Jacob Coker, FSU's backup QB, enrolls at Bama and is eligible to play immediately

[NAHSTE]

Gumps have landed a ready replacement for AJ McCarron via free agency, eliminating their biggest question mark for next season. Coker was narrowly beaten out by Jameis Winston in fall practices and has prototypical size and arm strength.

He was a RS Sophomore this season, but graduated this semester, meaning he has two years of eligibility remaining starting this fall. He should fit the system like a glove, but it will be interesting to see how it all comes together with Lane Kiffin running the offense now.

Beyond the on-field implications for Alabama's offense next season, which you guys can feel free to discuss, there's a macro level conversation to be had here. Do you guys think the transfer rule for graduates is a good rule that encourages the academic side of the NCAA's student-athlete mission, or a loophole that certain programs can exploit that essentially turns the transfer system into free agency? Or is it a little bit of both?

Discuss...

 

[ram29jackson]

but college is different from pro's, right?

great free agent signing there LOL

 

[SuperKevin]

Alabama already had a QB from the class of 2015 decommit because of this

 

[NAHSTE]

Alabama already had a QB from the class of 2015 decommit because of this

He has committed to USC since. Lane is the gift that keeps giving.

 

[Matt]

I don't think Ricky Town decommitted from Alabama because of Jacob Coker. He would be coming in as a Freshamn when Coker would be a Senior. Had no meaning on him whatsoever.

However, I like the rule that you are able to transfer to a school if you've graduated early. They obviously put in the work in the classroom, now it's time to allow them to go to school for the real reason.

 

[strahanfan92]

Graduate rule discriminates against black students.

Just kidding. I like the graduate rule. If a student athlete works his ass off to graduate early, he should be have the chance use his eligibility for another school. Plus, aint nothing wrong with a little loop hole free agency imo.

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Graduate rule is cool by me. Its not even a loop hole, just easily manipulated. If a kid graduates and stayed his time at his university but still has time on the clock...go wherever...the rule about having to have a different major than your current school is good. Limits options, but doesn't restrict.

Coker is a pretty good QB. Smart move for him going to Bama.

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

I don't think Ricky Town decommitted from Alabama because of Jacob Coker. He would be coming in as a Freshamn when Coker would be a Senior. Had no meaning on him whatsoever.

However, I like the rule that you are able to transfer to a school if you've graduated early. They obviously put in the work in the classroom, now it's time to allow them to go to school for the real reason.

I like Ricky Town already.

A) Fantastic name. Would recruit him in NCAA.
B) Clearly wants no part of Lane Kiffin. Shows me he is intelligent and can make good reads.

 

[Sharkweather]

Town didn't want anything to do with So. Cal when Kiffen was there, now that he isn't he switched it up.

Nothing to do with Coker.

 

[NAHSTE]

USC QB Max Wittek will also declare for free agency. Like Coker, he is a RS Soph who has already graduated. He will have two years remaining of eligibility starting this fall.

 

[Matt]

USC QB Max Wittek will also declare for free agency. Like Coker, he is a RS Soph who has already graduated. He will have two years remaining of eligibility starting this fall.

Read that Texas will be a player

 

[NAHSTE]

Read that Texas will be a player

Got to imagine Wisconsin will be interested as well, given their history.