AJ McCarron is already one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Alabama school history, but he isn't done with his college career just yet.
The national championship-winning quarterback said on Wednesday that he intends to return to school for his senior season, according to a release from the university.
"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, according to ESPN.com.
The junior quarterback was one of the most consistent in the nation this season and was ranked No. 1 in passing efficiency in the college football. He threw for 2,669 and 26 touchdowns with just three interceptions while completing over 66 percent of his passes.
McCarron led Alabama to a 12-1 record and finished first place in the SEC with a 7-1 record after defeating Auburn in the last regular season game of the year. He was the leader of the 15th-ranked scoring offense in the nation and averaged 214 passing yards per game. McCarron also led the nation with a 173.08 passer rating.
"We are pleased that AJ has decided to return for his senior year next season," UA coach Nick 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."
Alabama was ranked 85th in passing this season and averaged 38 points per game. McCarron threw for at least one touchdown in every game except one this season and ranks second in career touchdown passes in school history with 45.
The Crimson Tide won six straight games to open the season before losing at home 29-24 to Texas A&M and future Heisman winner Johnny Manziel. The previous week in a 21-17 win over LSU, McCarron led Alabama on a last-minute drive and threw the game-winning touchdown to running back Eddie Lacy.
Alabama finished with three straight wins to end the season, including the 32-28 victory over Georgia in the SEC championship. McCarron threw for 162 yards and one touchdown in the win. In his previous five games, McCarron has thrown for nine touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Over the first five weeks of the season McCarron threw for 12 touchdowns and didn't have his first interception until he threw two in the loss against Texas A&M in November.
McCarron's best game of the season came on the road against Tennessee when he threw for 306 yards and four touchdowns in Alabama's 44-13 win. He has thrown for four touchdowns in three different games this season, including in the team's 49-0 win over Auburn.
McCarron is originally from Mobile, Ala., and played at St. Paul's Episcopal School before joining the Alabama Crimson Tide. He became the starting quarterback during his sophomore season after Greg McElroy left for the NFL Draft.
"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. We're excited to have him back for his senior season." Saban said in the release.
McCarron led the team to a BCS National Championship in his first season as the starter as a sophomore and won Offensive MVP as Alabama defeated LSU 21-0. He threw for 2,634 yards and 16 touchdowns that season with just five interceptions while completing over 66 percent of his passes.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban likes to have his quarterbacks stick around at school for as long as possible. His previous quarterback Greg McElroy also stayed until his senior season. The move also allowed McCarron to avoid an NFL draft that includes quarterback talents like Geno Smith, Aaron Murray and Matt Barkley, who all would likely get picked ahead of him if the draft were held today.
"To me, he certainly doesn't look like a first-round pick," ESPN college football and draft analyst Kevin Weidl explained on ESPN.com. "He needs to get stronger, sturdier in the pocket and improve some accuracy issues I saw at times."
If McCarron decided to leave the school, Alabama has backup quarterback Blake Sims as well as sophomore Philip Ely and redshirt freshman Alec Morris.
McCarron has gone 24-2 as a starter for the Crimson Tide in his career and set the school-record this season for consecutive passes without an interception. According to ESPN.com, "(McCarron's) .923 winning percentage as a starter is second among Crimson Tide quarterbacks all time.
Alabama will next play against Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship in Miami on Jan 7. According to ESPN.com, Alabama begins practice for the game on Tuesday.
