Quarterback David Cornwell Announces Transfer from Alabama
The fallout from an All-SEC true freshman quarterback continues at The University of Alabama.
A week after backup Cooper Bateman got his release from Alabama, the final remaining scholarship player behind starter Jalen Hurts has announced his intention to transfer. Redshirt sophomore David Cornwell posted this statement on Twitter Wednesday.
It is unclear whether Bateman or Cornwell will remain with the team through the College Football Playoff, but they are the only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster after Hurts. This makes three quarterbacks that have transferred out of the program since Hurts won the starting job against Southern Cal in the season opener. Blake Barnett, the opening game starter, left the program in September.
It's hard to fault the reserve quarterbacks for seeking out other opportunities. With two years of eligibility remaining, it's hard to imagine Hurts being dethroned after seeing his performance as a true freshman. Hurts has already been named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and the coaches' First Team All-SEC quarterback.
Nick Saban has two quarterbacks - a five-star and four-star - committed for the class of 2017 so there are reinforcements in place. The question for the present is who will be the backup when Alabama takes the field against Washington in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. We'll find out more the next time Saban meets with the media.