Head football coach Kalen DeBoer’s first pick in 2024 won’t look like Alabama play-caller Ryan Grubb’s next quarterback.
The landscape of college football is continually shifting, with each new class of recruits introducing fresh talent, unique coaching styles, and evolving team strategies. As coaches and their programs adapt to these changes, certain coaches stand out for their distinctive approaches to building their teams. Among these, Kalen DeBoer of the Washington Huskies and Ryan Grubb of Alabama offer two very different philosophies when it comes to selecting and developing quarterbacks for the future. As both programs enter the 2024 season with high expectations, the first quarterback chosen by DeBoer and Grubb will likely look very different from each other, reflecting their contrasting approaches to the most important position on the field.
While both DeBoer and Grubb are well-regarded for their ability to develop quarterbacks, their coaching backgrounds, offensive systems, and personal preferences shape how they approach recruiting and selecting their next signal-caller. DeBoer’s style is heavily influenced by his experience in developing mobile, dual-threat quarterbacks with a focus on creativity and adaptability in his offense. Grubb, on the other hand, is known for his pro-style, pocket-passing quarterbacks who excel within a system that emphasizes precision, timing, and a disciplined, methodical approach to moving the ball downfield.
In this analysis, we will explore the differences between Kalen DeBoer’s first quarterback pick in 2024 and Ryan Grubb’s next quarterback, examining how their distinct systems influence their choices and how these quarterbacks will contribute to the success of their respective programs. Through a deep dive into the coaching philosophies, offensive systems, and the style of quarterbacks both coaches seek, we will better understand why these two quarterbacks are likely to be vastly different.
Kalen DeBoer’s Offensive Philosophy: The Dual-Threat Quarterback
Kalen DeBoer has been a rising star in the world of college football coaching. After taking over as head coach of the Washington Huskies, DeBoer quickly turned the program around with a potent offensive attack that focused on balance, adaptability, and utilizing the full skill set of his players. Central to his offensive philosophy is the ability to run a system that puts quarterbacks in positions to succeed both as passers and as dual-threat playmakers.
DeBoer’s offensive system is built around a fast-paced, pass-first approach, with an emphasis on spreading the field and creating mismatches for opposing defenses. His ability to develop quarterbacks who can read defenses, make quick decisions, and create plays with their legs has been a hallmark of his coaching style. Whether in his previous stops at Indiana or Fresno State, DeBoer has consistently worked with quarterbacks who have been able to excel in both the air and on the ground.
When DeBoer is selecting a quarterback, he is looking for someone with a particular skill set: mobility, adaptability, and intelligence. He values quarterbacks who can create out of structure, extending plays when necessary and picking up critical yardage on the ground. While DeBoer certainly values a strong arm and accuracy as a passer, his system places equal importance on a quarterback’s ability to escape pressure and make something happen when the pocket breaks down.
In 2024, DeBoer’s first pick at quarterback will likely reflect this philosophy. Given the program’s offensive identity, the ideal candidate for the position will be a dual-threat quarterback who has the ability to thrive in a system that promotes quick reads, improvisation, and making plays both in the pocket and on the move. The quarterback DeBoer selects will need to have the agility and vision to capitalize on the mismatches created by Washington’s fast-paced offense, all while maintaining composure in critical moments.
Ryan Grubb’s Offensive Philosophy: The Pocket-Passing Quarterback
While Kalen DeBoer values mobility in his quarterbacks, Ryan Grubb, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, has a different philosophy when it comes to selecting and developing his quarterbacks. Grubb, who has earned recognition for his work as an offensive coordinator at both Washington and Alabama, has built his reputation on coaching traditional, pocket-passing quarterbacks who excel in a pro-style system. For Grubb, a quarterback’s ability to make quick, accurate throws from the pocket and manage the game through precise decision-making is paramount.
Grubb’s offensive system is built around a pro-style attack, which places an emphasis on controlling the line of scrimmage, moving the ball methodically downfield, and executing a balanced offensive scheme. The quarterback’s role in Grubb’s system is that of a game manager who can read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver precise passes on time. While Grubb values mobility in certain positions, he prefers a quarterback who excels at standing tall in the pocket and distributing the ball efficiently to various playmakers.
