Alabama’s ongoing competition to replace Blake Sims as the Tide’s starting quarterback is one of many quarterback battles in the SEC occupying fans this spring.

And like many of those other position battles, the Crimson Tide are not close to choosing a starter. At least that’s how head coach Nick Saban made it seem during his media availability following Friday’s practice.

“I think from a consistency standpoint we’re far from making a determination as to who would be first, second or third,” Saban told AL.com regarding his quarterbacks.

Saban mentioned Jacob Coker, David Cornwell, Blake Barnett, Alec Morris and Cooper Bateman when discussing his quarterbacks Friday, and said although he’s not close to choosing a starter he’s still pleased with the progress he’s seen this spring.

“I think all the guys did some things that were encouraging,” Saban said. “We’re encouraged by the young players and how much they’ve improved during this spring and, in some cases, from last year to this year.

“David Cornwell has done very well this spring. Blake, being a freshman, has done very well this spring. Jake has done well at times, and Alec Morris has done well at times. And Cooper Bateman, who’s playing receiver some just because he’s a good athlete, is still getting some opportunity at quarterback.”

Saban also spoke to the inexperience of the players in the running for the starting job and how that may impact the competition when practice resumes in August.

“I think all the quarterbacks at some point in time in the scrimmage (last Friday) showed their inexperience, but I also think that each one of them showed at some point in time in the scrimmage that they have ability and the capability to do things well,” Saban said.

Alabama will conclude its spring season with its annual spring game on April 18.