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UCLA Football: Could the Bruins Get Alabama Transfer QB Blake Barnett?

By Mike Regalado

Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Barnett (8) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass during the second half against the USC Trojans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Barnett (8) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass during the second half against the USC Trojans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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With former Alabama quarterback Blake Barnett transferring, will he look at the UCLA Football team as a potential landing spot?

All it took was one game (four to actually make the decision) and Corona, CA product Blake Barnett will be transferring from the National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide. So… could the redshirt freshman quarterback end up with the UCLA Football team?

The Bruins recruited Barnett during the 2014 recruiting cycle, the same year as current Bruin Josh Rosen. Barnett eventually decided on Tuscaloosa as his collegiate choice, but that was short-lived.

After starting the season against USC, Barnett was benched in favor of true freshman Jalen Hurts, landing him in the back up role. With the expectations to play, you could understand Barnett’s motivation to make this decision.

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So where does he go now? FanSided listed five potential schools, with UCLA as top choice (Cal, Notre Dame, LSU and Oregon also made the list). Taking several factors into consideration, it seems like Barnett to UCLA could be ideal.

The only thing that could be an issue, as a dual-threat quarterback, is how Barnett fits into Kennedy Polamalu‘s power offense. He could defienitely be a QB that could help move the offense along with his feet, but will it be the best system for his style and mechanics?

On the up side, though it is not known if Barnett will be eligible to play in 2017 or 2018, a transfer in will coincide with the exit of Rosen who is expected to declare for the draft after his 2017 junior season. Whether he has to sit out a season or is available ASAP, Barnett would probably see plenty of time upon his arrival, whether he is Rosen’s backup or replacement.

Plus, being from Corona, he will be close to home.

Next: Josh Rosen and the Quest for the End Zone

But how likely is it he ends up at UCLA? Currently, Barnett is weighing his options, and has UCLA in his sights, but whether he chooses to commit to the Bruins is too soon too call.