Former FSU QB Coker signs with Alabama

Former Florida State quarterback Jake Coker is transferring to Alabama.

Alabama coach Nick Saban announced Sunday that Coker has signed with the Crimson Tide.

“We think a lot of Jake and we are excited to have him join our team,” Saban said in a statement. “He is not only an outstanding football player, but he is also a fine young man who we feel will be a great fit with our program at Alabama.”

Coker is on target to graduate in May and would be eligible to play for the Tide in 2014.

Coker’s high school coach, Steve Mask of St. Paul’s Episcopal School in mobile, Ala., said Coker was “ecstatic” about going to Alabama after a weekend visit to campus.

“I was very impressed with everything on my visit to Tuscaloosa,” Coker said. “I feel very comfortable with the coaches and the players, and I’m looking forward to getting started at Alabama and competing. I also want to thank my coaches and teammates at Florida State. I had a great experience there and I’m excited to build on that at Alabama.”

Coker backed up Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston last season.

After competing with Winston for the starting job in the spring and preseason, Coker played sparingly.

He injured his knee against Wake Forest on Nov. 9 and missed the rest of the season.

“He’s a class act,” Mask said of Coker. “A humble kid. Everything you’d want in a player.”

Coker will be given the opportunity to replace departed Heisman finalist AJ McCarron at Alabama. McCarron also played at St. Paul’s in Mobile.

“In some ways they are very similar,” Mask said of Coker and McCarron. “Both have tremendous leadership skills.”