Though no decision has been publicly made, Shannon B. Terry (founder of Rivals.com and 247Sports.com) may have dropped a hint as to which quarterback will start for Alabama in its season opener against Southern Cal on Sep. 3 in AT&T Stadium.

(1 of 2) #Alabama QB Bateman is trending down this fall, Barnett is improving and Hurts has won the coaches and team at this point. — Shannon B. Terry (@sbterry247) August 22, 2016

(2 of 2) Only real decision 4 UA coaches is what is best way to develop Hurts? unless there's a sig change, he will be the QB by mid-season — Shannon B. Terry (@sbterry247) August 22, 2016

Terry tweeted on Monday, offering his thoughts on the Alabama quarterback competition between Cooper Bateman, Blake Barnett, and Jalen Hurts.

While Bateman entered camp as the most experienced and probable starter, it’s been Hurts — a true freshman out of Texas — who has been simply scintillating with his play.

In a recent scrimmage, Hurts flashed as the most productive. Not only can he sling with with tremendous velocity, but Hurts also is dynamic with the ball in his hands as a runner.

Hurts’ ability to be a true dual-threat options offers Alabama an added dimension not seen from the quarterback position in recent memory. Should Hurts continue to trend upwards, Nick Saban may have no choice but to roll out his supremely talented — though very green — freshman signal-caller.