under Coach Nick Saban and Offensive Coordinator Lane Kiffin’s offense for two years. He has more experience in the offense. Many thought he would end the Spring as the clear favorite. However, he didn’t secure the job.
Therefore, Jalen Hurts has become a legitimate contender for the job. The freshman has impressed the coaching staff. He adds a good dynamic to the Tide offense. But he is still learning the Kiffin offense.
In addition to those two the Crimson Tide have a third option at QB. Blake Barnett is a redshirt freshman many have been high on. The Roll Tide community have been waiting to see what he could do behind the center. Phil Steele has him listed as the probable third team QB. If Hurts win the job one has to wonder if Barnett is willing to stick around to be Hurts’ backup for three years.
I placed them high on the list because Kiffin has a way of getting the most out of his QBs no matter who they may be. Plus they are surrounded by five-star talent everywhere. This will help them be effective in the offense. Whichever QB that gets the starting job, they will have a good chance to succeed.
Next: 2. Brandon Harris-LSU