TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — He’s not AJ McCarron or Greg McElroy or even John Parker Wilson.
Hell, his own coaches at Alabama doubted him after spring ball, and left open the opportunity for a graduate transfer who never started a game at his previous school to win his job.
He began his career at Alabama as a safety because the quarterback depth chart was so deep, before moving back later that year. At one point last year, he was playing tailback.
Now look at Blake Sims: it’s not pretty every week; it’s not flashy or full of star power or remotely remarkable. It just is.
And right now, that’s enough for Alabama.
“I’m going out there and doing what I’m coached to do,” Sims said.
If that means throw short and let receivers turn quick screens and slants into big plays, so be it. If it means throwing jump balls to one of the most dynamic players in the game (wideout Amari Cooper), let it happen.
If it means scrambling and running on third down and extending the drive one way or the other, make it happen.
“We have always trusted Blake,” said Alabama coach Nick Saban. “I trust Blake to make sound decisions.”
This, everyone, is what the Alabama quarterback position has come to: from the player who manages the game and can win big ones (McElroy), to the player who can carry an offense and win championships (McCarron), to the player who can make good decisions.
And who knows, maybe win a championship. He has 17 touchdowns against only 3 interceptions, and has rushed for five touchdowns. He has been there for big drives (Arkansas, LSU) and has played with poise you wouldn’t expect from a first-year starter who hasn’t exactly been groomed for this moment.
“Blake is getting better and better every week,” Cooper said. “We have all the confidence in the world in him.”
Maybe that’s all that matters. Despite the uneven play in the passing game, or the inability for the Alabama offense to find any semblance of rhythm, this team believes in Sims.
And why not? Game after game, time after time, when the offense needs it, Sims delivers. No matter how it looks.
“We want to be great,” Sims said. “When you have good coaching like we have, when they believe in you, all you have to do is go out and do it.”