Nick Saban Confirms Blake Barnett’s Transfer, Releases Statement

A day after news broke that redshirt freshman quarterback Blake Barnett had left the program, Alabama head coach Nick Saban confirmed the news. 

“We received word this afternoon that Blake Barnett has officially withdrawn from school and is no longer with our program. The quarterback position is a very unique position where only one player can play. We are very disappointed any time a player leaves the program who feels he can compete for a starting position elsewhere, rather than here at Alabama. We wish Blake the very best of luck in the future.”

The departure leaves Alabama with limited depth at quarterback. Redshirt junior Cooper Bateman is expected to become the backup to true freshman Jalen Hurts. As the third-string quarterback this season, Bateman has completed three of four passes for three yards in 2016.

Listen to what Saban said on Wednesday about Barnett and what he tries to tell players that want to transfer.