McCarron Now in the Spotlight

By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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As he prepares to lead Alabama's run at a repeat, here is a report on one of the most underrated players in the game and a look at what makes him successful.

Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron, fresh off of Offensive MVP Honors in the BCS National Championship Game, will enter spring practice as the face of the defending national champion Crimson Tide. Gone are stars Trent Richardson, Marquis Maze, Courtney Upshaw, Dont'a Hightower, Dre Kirkpatrick and Mark Barron. This time last year McCarron was fighting for the starting job. This spring the team, not just the position, is his.

For a first-year starter in the SEC especially, McCarron did very well last season. He completed a league-high 66.8% of his passes, threw for over 2,600 yards and compiled an impressive 16-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio. As he prepares to lead Alabama's run at a repeat, here is a scouting report on one of the most underrated players in the game and a look at what makes him successful.

1. Decision-Making - McCarron's 66.8% completion percentage was good for 17th nationally. More impressively, McCarron had the fewest interceptions of any BCS conference quarterback in the country with at least 310 passing attempts. He threw one interception every 65.6 throws. Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, who set a new NCAA pass efficiency record, threw one interception every 67 attempts. While the offenses were no doubt different, that's a pretty telling point of reference.

2. Poise - How a quarterback performs away from home, out of his comfort zone, is often a great indicator of mental toughness. McCarron threw just one interception away from Bryant-Denny Stadium his sophomore season, maintaining his composure in multiple hostile environments. Also, Alabama led the SEC with a third down conversion rate of 46.4%. In many respects statistically, McCarron was most efficient in difficult situations.

3. Play-Action Passing - McCarron found great success as the season progressed via play-action, looking more and more comfortable coming off of the fake and then making a fluid throw out of the pocket. He has good touch on timing passes, a must in this Crimson Tide offensive scheme, and play-action passing showcases that skill. A look at his play in the Auburn game is a great example of how much he improved throughout the year.

The Big Question
Though he was quite effective a year ago, McCarron was efficient in a complimentary role on offense. How will he handle the spotlight and the weekly expectations that come with it? Eddie Lacy, behind the SEC's top offensive line, will certainly continue Alabama's ground prowess. But without Richardson, Maze and the All-Americans off last season's defense, McCarron likely won't be able to be as coy as he was in games against Florida and LSU, part one. The natural progression that parallels experience, along with McCarron's improvement over last season, suggests he is ready for all that comes his way.
 

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