TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Strange but true, the University of Alabama coach who saw the most of quarterback Blake Barnett during practices last season might have been defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.
Being a true freshman on the way to redshirting, Barnett was the primary scout team quarterback during the Crimson Tide’s national championship run, and his style of play each week depended on the opponent.
Whatever the starting defense needed him to do, run a spread attack, be an opportunistic runner who took off out of the pocket, execute a pro-style attack, Barnett’s job was to mimic it and give his teammates a good look at what was coming.