Crimson Red Sports

TUSCALOOSA — The questions around town and campus come at Phillip Sims like a relentless defensive end — one he doesn’t try to dodge.

Which quarterback will take the reins for potential national title contender Alabama this season? Sims, or AJ McCarron?

“People are going to ask you questions about it no matter where you are,” said Sims, a redshirt freshman. “I think running from it is only going to make things worse. Just face it. It’s a competition and everybody wants to know what’s going on.”

That hasn’t changed since Greg McElroy played his final down for the Crimson Tide. While it’s the most persistent question facing the national title hopefuls, neither the coaches, the other players nor the two contenders seems to be sweating it too much.

“I’ve been really happy with how both have grasped the things we ask them to do,” offensive coordinator Jim McElwain said. “I wouldn’t say one has one thing more than another. They both fit really well in the system we’re putting in to use their abilities.”