• Vets provide roadmap for Alabama’s new starting QB •

• 2023 Bama Sports 2023 •  Tuscaloosa, AL One of Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, Tyler Buchner and potentially Dylan Lonergan will become the Crimson Tide’s next QB1 on Sept. 2. They’ll follow a run of four straight NFL starters at the position and look to guide No. 4 Alabama to its first title since 2020. Aside from Milroe’s seven quarters of SEC experience, the rest of the Tide’s arms — a former five-star, a spring transfer and a surging freshman — have combined one pass attempted against one of the toughest conferences in the country. In his first Alabama camp battle, Jake Coker found himself doubting each throw. His processing speed was sacrificed in search of the “perfect rep.” When Blake Sims was named starting quarterback, Coker switched phones and stayed off social media. It was the second time Coker changed his phone number in 2014, initially switching when he announced his transfer from Florida State in January and moved to Tuscaloosa. The Mobile, Ala. native immediately recognized the enormity of his decision. He had friends and family, on both sides of the Iron Bowl rivalry, and a fan base eager for his return. While college football has been significantly altered since Coker’s departure, the pressure that comes with Alabama’s starting quarterback hasn’t. Teammates can tell when the quarterback is ready. In Tuscaloosa, Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker mentioned the Bryce Young-esque look he’s waiting to see in a huddle. The confident stare near the goal line when the game is on the line, and the whole team knows who’s about to take over. Leading a program comes with caution and opportunity. LSU defensive tackle Mehki Wingo noticed how, a year ago, he was watching newcomer Jayden Daniels learn the differences between the SEC and the Pac-12 in real time. The conference has embraced the transfer model. Seven programs have already announced their QB1 will be players who joined via the portal. Three others — Alabama, Texas A&M, Missouri — are undecided and have a potential transfer in the mix. • ROLLING WITH THE TIDE •