Crimson Red Sports

Blake Sims is wearing two hats during preseason practice.

The experience could land the redshirt freshman a big role for Alabama's 2011 team.

During media viewing periods, Sims could be seen playing quarterback where he played throughout the spring.
Alabama coach Nick Saban said he has developed "nicely as a third quarterback." He also said Sims has worked each practice at running back, as he did last fall.

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/08/blake_sims_could_play_two_big.html

It sounds like they have him in mind for some Wildcat formations.

I don't really like the wildcat if you have to send in a different personnel grouping when you run it.  It is too obvious what we are going to do.  On the other hand... sometimes they can't stop you even when they know what you are up to.  Maybe we will add in a few new wrinkles to the formation this year so at least the defense won't know the exact play we are going to run.

I used to feel the same way about the Wildcat until Ingram ran it down SC's throats two years ago.  I think the key to making it less predictable is having someone run it who can pass too.

Right, that is what prompted me to add the "sometimes they can't stop you even when they know" comment.  Last year it didn't seem to be that productive.  Maybe this year we will have the line play to shove it down their throats again even when they know what is coming.

Nothing demoralizes a defense as much as when they know the play and still can't stop it.

Yep, the O-line should be stronger.  My thoughts on B. Sims running it is that Bama made a few big plays last year passing out of the Wildcat -- wasn't it Maze?  While speedy, Maze lacks the bulk to run inside the tackles, which is the expected threat out of the Wildcat.  If Sims can add the threat of the inside run combined with better passing, we might see him on the field in special situations. 

I see the Wildcat kinda like putting in a knuckleball pitcher in relief -- not an every down kind of play but a nice change of pace.

I think you are on to something.  If we have both a credible passing threat AND a credible inside run threat with the same guy, the wildcat could be very productive this year when we use it.

He has the ability to do more than a typical wildcat QB. A play I expect to see him run is the QB draw. That will slow down the pass rush.

Good article about Blake Sims from Crimson Confidental.

http://www.crimsonconfidential.com/football/football-stories/1226-qbrb-threat-blake-sims-may-be-just-offensive-weapon-bama-needs