Alabama Football: Ranking Alabama starting quarterbacks under Nick Saban
By Ronald Moody
No. 3 – AJ McCarron
Entering the scene as Saban’s first big quarterback recruit in 2010, A. J. McCarron did not disappoint. After a much-ballyhooed quarterback competition against notable recruit Philip Sims, he led Alabama football to national titles in 2011 and 2012.
The silky-smooth quarterback’s remarkable play in 2013 had Alabama on the cusp of a third title. Unfortunately, the “Kick Six” happened. McCarron was a Heisman finalist finishing second in 2013 to Jameis Winston. In 2013, he completed 67.2% of his passes for 3,063 yards with 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions. AJ engineered a historic comeback victory in Death Valley with one minute and 34 seconds on the clock by taking the Tide 72 yards for a momentous win over its hated rival, LSU.
His career highlight was the quarterback’s MVP play in the 2012 BCS Championship game against LSU. He skillfully was 23 of 234 for 234 yards. Mccarron’s play was critical as he drove the Tide down the field against LSU’s vaunted defense. Obviously, the legend finished his career as Alabama’s career passing yardage with 9,019 and 77 touchdowns.