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Former Alabama QB Barnett headed to Arizona State

The Sports Xchange

December 06, 2016 at 10:03 am.

Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Barnett (8) throws during the second half against the USC Trojans at AT&T Stadium. Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Barnett (8) throws during the second half against the USC Trojans at AT&T Stadium. Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Former Alabama quarterback Blake Barnett is transferring to Arizona State.

Barnett posted a picture on Twitter on Monday night that included Sun Devils coach Paul Graham. The key hashtag was #committed.

Barnett plans to enroll at Arizona State in January and hopes to compete for the starting position during spring drills.

Barnett was a redshirt freshman this season and started the Crimson Tide’s season-opening game against USC. He was removed after two series and true freshman Jalen Hurts took over and quickly established himself as the starter.

Barnett departed Alabama in late September and will have to sit out the first four games of the 2017 season to meet transfer requirements.

According to Al.com, Barnett has been taking classes at Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif., to maintain his academic eligibility.

Barnett was 11-of-19 passing for 219 yards and two touchdowns in parts of three games for the Crimson Tide before leaving the program.

Upon quitting the team, Barnett was sharply criticized by Alabama coach Nick Saban.

“It’s one of those things where I think the culture has changed a little bit,” Saban said on his weekly radio show. “I think there’s a certain pride people have in competition. There’s certain things that I was taught growing up about not quitting and seeing things through.

“I think if I would have come home and told my dad that I was going to quit the team, I think he would have kicked me out of the house. I don’t think I’d have a place to stay.”