🏈 Alabama QB AJ McCarron going through the progressions, continues to develop on and off the field

[BAMANEWSBOT]

Heading into his redshirt junior year, McCarron is at the front and center of Alabama's offense.

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[TerryP]

AJ was one of 36 college quarterbacks who attended last year's Manning Passing Academy at Nichols State in Thibodaux, La. It was a star-studded group, one that included future No. 1 pick Andrew Luck and other players who are now in the NFL, such as Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden and Michigan State's Kirk Cousins.

Steak, Beans and Rings night: Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron (10) shows off his new ring. Photo by Kent Gidley

At that point, McCarron had yet to start a single game and, frankly, didn't know if he would ever start a game at Alabama.

Tony said AJ came back from the camp, which he plans to attend again this year, with a professional mindset.

"Best experience he's ever had as a college quarterback was going down there," Tony said. "I noticed that his approach to what he wants to do changed. His approach to the business side of it. What he understands as a business. He understands he's a role model.
"Now, he won't even take a picture with somebody if they have a beer in their hand. He just won't do it. It's not very good public relations for him. He doesn't want to be a part of it. He wants to be a positive role model for every kid he meets."

Tony said he often prods AJ to take the game less seriously. Live a little, he says, because "there's more to life than playing football on Saturday there."

That advice, Tony said with a laugh, has largely fallen on deaf ears.

He said he knew AJ was even more business-oriented this summer when, despite some chiding from his father, threw together a chicken salad for dinner.

"He said I want to play at a certain weight, I know what I'm good at," Tony recalled. "I can't finish in the back of my pack when I'm running, I have to be No. 1. I can't finish in the back of my group weightlifting, I have to be No. 1. I have to set the tone. I can't go tell somebody else you're not doing your job when I'm not doing my job, so I have to be at the top of my group every day.