Head football coach Kalen DeBoer’s first pick in 2024 won’t look like Alabama play-caller Ryan Grubb’s next quarterback.
Head Football Coach Kalen DeBoer’s First Pick in 2024 Won’t Look Like Alabama Play-Caller Ryan Grubb’s Next Quarterback
In the world of college football, coaching changes and recruitment decisions often set the tone for a team’s trajectory. Two coaching staffs, in particular, will be keeping a close eye on their quarterback recruits for the 2024 season. Kalen DeBoer, the head coach for the Washington Huskies, and Ryan Grubb, the offensive coordinator for Alabama, represent two contrasting approaches when it comes to identifying and developing their quarterbacks. As the Huskies and Crimson Tide move into the 2024 season, the way these coaches approach their quarterback recruits will be very telling of their team’s offensive direction.
While both teams are perennial powerhouses in college football, their offenses differ in terms of scheme, style, and philosophy. This difference in offensive approach will influence the type of quarterback each coach seeks for the 2024 season. Though both DeBoer and Grubb are working with elite rosters and have built reputations for developing offensive talent, their quarterback recruits in 2024 will look vastly different, especially when you examine their respective systems and overall coaching philosophy.
In this article, we will explore the differences between Kalen DeBoer’s and Ryan Grubb’s quarterback selection processes, and why their first picks in the 2024 recruiting class won’t look alike. The quarterbacks these two coaches prioritize will not just impact their offensive systems but could also determine the future of both programs in the coming years.
Kalen DeBoer’s Offensive Philosophy and Quarterback Preferences
Kalen DeBoer took over as the head coach of the Washington Huskies in 2022, and since then, he has revitalized the program. DeBoer is known for his high-paced, pass-heavy offense that aims to stretch defenses and put the quarterback in position to make quick, efficient decisions. At the core of DeBoer’s offense is a pro-style passing attack that relies heavily on precision, timing, and decision-making.
DeBoer’s offensive scheme has been particularly beneficial for quarterbacks who are known for their quick release, accuracy, and poise under pressure. Quarterbacks in DeBoer’s system are expected to make quick, decisive reads, delivering the ball efficiently to a variety of receiving threats, and this requires a quarterback who excels at reading defenses and managing tempo.
For DeBoer, the 2024 recruiting cycle will likely center around finding a quarterback who fits the mold of the system he has developed. Given DeBoer’s background as an offensive coordinator at Fresno State and his tenure at Indiana, his ideal quarterback is one who can execute a quick-pass offense, read defenses, and take what the defense gives him while managing the flow of the game. In short, DeBoer is looking for a dual-threat quarterback, but not necessarily in the mold of Bryce Young or Jalen Hurts. Rather, he seeks someone with the ability to make quick decisions, find soft spots in zone defenses, and deliver the ball accurately while maintaining offensive tempo.
The Ideal Quarterback for Kalen DeBoer
Given DeBoer’s offensive philosophy, his ideal quarterback will need to have specific traits:
- Accuracy and Quick Release: DeBoer’s system relies on the quarterback’s ability to get the ball out quickly and accurately. His quarterbacks are tasked with reading defenses, making quick decisions, and delivering the ball efficiently, even under pressure.
- Field Awareness: DeBoer emphasizes quick, decisive reads. The ideal quarterback needs to be able to process information quickly, recognize defenses, and adjust to the game’s flow. This is key to managing the high-paced nature of DeBoer’s offense.
- Mobility (but not necessarily elite speed): While DeBoer’s offense isn’t necessarily built around a quarterback who runs first, mobility is still an asset. The ideal quarterback for DeBoer will be someone who can evade pressure and make plays outside the pocket if necessary, but their primary focus should remain on passing.
- Leadership and Poise: DeBoer’s offenses can often be fast-paced and high-pressure. A quarterback in his system must remain calm under pressure, making confident decisions even in tough situations.
Ryan Grubb’s Offensive Philosophy and Quarterback Preferences
On the other hand, Ryan Grubb, who serves as the offensive coordinator for Alabama, oversees a slightly different system. Alabama’s offense, while still effective in the passing game, is heavily predicated on a balanced attack, utilizing a strong running game to set up play-action and deep shots downfield. The Crimson Tide’s offensive strategy also emphasizes flexibility, which allows for a range of quarterbacks to step in and lead.
However, there is a key difference between Alabama and Washington’s quarterback preferences. Ryan Grubb, much like DeBoer, values accuracy, but in Grubb’s system, the quarterback is asked to operate in a more dynamic environment, blending a fast-paced passing game with the flexibility to mix in powerful runs, especially in the read-option game. Grubb also tends to lean toward quarterbacks with greater athleticism and the ability to make plays with their legs, complementing the Tide’s highly efficient offensive line and powerful running backs.
Where DeBoer’s system demands quick, decisive passing, Grubb’s system leans more heavily on quarterbacks who can control the tempo, make deep throws with accuracy, and manage the balance between passing and running effectively.
The Ideal Quarterback for Ryan Grubb
For Ryan Grubb, his quarterback preference is shaped by a more balanced offensive scheme that includes power-running elements alongside a spread passing game. The perfect quarterback for Grubb’s system needs to embody several key attributes:
- Strong Arm and Downfield Accuracy: Grubb’s offense emphasizes vertical passing, including deep throws and play-action shots. A quarterback who can consistently deliver accurate throws downfield is a must for Grubb’s offense to succeed.
- Mobility and Dual-Threat Capability: Grubb’s ideal quarterback is one who can also make plays with their legs, especially in a read-option system. A quarterback who is capable of running the ball effectively, whether on designed plays or scrambles, provides an additional dimension to Alabama’s offense.
- Leadership and Decision-Making: Like DeBoer’s quarterbacks, Grubb’s quarterbacks must also demonstrate poise, leadership, and the ability to make quick decisions. However, Grubb places more emphasis on the quarterback’s ability to keep defenses guessing with both their arm and legs.
- Physical Toughness: Given that Alabama’s offense often leans on physicality, a quarterback who can take a hit, stay calm under pressure, and still execute the offense is ideal for Grubb’s system.
Comparing the Two Coaches’ Quarterback Preferences
When we look at Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb, the difference in their quarterback preferences becomes clear. DeBoer wants a quarterback who excels in a quick-pass system, with the ability to manage the tempo of the game and execute short and intermediate throws effectively. His quarterback will need to be efficient, accurate, and smart, relying on quick reads and rapid decision-making rather than athleticism and arm strength.
On the other hand, Ryan Grubb is looking for a quarterback who can excel in both the running and passing games. While accuracy remains a key component, Grubb’s ideal quarterback must also be able to make deep throws and be a dual-threat in the read-option game, giving the offense flexibility and unpredictability.
As we look ahead to the 2024 recruiting class, it’s likely that both coaches will target quarterbacks who fit their specific needs. For DeBoer, we may see the Huskies go after a more traditional pocket passer, someone who can distribute the ball efficiently and quickly. In contrast, Grubb will likely look for someone who is not only an excellent passer but also has the ability to add a running threat, making him a true dual-threat option for the Crimson Tide.
