Former NFL executive explains why Blake Barnett transfer could become a ‘red flag’

Nick Saban made Blake Barnett’s transfer from Alabama official on Thursday, and it’s a decision that could “haunt” the quarterback down the line.

That’s according to Greg Gabriel, the former Chicago Bears director of college scouting, who recently caught up with AL.com’s Rainer Sabin.

“If he turns out to be a star wherever he ends up, it still is going to haunt him somewhat,” Gabriel told Sabin. “If he becomes a prospect, then it becomes a red flag that needs to be answered. To me it’s a red flag on his football character and his personal character. They are two separate things.”

Barnett was a former 5-star recruit and came to Tuscaloosa ranked as the nation’s No. 2 pro-style quarterback. He was the first Alabama quarterback to take AT&T Stadium’s field against Southern Cal, but was pulled in favor of true freshman Jalen Hurts and it’s been that way since.

Saban was a bit critical of his former quarterback during Thursday night’s radio show, explaining his thoughts on transferring and why he never quit a team.

Gabriel seemed to be agree with Saban on the matter.

“One of the biggest things you look for in evaluating a quarterback is his competitive nature, and the great quarterbacks are all extremely competitive,” Gabriel told Sabin.