Alabama Crimson Tide

Throwing accuracy separating Cooper Bateman?

Published Aug. 31, 2015 11:34 a.m. ET

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Alabama is only days away from opening the season in Arlington, Texas against a tough Wisconsin team - in fact the Badgers beat Auburn in the Outback Bowl to close out their 2014 season. 

Despite the task in front of them, the Tide have yet to publicly name their starting quarterback for the game and continue to split reps between a number of quarterbacks in practice. The latest name to emerge from the roller coaster reporting on the quarterback position? Cooper Bateman. 

After splitting his time between quarterback and receiver in the spring, Bateman was told by Nick Saban to improve his accuracy if he had any chance at starting quarterback for the team. 

"Lo and behold, he did that," Saban said according to AL.com. "He did that in May, he did that over the summer. His completion percentage has been very, very good relative to the other guys, and he is very athletic and can run. We like a quarterback to be like that."

Bateman has not only improved his throwing but has gained speed over the offseason and is by far the quickest of the Alabama quarterbacks. Lane Kiffin took advantage of Blake Sims' mobility last season and Bateman could very well fill a similar role for the offense this season. 

With the game nearing close, Alabama had better settle on at least two quarterbacks to play, otherwise the indecision could cost them their first opening season loss in the Saban era. 

(h/t AL.com)

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