Tyler Buchner is the latest addition to Alabama football’s quarterback competition. He came to Tuscaloosa after Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson failed to convince head coach Nick Saban that they were the obvious choice to replace Bryce Young behind center for 2023.

The redshirt sophomore previously spent two seasons at Notre Dame, a time that was hampered by injury. Here’s what can help and hinder him as he tries to win the starting job for the Crimson Tide.

Strengths

First and foremost, Buchner is the most familiar with new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, after following his old coach from Notre Dame. Rees recruited Buchner out of high school and spent two seasons as his OC in South Bend.

Saban spoke of Rees’ relationship with Buchner during his first camp press conference.

“Tommy knew the guy better than anybody could know him,” Saban said “I mean, he coached him for a couple years. The guy was injured last year, so he didn’t get as much experience. I think he started two games and played fairly well, so we got the opportunity to see that. But Tommy knows him better than anybody else could.”

Buchner has also shown off the ability to win against SEC competition. He returned from injury to start last year’s Gator Bowl against South Carolina, helping the Fighting Irish to a win and accounting for five touchdowns, three passing and two on the ground.

Rees praised his level of experience earlier in camp.

“He provides a little bit of veteran presence in the room and adds competition,” Rees said. “I think he’s hit the ground running with the rest of the guys on the team, especially with the rest of the quarterbacks, and it’s been really a healthy transition.”

Weaknesses

While Buchner has plenty of experience with Rees, he falls behind Milroe and Simpson in the Alabama system. Coordinators don’t put their systems in wholesale in Tuscaloosa, with Saban instead opting to have them add their own flair to what the team does.

According to Saban, Buchner was still catching up early in camp.

“I still think that he’s probably getting comfortable with the system,” Saban said.”There’s some new terminology in it. And I think he’s probably still getting comfortable with the players around him because the other guys have been with those guys a little more. But I do think there’s really good competition at the position.”

Buchner has also struggled with interceptions at times, throwing eight compared to just six touchdowns throughout his time at Notre Dame. Even in the Gator Bowl, he threw three picks.

That’s not something Saban and company will stand for at Alabama if Buchner can’t get things under control.

Outlook

Buchner obviously didn’t come to Alabama to sit on the bench. However, he began the competition from something of a disadvantage due to Milroe and Simpson’s experience in Alabama’s system.

However, even if Buchner doesn’t win the job outright, he might be one to watch later in the season. The more time he spends in the program, the better for his chances of getting on the field and holding onto the job in the case of injury or the starter struggling.

More: What are Ty Simpson’s strengths and weaknesses in Alabama football’s quarterback battle?