Unlike DeBoer, who values a quarterback’s ability to extend plays, Grubb’s ideal quarterback thrives within the structure of the system, where timing, rhythm, and execution are key. For Grubb, the ability to execute from the pocket with accuracy and poise is what defines success. Alabama’s offense has long been known for its ability to blend the traditional power running game with a controlled passing attack, and Grubb’s system is built around this balance. He favors quarterbacks who can read defenses, deliver quick passes to the right spots, and move the ball efficiently down the field.
In 2024, Ryan Grubb’s first quarterback pick will likely reflect this philosophy. His ideal quarterback will be someone who excels at making quick, decisive throws, operates well within a structured system, and possesses the intelligence to read defenses and execute at a high level. A traditional pocket passer with a strong arm, excellent footwork, and the ability to make all the necessary throws from the pocket would be the perfect fit for Grubb’s offense.
Key Differences in the Quarterbacks DeBoer and Grubb Will Choose
The differences between the quarterbacks Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb select will be immediately apparent in their playing styles. Let’s break down some of the key differences that will define the quarterbacks each coach is likely to choose in 2024:
1. Mobility vs. Pocket Presence
The most obvious distinction between DeBoer’s and Grubb’s quarterbacks will be mobility. DeBoer places a premium on quarterbacks who can make plays outside the pocket, extending plays with their legs and creating opportunities when the initial play breaks down. His ideal quarterback would be a dynamic athlete capable of running the ball effectively and making defenders miss in open space.
Grubb, on the other hand, favors a quarterback with strong pocket presence—someone who excels at standing tall in the pocket and going through their progressions quickly. Grubb values accuracy from the pocket and the ability to make quick, precise throws without the need to escape pressure.
2. Dual-Threat vs. Pro-Style
DeBoer’s system is designed to take advantage of a quarterback’s ability to be a dual-threat, using both their arm and legs to put pressure on defenses. DeBoer’s quarterbacks need to be able to read defenses quickly and make decisions on the fly, whether that’s finding an open receiver downfield or taking off and running when necessary.
Grubb, however, prefers a pro-style quarterback—someone who operates within a structured system, making quick reads and delivering precise passes from the pocket. Grubb’s quarterbacks are expected to be efficient game managers who control the tempo of the offense through their decision-making and execution.
3. Creativity vs. Precision
DeBoer’s quarterbacks are often required to be creative—able to improvise and adjust on the fly when the play breaks down. This means that DeBoer values quarterbacks who can create opportunities with their legs and their improvisation skills. His offense thrives when quarterbacks can make something out of nothing, using their athleticism to turn potential sacks into big gains.
In contrast, Grubb’s quarterbacks need to be precise—able to execute within a structured offense and deliver accurate throws under pressure. The ability to make timely, accurate throws on short, intermediate, and deep passes is paramount in Grubb’s system. While mobility is a nice asset, precision and efficiency are far more important in Grubb’s eyes.
4. Athleticism vs. Fundamentals
DeBoer looks for athletic quarterbacks who can contribute as much with their legs as with their arm. He values raw athleticism and playmaking ability, which can be a huge asset in breaking down defenses that might otherwise be able to contain traditional pocket passers.
Grubb, however, places a premium on fundamentals—footwork, mechanics, and execution. A quarterback’s ability to go through their progressions, make quick decisions, and deliver the ball on time is critical in Grubb’s system. He prefers quarterbacks who can stay calm under pressure and execute the offense efficiently.
Two Distinct Paths to Success
When Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb make their first quarterback picks in 2024, the quarterbacks they choose will reflect their distinct coaching philosophies and the styles of offenses they run. DeBoer’s pick will likely be a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to extend plays and make things happen both in the air and on the ground. Meanwhile, Grubb’s pick will be a more traditional, pocket-passing quarterback who thrives in a pro-style system that emphasizes precision, decision-making, and executing plays from the pocket.
These differing approaches to selecting and developing quarterbacks illustrate the diversity in coaching strategies across college football. While both coaches are highly successful in their own right, the quarterbacks they choose will be a reflection of their philosophies—DeBoer’s emphasis on creativity and mobility, and Grubb’s focus on fundamentals and precision. Ultimately, both styles have the potential to succeed at the highest level, and the quarterbacks they develop will play a central role in their programs’ success in 2024 and beyond.
