What Kalen DeBoer said about Alabama QB battle at SEC Media Days

ATLANTA – In maybe the surprise of the day, it took until the fifth question for Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer to be asked about the Crimson Tide quarterback battle at SEC Media Days.

Speaking in the main media room at the College Football Hall of Fame, DeBoer reiterated what offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said during his final press conference of spring practice.

“We did make it known at the end of the spring that if we played a game at that point – and it really wouldn’t have changed even at this point because there’s nothing that’s happened as far as practicing – Ty Simpson would be the guy that would take the first snaps and be our starter,” DeBoer said on Wednesday, July 16.

“Challenged all of them at that time that they’d have to continue to take the strides. They’ve got to continue in their own ways to improve. They’ve really, I know, worked hard to do that, and excited to see our progress two weeks from today. But they have the tools.”

Simpson, a redshirt junior, exited spring ball as the frontrunner to start Alabama’s 2025 season opener at Florida State on August 30. The most experienced quarterback in the room, Simpson spent the last two years serving as the Tide’s backup behind starter Jalen Milroe.

But redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and true freshman Keelon Russell, a former 5-star recruit, are still competing for the starting job, too. Simpson and Mack split the first-team reps during the springtime, while Russell provides Alabama with a promising, but young, talent.

Wednesday, DeBoer discussed all three quarterbacks while addressing a room of reporters.

“Ty throws a catchable ball,” DeBoer said. “He’s smart. He’s been in college football now, he’s going into Year 4. He’s seen the ups and downs. He’s got great relationships with the team. He’s a leader that way. He’s really owned things, I think, on another level.

“And then Austin Mack, I mean, if you walked in here, the guy’s 6-6, 230-235. He’s got a presence about him, and that carries over to how he throws the football. And just really took his most meaningful snaps in college this spring, working with the ones and twos.

“And then Keelon Russell, you would never have guess that he’s a … high school senior, an early enrollee that came in and just learning the system, learning college football. Has taken these huge strides in the course of the spring, and now, getting that install over and over again in the summer and going into fall. I’m confident he’s gonna make big jumps, as well.”

Alabama will return to the practice field on Wednesday, July 30, DeBoer announced during his press conference. That’s one month before game No. 1 of DeBoer’s tenure in Tuscaloosa.

DeBoer has yet to officially name a starting quarterback, but Simpson appears set to open the upcoming campaign behind center. However, the head coach likes all three signal-callers.

“Kind of told you if we played today, where it would be, but all three of them have potential to do some really big things in our offense,” DeBoer siad. “I think a lot of it has to do with what’s around them, as well.”

Not a member, Alabama fans? Join BOL today!

Have you subscribed to BamaOnLine.com yet? You can sign up for ONE MONTH of premium access to our Alabama coverage for just $11.99! Be able to read all of BOL’s premium articles and nuggets covering Alabama sports and recruiting, and also join thousands of other Crimson Tide fans around the globe on the BOL Round Table message board! CLICK HERE!