ESPN reports the odds are stacked against newly enrolled Blake Barnett to start as a true freshman at the quarterback position at the University of Alabama. I would have to agree with that, although no one gave record-setting QB Blake Sims a chance after his spring game performance. Setting records during the 2014 season proved what Offensive Coordinator Lane Kiffen saw in him.
     Barnett, now having officially enrolled at the University of Alabama can get a look at the playbook and be ready from the get-go when spring practice opens March 13th, culminating with the A-Day Game April 18th. Of course Jake Coker also has the playbook down, at least handling a few snaps last season as well as running the scout team. If he was heralded as the front-runner last pre-season, he certainly will be this pres-season. Of course Cooper Bateman and several others are looking to stake their claim to this prestigious position at college football's latest dynasty.
     The 6' 5" 205 pound Barnett is certainly not lacking confidence. He came into this year's signing day as the number 1 rated pocket passer, reportedly able to fire the pigskin 70 yards down field. As a high school senior he showed some double-threat ability rushing for 479 yards and seven touchdowns. He did, however, tell ESPN his focus was "getting down with the playbook, getting stronger and preparing myself for the season ...as much as possible." He did go on to say he intended to compete for a spot. Incidentally, head coach Nick Saban has said he would not rule out the possibility of a start for a true freshman.
     Saban, however, has never awarded a true freshman the starting position at quarterback anywhere he has coached. Seems likely that won't change next season either. He did, however, while at LSU, allow redshirt freshman Jamarcus Russell to start 4 games back in 2004. However these duties were mainly handled by two juniors, a senior, and a sophomore.
     This will be Saban's 20th season as a college coach and it's likely he'll stick to what has worked for him all these years. But don't rule out the possibility. After all, he did say he disliked the hurry up type offenses yet Bama went to it several times this past season.
     A chance this season for Barnett to start? There is. But don't go making book on it.