With Ty Simpson taking his talents to the Los Angeles Rams, Kalen DeBoer has to find the best guy to be the Crimson Tide’s new QB1.
Alabama enters the season with a big battle for the starting quarterback spot.
Redshirt junior Austin Mack and promising sophomore Keelon Russell will go toe-to-toe for the distinction, and while there’s no clear front-runner for the job, it looks like they can’t go wrong either way.
Considering that, legendary head coach Nick Saban shared his thoughts on the battle.
Nick Saban chimes in on Alabama’s QB battle
“I think both these guys are capable,” Saban said on the SEC Network, per 247 Sports. “Sometimes you got to say, quarterback is the most difficult position to play based on how the people around you play. That may have something to do with who they determine is the starter. What’s the best fit with the rest of the players on the team? I think both guys are capable.”
While he praised both, the fact that Saban later discussed Russell’s potential might hint at him being his favorite for the job.
“I do agree with you – Keelon Russell, I’ve watched this guy for two springs. He didn’t play much in the fall. I watched him in two springs. This guy is a talented guy who is a playmaker who can make plays, and whether he’s ready to play now or not – obviously the coaches will determine that – he is going to be an outstanding player in the future,” added Saban.
Then again, that’s no longer his call to make. While DeBoer might — and should — listen to Saban’s input on all things Alabama, this is his team and his decision.
Whoever gets the nod will have some big shoes to fill and, potentially, a short leash.
For now, they’ll continue to split reps during camp.
