Former Alabama QB joins scout team during practice to help prepare for LSU

John Parker Wilson Jr. played the role of Danny Etling in Alabama practice this week

Two weeks ago, Alabama turned to former quarterback Blake Sims to help the defense prepare for Trevor Knight in practices prior to the Tide's victory against the Aggies. Sims not only could help emulate Knight's ability to extend the play with his legs but also was on the team when Oklahoma, powered by then-Sooner quarterback Knight, blitzed Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.

This week, Alabama's scout team got help from another former Tide signal caller, John Parker Wilson. Wilson was the starter in Tuscaloosa from 2006-08, played his last NFL game in 2013 and this week ended his retirement to play the role of LSU quarterback Danny Etling. Wilson, like Etling now, was primarily a pocket passer and doesn't present the kind of mobile threat the Tide faced in Knight last month.

Rival fans may wonder if using this long list of Saban alumni in practice is allowed by NCAA rules, but after the Sims experiment he was sure to confirm that the school checked with the SEC office.

"We try to stay on top of the rules," Saban told reporters, via AL.com. "We have people in our administration who do a good job of letting us know what we can and can't do and we would never do something like that unless we got it approved by the SEC office, which we did, and the NCAA."

Cal also used Marshawn Lynch in practice prior to its season opener.