Gainesville grad Sims could get looks at QB for Tide

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Two redshirt freshmen named Sims could play quarterback for Alabama this season.

Phillip Sims is competing with AJ McCarron for the starting job, but Blake Sims is practicing at both quarterback and running back. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban says Blake could play both backfield spots.

He could be used in a Wildcat quarterback role to give defenses a different look from the two dropback passers.

Offensive coordinator Jim McElwain says Blake Sims "has some abilities with his feet, but he also throws it really well." He says the 6-foot, 212-pounder has accepted both roles.

Blake Sims' position is listed as "athlete" in Alabama's media guide. He was a four-star prospect who passed for 2,288 yards and ran for 863 as a senior at Gainesville High School.