Kalen DeBoer Provides Final Update on Alabama’s Quarterbacks Ahead of A-Day, Offering Insight into Depth Chart and Key Position Battles.”

As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepares for its annual A-Day spring scrimmage, one of the most critical position battles is at quarterback. Head coach Kalen DeBoer, now entering his second year at the helm, has had the challenging task of finding the right leader to replace Jalen Milroe, who has moved on to the NFL. While the team has seen some significant changes in its quarterback room, DeBoer’s insight into the situation reveals a dynamic and evolving depth chart.

Current Landscape of the Quarterback Room

Alabama’s quarterback depth chart is currently in flux. After Jalen Milroe’s departure, DeBoer is tasked with determining which of the team’s quarterbacks will take over the reins of the offense. The three primary contenders are:

1. Ty Simpson – A redshirt junior who has served as the backup to Milroe for the past two seasons. Although Simpson is the most experienced option, having been with the program since 2022, he’s only thrown 50 passes in his collegiate career, making his experience limited.
2. Austin Mack – A transfer from Washington, Mack has joined the Crimson Tide for the 2024 season. While his college experience is more extensive than Simpson’s, Mack has yet to see meaningful playing time in an Alabama uniform. DeBoer is familiar with Mack’s abilities from their time together at Washington, where Mack demonstrated leadership and potential.
3. Keelon Russell – A true freshman who joined the program as a Five-Star Plus+ recruit. Russell enters the competition with a reputation for being one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in his class, though he has no college experience. His natural talent and physical attributes make him a potential game-changer, but his inexperience might play a role in his development over the coming seasons.
4. Brock Kelly – While less discussed than the other three candidates, Kelly has been developing in the background and may surprise with his strong spring performances. He’s a wildcard in the competition, and the A-Day scrimmage could be his opportunity to showcase his skills.

Coach DeBoer’s Approach

DeBoer has consistently expressed confidence in his quarterbacks, even though none of them have extensive starting experience. According to DeBoer, leadership and consistency will be key factors in choosing his starter, and each quarterback has shown flashes of potential during spring practice.

DeBoer emphasized the importance of not just physical skills but also the ability to lead and manage the offense under pressure. While all the quarterbacks have their strengths, the challenge will be identifying which one can execute Alabama’s offense at the highest level, especially when facing the pressure of leading one of the most storied programs in college football.

In interviews, DeBoer mentioned that while Ty Simpson has the most familiarity with the system and the coaches, Austin Mack’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has caught the staff’s attention. As for Keelon Russell, the coaching staff is eager to see how his raw talent translates into a live game setting.

Position Battles and Depth Chart Projections

The competition for the starting quarterback role remains intense as the team heads into the A-Day scrimmage. The depth chart for the spring, while subject to change, is shaping up as follows:

1. Ty Simpson (QB1) – Simpson’s experience with the program and the system gives him the slight edge as the front-runner. His performance this spring will be crucial in solidifying his position, but he will need to prove he can take the next step as a leader on the field.
2. Austin Mack (QB2) – Mack is a close contender, especially considering his familiarity with DeBoer’s offensive philosophy. Although he may not have Simpson’s in-program experience, his ability to adapt to new systems quickly could make him a strong challenger for the starting role.
3. Keelon Russell (QB3) – Despite being a freshman, Russell’s athleticism and skill set put him in contention to see meaningful playing time. However, his lack of college experience likely means that he will be given more time to develop, and he could be used in a backup role early on.
4. Brock Kelly (QB4) – Kelly is a long shot to start but could serve as a solid backup option. If the competition remains close, his performance in A-Day could impact whether he climbs higher on the depth chart.

A-Day Scrimmage: The Ultimate Evaluation

The A-Day spring scrimmage is the perfect opportunity for DeBoer to evaluate his quarterbacks in a live, game-like environment. Given that the scrimmage is essentially a controlled exhibition, it offers a unique chance to see how each quarterback reacts to pressure, handles situational football, and leads the offense in different scenarios.

DeBoer noted that the scrimmage would not only focus on statistical performance but also on intangible qualities such as leadership, decision-making, and command of the huddle. The team will run through various situational drills—short yardage, two-minute offense, red zone situations—to test the quarterbacks in different aspects of the game.

It’s important to note that DeBoer is not just looking for a quarterback who can throw the ball accurately. He’s also assessing how each player manages the offense, keeps their composure under pressure, and communicates with teammates. A strong performance in A-Day could solidify the starting role for one of these candidates, but the coaching staff remains open to making changes depending on how the players progress in the coming weeks.

Key Factors to Watch for on A-Day

As fans prepare for A-Day, here are a few key factors to watch for in the quarterback battle:

• Accuracy and Arm Strength: Can each quarterback throw with precision to all areas of the field? This will be critical in DeBoer’s offensive system, which often relies on both short quick passes and deep shots to stretch the defense.
• Decision Making: Which quarterback shows the ability to quickly read the defense and make smart decisions under pressure? Alabama’s offense requires a quarterback who can recognize blitzes, anticipate coverages, and make quick decisions on the fly.
• Leadership and Poise: The starting quarterback will need to be able to manage the huddle, rally the team, and show poise in high-pressure situations. Look for signs of confidence and leadership from the quarterbacks as they interact with their teammates on the field.
• Mobility: While Alabama’s quarterbacks have traditionally been pocket passers, the ability to move in and out of the pocket and make plays with their legs is becoming increasingly important. How well the quarterbacks handle pressure from the defense and extend plays with their legs could factor into the decision.

Looking Ahead to the Fall

The A-Day scrimmage will provide valuable insights into which quarterback is ready to lead Alabama into the 2025 season. While the spring evaluation will be crucial, DeBoer has indicated that the competition could continue into the fall, depending on how the quarterbacks perform in practice and in upcoming preseason scrimmages.

Ultimately, the decision on who starts under center will not just affect Alabama’s offensive strategy but could also determine the trajectory of the team in the national title hunt. With such a critical position up for grabs, DeBoer will be relying heavily on both the spring scrimmage and summer practices to make the right call.

Whether it’s Simpson’s experience, Mack’s adaptability, or Russell’s raw potential, Alabama’s quarterbacks are under the spotlight this spring. A-Day will give fans and coaches alike a first look at which player could rise to the occasion and take the reins of one of the most prestigious football programs in the country.