BOL Round Table

Saban addressed Ely at the NSD presser. “The way opportunities go is it doesn't happen by seniority,” Saban said. “You probably look at it like, 'Well, this guy's been here the longest, so he gets the most chance.' If he's been here the longest, he's already had the most chances. If he hasn't taken advantage of those opportunities, then somebody else has a turn at getting those chances.

I could be wrong, but seems like he was talking about Ely to me. He the only QB who has been in our program for a significant amount of time, and I don't think anyone thinks Sims would be a viable longterm option for us at QB.

He would be an option for us in an emergency situation, but not as a longterm option to lead our offense, and especially not to take over after AJ. If something would have happened to AJ this year that caused him to miss more than 3-4 games, we likely would have burned Morris' redshirt. Sims just isn't a good fit for our offense, and there is a reason he only attempted 6 passes. No one thinks that Sims is the future at QB.

Could you share the name of the coach on the bama staff who said this is probably a mistake?
If not, what is the basis for, effectively, second guessning the coaching staff?

That's why I posted Sabans comments about those who have been in the program for the longest have had the most opportunity.... Neither are long term options, Sims would have been an emergency option lastyear, but I will be surprised if he is even with the QBs this year. All the second team reps will go to Morris. My point was Sims isn't a long term option period, not a relative to anyone on the team, if something would have happened to AJ lastyear we likely would have burned Morris' redshirt....

Ok, I guess I assumed it was in comparison to Ely since the thread originally started about Ely. I think Sims stays with the QBs, as the line for RBs has just doubled, while QBs is still completely unproven behind AJ. I also think it is worth noting, relative to Saban's comment, it isn't quite fair to judge Sims based on his lack of playing time at QB and being there the longest/most opportunity when he is at a position we don't rotate in/out. I think Morris might be the long-term next option, Bateman might also come in and really impress, but Sims has done nothing from the limited looks I've seen of him at the position to write him off. We'll have a much clearer idea of what the coaches think after Spring practices.

Damn spell check failed me again.