Nick Saban: Backup QB Blake Barnett has left program, school

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:22 p.m. ET

foxsports

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) Alabama redshirt freshman quarterback Blake Barnett has left the program and withdrawn from school.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban announced Barnett's departure in a statement Thursday. The former five-star recruit from Corona, California, started the opener against Southern California for No. 1 Alabama.

Since then, freshman Jalen Hurts has claimed the starting job. Saban had said that Barnett met with him before practice Wednesday with concerns about playing time.

Saban says Tide coaches ''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.''

Alabama plays Kentucky on Saturday night with Cooper Bateman and David Cornwell behind Hurts.

Barnett played in three games, completing 11 of 19 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns.