Can Dylan Lonergan become the second freshman quarterback to start for Nick Saban? Though unlikely, the question has gained more momentum in recent weeks as a new contender has emerged in Alabama football’s starting quarterback race.

Consistent performances in practice and strong showings in the Crimson Tide’s two scrimmages elevated Lonergan, a four-star from Georgia. While the other contenders — Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner — have struggled to separate themselves, it’s possible Lonergan’s arm strength and ability has lifted him into the conversation.

Here’s the case for, and against, Lonergan following in Jalen Hurts’ footsteps.

Strengths

Lonergan, one of two quarterback recruits from the class of 2023 on the Tide, was the No. 13-ranked high school quarterback in the country, according to 247Sports Composite. His ball placement and gun of a right arm were his calling cards at Brookwood (Ga.) High.

Lonergan eventually won the starting job his first year with the Broncos, displacing a group of veteran incumbents. And despite his senior year at Brookwood being cut short with a toe injury, Lonergan compiled 72 passing touchdowns, 16 running scores and over 8,000 yards of offense in his career. He’s also listed at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds and was nicknamed “Larry Csonka” in high school for his tendency to bowl defenders over and initiate contact while on the run.

“I think Dylan Lonergan has shown that he’s got a little more poise playing the position,” Saban said of Lonergan and his teammate Eli Holstein after April’s spring game. “He’s accurate throwing the ball. … We wanted to get each one of those freshmen at least three series out there. Dylan kind of moved the team a little better. I’m pleased with the progress that they’re making.”

Now, high school stats don’t always translate to the hyper-competitive Southeastern Conference, but Lonergan’s early adjustments have already made an impact on the coaching staff.

Weaknesses

The drawbacks to Lonergan making history this fall are clear: Alabama has a championship-caliber roster, can it afford a first-year quarterback making rookie mistakes?

Lonergan only threw 13 interceptions in his high school days and multiple coaches noted his decision-making in a run-pass offense. Still, it’s a risk to play Lonergan over two throwers who have wins against an SEC school (Milroe and Buchner) and a former five-star prospect with a year in the system (Simpson).

“I think that the thing that (Lonergan) needs is experience. Everyone says ‘What’s experience?’ What’s your ability to self-assess, I have better ability to self-assess right now than I did when I was 18 (years old). How do you learn how to do that? through experience. You have experiences, you make mistakes, you mess up and say ‘Well, I’m never going to do that again’. That’s how you learn and progress, so he’s a talented guy and certainly a guy that we want to continue to try to develop but he’s done a nice job so far in camp,” Saban said.

Outlook

Alabama could shock everyone by running out Lonergan with the first team offense in Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 2 against Middle Tennessee. Rather, Saban’s “experience” comment sets an interesting timetable for the remainder of the season.

Should the Tide get big leads against the Blue Raiders, or against USF in Week 3, Lonergan could gain in-game reps to try and earn more playing time in October and November. The biggest detriment to Lonergan’s short-term stock would be if the Tide were willing to give slightly more experienced players some of those early opportunities. But if Lonergan can keep proving himself in practices, he may be the one to “force” the coaching staff’s hand.

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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].