🏈 AJ McCarron continues to be center of one of the biggest SEC debates (Herndon)

[BAMANEWSBOT]

Perhaps we need our heads examined, but Press-Register sports editor Randy Kennedy and I set out this summer to try to predict who the top 50 players in the SEC would be in 2012.

The list, which is being released as a video countdown on al.com, has drawn questions about our inclusion of freshmen (it's a projection, not a ranking based on previous accomplishments) and one consistent criticism -- at No. 31 on the list, Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron is rated too low.

And the thing about that one is, they may be right.

There may be no player in the SEC who draws a greater difference of opinion than McCarron. His fans point to the crystal football in Alabama's trophy case and his MVP award in the BCS championship game.

His detractors say Alabama could have won that title without him, that he doesn't take enough shots downfield, that he is too quick to rely on the checkdown.

Read More Here...

 

[TerryP]

Until proven otherwise, I'm still going to point out fallacy.

The argument can be made that other quarterbacks in the SEC are more important to their teams. Where would Georgia be without Aaron Murray? Tennessee fell apart last year when Tyler Bray was injured.

Where would Georgia be? Probably in the same place they are now—having not beaten a top 25 team since he's been the guy behind center. Their best win? Last year against an eight win Auburn team.

 

[rtauburnsucks]

I think McCarron has the potential to be the best QB in the SEC....but, I dont think we will every see that. That's not a bad thing though. What wrong with checking down to the most talented RB last year?

 

[jdpas29]

i think he's fantastic and has only begun to dominate.

 

[TerryP]

I think McCarron has the potential to be the best QB in the SEC....but, I dont think we will every see that. That's not a bad thing though. What wrong with checking down to the most talented RB last year?

This all comes down to how you define a quarterbacks performance.

Is it total passing yards? Not in my book but I'm certain a lot would love to see AJ at the top of the SEC's list in that category.

There are a few things I judge a QB on, the biggest one is the number of INT's. In most areas, he did just as well as Greg did in his best year, last year. But here's what I want you to consider—the improvement we saw with Greg.

Now, if we see that type of progression with AJ? We'll have discussions about whether or not he's here his senior year. He's already asked for and received grading advice from scouts in the league and they've come back favorable.

 

[JoshB]

I got a sneaking suspicion AJ is going to shut up ALOT of doubters/critics this year.

 

[gumboman]

I got a sneaking suspicion AJ is going to shut up ALOT of doubters/critics this year.

You hit the nail on the head. I guess his performance in the biggest game in college football didn't prove anything, to some. He has done nothing but get better, every game. A QB that checks down to a RB, instead of forcing the ball deep, is pretty SMART to me. Let alone, check down to the best "last resort" in college football. He will throw down field, when the opportunity for success is there. And please don't try to tell me he has not proved he can throw the deep ball. Also, with the addition of some new and very talented faces behind him, he will continue to improve as the competition nips at his cleats. To me, it all spells bad news for opposing defenses.