The only player on Alabama’s roster with any game experience at the quarterback position is Cooper Bateman. The now-redshirt junior battled Jake Coker in fall camp and into the season last year, starting a game against Ole Miss before losing the competition to the fifth-year senior. Experience is on his side in this race -- something he, and only he, can boast.

In the games he saw the field -- not as the holder on field goals and extra points -- Bateman threw for 291 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions on 37-of-52 passing. His time spent behind center was not terrible, he just lost the job to Coker, who won over his teammates. And that is what Nick Saban wants to see someone do again this upcoming season.

Bateman also has athleticism in his corner, even though he did not display his running ability against the Rebels on a few read-option plays. The quarterback that spent time at receiver last spring can make plays with his feet when he wants to, but that, in this year’s race, will not be enough as the younger competitors also have that tool in their arsenals.

The Utah native will have to utilize his three years in the program and two years of working with offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin to his advantage with the Crimson Tide’s two fall scrimmages quickly approaching. But as things stand right now, Bateman is the leader in clubhouse with less than one month until the season opener and the younger guys not letting up.

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Height, weight: 6-3, 220

Alabama stats: 37-52, 291 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs

Position in Tide’s QB line: First

The case for: Bateman is the veteran, and in recent quarterback battles in Tuscaloosa, the elder player has won the job -- see Coker, Blake Sims the last two years. He has been in the program the longest and was in the mix last year. That experience, plus his dual-threat ability is why he currently leads the two younger players through drills and in reps.

The case against: There have been some questions about his arm strength, which is something the other three quarterbacks do not lack. With the speed Alabama has at receiver, the QB will have to be able to take some deep shots.

Bateman will win the job if: 1. He can prove he can make the throws down the field that will allow the Tide offense to fully flourish. 2. He can make enough sound plays with his legs while not trying to takeover and win the game. That is not what Alabama asks from its quarterback. Just play mistake-free football. 3. He can win over his teammates in the near future.