Del Rio's Son Leaving Alabama

It was announced yesterday that Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio's son Luke, who plays quarterback at Alabama, is leaving the program.

Well, to be specific, it was announced by Luke via Twitter.

It was thought that Del Rio would compete for the starting quarterback position next year, but the handwriting was on the wall with Alabama returning six quarterbacks on the roster next year. Del Rio was a walk-on, so that gives you an idea where he was in the pecking order.

"We've been really pleased with the way Luke Del Rio has developed as a quarterback as well," Saban said back in October. "Probably not playing him this year unless we have to but he's done a really good job as the third guy."

Del Rio even said he was looking forward to the competition in the spring.

"I think I can execute the offense well," the son of former linebacker and current Bronco defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio told AL.com recently. "Obviously I have a lot to improve on, but really, this offseason is going to be big for all of us. We're going to let the best man win."

Del Rio was third string behind McCarron and back-up Blake Sims, who is thought to be the heir apparent to McCarron. Add to that the fact that four-star commit David Cornwall will be healed and enrolling soon.

No word yet as to where Del Rio will land, but one of the teams recruiting him when he was coming out of high school was rumored to be Colorado State, which is now coached by former Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain. The other possibility is Oregon State, coached by one of his father's best friends, Mike Riley.