Alabama head coach Nick Saban opened up the spring in Tuscaloosa by stating that one of the goals of the spring was to become a better passing offense. That came on the heels of the poor finish to the season experienced by starting quarterback Jalen Hurts. After several strong performances this spring by true freshman and early enrollee Tua Tagovailoa, some are wondering if there’s an ongoing quarterback competition in Tuscaloosa.

While it’s a stretch to think Alabama would consider benching the reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year with an opening date in Atlanta against likely Top 5 preseason team Florida State Sept. 2, Saban didn’t exactly do his best to temper those flames.

In an interview with Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports, Saban claimed Hurts could be beat out, just like any player on his roster.

“I’ve never said anything about it being a quarterback battle. I’m not going to say anything about it being a quarterback battle now.

“We have a quarterback who played really well and was SEC Player of the Year last year. I’m not saying he can’t be beat out. I’m not saying the players here have an opportunity to beat him out. But that’s the case at every position.”

It’s hard to make a declaration based solely on those comments. This could turn out to be Saban simply motivating every player on his team and not even necessarily directing it at Hurts. Based on the initial performances of Tagovailoa this spring, he’ll find a way to get on the field in some capacity sooner rather than later. Likely in a reserve role behind Hurts, the team will have snaps to go around early with Fresno State, Colorado State and Vanderbilt on the schedule in the first month of the season.

However the Alabama quarterback depth chart plays itself out by the time the season arrives, the Crimson Tide have to like the massive talent on the roster at the game’s most important position more now than at any other time under Saban.