Alabama football OC Ryan Grubb and head coach Kalen DeBoer assessed the QB battle, and they gave reasons for why Ty Simpson is a winner.

As Alabama prepares for the upcoming football season, one of the most critical battles on the team is the quarterback competition. With a program known for its legendary quarterbacks, including the likes of Joe Namath, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young, Alabama’s quarterback position is always under a microscope. The battle for the starting role has been intense, with multiple candidates vying for the job.

In this context, Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb and Head Coach Kalen DeBoer have had significant input on the development of the quarterbacks. The coaching duo has closely observed the talent on display, and after evaluating all the contenders, they’ve offered insight into why Ty Simpson has emerged as the front-runner in the quarterback race. Let’s explore the reasons why Ty Simpson has earned the praise and the starting position, according to Grubb and DeBoer.

The Competitors

Before delving into why Simpson has won the QB battle, it’s important to note the competition he faced. Alabama has a history of recruiting top-tier talent, and this season is no different. The quarterbacks vying for the position alongside Simpson include:

• Jalen Milroe: The sophomore quarterback who served as a backup to Bryce Young last season. Milroe has shown flashes of brilliance with his athleticism and running ability but struggled with consistency and passing accuracy.
• Ty Simpson: The highly touted true sophomore quarterback from Tennessee, who has impressed in limited action. Simpson brings a more polished passing game compared to Milroe, with a higher ceiling in the passing department.
• Tyler Buchner: A transfer from Notre Dame, who has experience as a starting quarterback but comes with question marks surrounding his consistency and performance against top-tier defenses.

Each of these quarterbacks brings something different to the table, but Ty Simpson’s blend of skill sets and potential development under the guidance of Grubb and DeBoer has ultimately led him to be deemed the winner of the quarterback battle.

Ryan Grubb’s Assessment

Ryan Grubb, in his role as Alabama’s Offensive Coordinator, has been instrumental in designing the offensive scheme and working with the quarterbacks. His assessment of the QB battle has been thorough, as he’s analyzed not only the physical attributes of each player but also their mental and emotional readiness to lead the team.

1. Simpson’s Command of the Offense

One of the key reasons Grubb has endorsed Ty Simpson as the starting quarterback is his exceptional understanding of the offensive system. Simpson has shown an impressive ability to process information quickly and make decisions under pressure. Grubb has noted that Simpson is adept at reading defenses and adjusting his decisions accordingly. This football IQ is crucial in the fast-paced, complex offenses that have become the hallmark of Alabama’s offensive philosophy.

Grubb explained that while all the quarterbacks have talent, Simpson’s ability to execute the offense with efficiency and precision has stood out. His comfort level with the playbook and his ability to communicate with his teammates have been standout qualities.

2. Poise Under Pressure

Another reason Grubb is confident in Simpson’s ability to be the starter is his poise under pressure. During practice and in scrimmages, Simpson has displayed remarkable calmness when faced with adversity. This is especially important for a quarterback at Alabama, where the pressure is often magnified in front of a national audience and the expectations are sky-high.

Grubb emphasized that while both Simpson and Milroe have their share of strengths, Simpson’s ability to remain composed and manage the flow of the game is what sets him apart. Grubb further explained that Simpson’s demeanor in critical situations, such as late-game drives or tight situations, is something that gives him confidence in Simpson’s ability to lead the team.

3. Skill Set and Development

Grubb has also praised Simpson’s physical skill set. While Milroe may have a stronger running ability, Grubb has pointed out that Simpson is a more complete quarterback in terms of his passing. He has a natural ability to throw with accuracy, and his arm strength is strong enough to make all the necessary throws on the field. Additionally, Simpson’s footwork in the pocket has been lauded as smooth and efficient, which allows him to avoid pressure and make throws on the run when needed.

Grubb highlighted Simpson’s quick release and ability to throw to all areas of the field—short, intermediate, and deep. His deep ball accuracy has been a key area of improvement throughout his development, and Grubb believes this makes Simpson a dangerous threat in the passing game.

Kalen DeBoer’s Perspective

Head Coach Kalen DeBoer, known for his offensive mind and ability to develop quarterbacks, has been another integral figure in shaping the team’s offensive approach. His experience with quarterbacks, particularly at the college level, has given him a unique perspective on what makes a successful leader of the offense.

1. Leadership and Maturity

DeBoer has often spoken about the importance of leadership in a quarterback, and this is where Ty Simpson has truly separated himself. According to DeBoer, Simpson’s maturity and approach to the game have made him the clear choice to lead the offense. DeBoer pointed out that Simpson not only performs well on the field but also sets the tone in the locker room and in practice. His leadership style has been described as “quiet but effective,” which is a quality that has earned him the respect of his teammates.

Simpson’s ability to take control of huddles and direct traffic on the field has been a key factor in his emergence as the starter. His teammates have often praised his ability to stay calm and composed, especially in challenging situations. DeBoer stressed that a quarterback must be someone who commands respect and inspires confidence in others, and Simpson has proven that he possesses this ability.

2. Consistency in Performance

While Milroe and Buchner have shown flashes of brilliance, DeBoer has been adamant that consistency is the key to earning the starting job. In practices and scrimmages, Simpson has been remarkably consistent in his performances. Whether it’s making the routine throws or executing in clutch situations, Simpson has demonstrated that he can deliver when it matters most.

DeBoer explained that a quarterback’s ability to perform on a consistent basis is paramount for the success of the team. With the high expectations and intense pressure that come with being Alabama’s starting quarterback, DeBoer believes that Simpson has shown the most consistent ability to execute the game plan and produce results.

3. Adjusting to Pressure

DeBoer noted that Alabama quarterbacks often face immense pressure to deliver in critical moments, especially when the team is competing for championships. Simpson has faced pressure throughout his career, and DeBoer believes that his ability to perform under duress is a strong reason for his selection. DeBoer recalled several instances where Simpson was faced with adversity in practice or scrimmages and handled it with poise, making quick decisions and executing the offense efficiently.

The Future for Ty Simpson

The coaching staff’s endorsement of Ty Simpson as the starting quarterback signals a shift toward a more traditional, pass-heavy offense. While Simpson’s ability to run the ball is still a threat, his greatest strength lies in his ability to make precise, accurate throws in all situations. This will allow Alabama’s offense to open up in new ways, providing more balance to the team’s attack.

Simpson’s development under Grubb and DeBoer is still ongoing, but both coaches are confident that he has the potential to not only be a successful quarterback at Alabama but also to elevate the program to new heights. The combination of his natural talent, football IQ, leadership, and poise under pressure makes him the perfect fit for Alabama’s offensive system.

The quarterback battle at Alabama has been closely scrutinized, and after an extensive evaluation, Ty Simpson has emerged as the winner. His mastery of the offense, leadership abilities, and consistency in performance have made him the clear choice for Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb and Head Coach Kalen DeBoer. While there were other talented candidates, Simpson’s ability to execute under pressure and lead the team has made him the ideal candidate for the starting role. As the season progresses, Alabama fans can expect to see more of Simpson’s potential unfold as he leads one of the most storied football programs in the country into a new era of excellence.