Ex-East Carolina QB Minshew transferring to Alabama

Former East Carolina quarterback Gardner Minshew is headed to Alabama as a graduate transfer, he told Bruce Feldman of Sports Illustrated.

Minshew will join Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa in the Crimson Tide's quarterback room. He faces a steep uphill climb if he's to win the starting job, but said spending time in Nick Saban's program will help him prepare for the next phase of his career: coaching.

Minshew threw for 2,140 yards with 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Pirates last season. The Brandon, Miss., native received interest from Auburn and Tennessee before choosing Alabama as his transfer destination.