Report: Alabama QB AJ McCarron set to return for senior season

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback AJ McCarron (10) celebrates after throwing a game winning touchdown pass to running back T.J. Yeldon (not pictured) against the LSU Tigers during the fourth quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 21-17. (Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)

As a sophomore, the quarterback for the cream of the national crop was named the MVP of the BCS National Championship game.

As a junior, that same signal-caller led the nation with a 173.1 passer rating en route to leading the Tide to yet another appearance in the title game.

On Wednesday, AJ McCarron announced that he will be officially returning for his senior season at Alabama, much to the chagrin of the rest of the SEC and the nation.

“There were some factors in my decision to return to Alabama for my senior year but after talking to my family and coaches, I knew it was the right choice for me,” he said in a statement.

Along with the stellar passer rating, McCarron has also set career highs with 2,669 passing yards, a 66.8 completion percentage and 26 touchdowns. His three interceptions thrown are also a career low.

Needless to say, his coach, Nick Saban, is excited to have his captain back in the fold. Saban has won three national championships, one at LSU and one at Bama without McCarron. The two joined together last year to take home the crystal ball, and McCarron’s play against Notre Dame’s No. 1-ranked defense will go a long way towards whether or not Saban wins a fourth ring.

“We are pleased that AJ has decided to return for his senior year next season,” Saban said in the release. “He’s done a great job for us and has really grown, not only as a quarterback and a player, but as a leader of our team.

“… He showed very good maturity in looking at all of the factors and making an informed decision on his future. He has a chance to add to what he has already accomplished here while also better preparing himself for the next level.”

Besides the solid 2012 numbers, the steady, year-by-year improvement and the one championship ring (possibly two), McCarron will have a chance to set some individual records in his return to Tuscaloosa.

According to ESPN Stats: McCarron’s 45 career touchdowns ranks second in school history and his .923 winning percentage (24-2) as a starter is second among Crimson Tide quarterbacks all-time.

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