Jake Coker's road to becoming a full-time starting quarterback for a major college football program hit another snag in the form of a foot injury.
But even before the injury, which has been classified as "minor," there was nothing to suggest the QB would be the Crimson Tide's starter on week one. Entering his second season with Alabama, Coker is again competing to be the team's primary passer and again is failing to stand out.
ESPN learned of Coker's foot injury via a statement from Alabama head football coach Nick Saban, who said the QB would miss "several days" of practice. The Crimson Tide are just under three weeks from their season opener with Wisconsin and Saban is unlikely to name his starting QB before then.
Though Saban said team "physicians anticipate a full recovery" for Coker, the lost practice reps will hurt the Florida State transfer's chances. Coker only attempted five passes in his freshman season at Florida State, competing with Jameis Winston for the starting role the next year.
After Winston won that competition, Coker spent the season as a backup before leaving for Alabama while also taking advantage of the NCAA's rule for graduates, allowing him to transfer without penalty. Seen as a likely replacement for A.J. McCarron, given his skill set and background in Florida State's pro-style offense, Coker ultimately spent his junior season as Blake Sims' backup.
Lane Kiffin, who arrived at Alabama as an offensive coordinator the same season Coker transferred, told ESPN the passer's biggest issue could well be the expectations set out for him at every turn.
"The one thing about Jake, is there was probably too much put on Jake right away," Kiffin said. "You would compare it to an NFL rookie quarterback who held out because he didn't have spring ball.
"People forget about that when, all of the sudden, the guy comes in and is supposed to be the guy. So I think that was a difficult situation he was put in, and he handled it really well and continues to work really hard."
