Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer gestures during a timeout in the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Kalen DeBoer Provides Key Quarterback Battle Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 10:21 PM ET

Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide are taking steps to iron out their quarterback situation this spring. Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell are vying for the starting gig, which hasn't been captured yet. DeBoer knows what he wants out of his signal-caller, though.

"I think a lot of it is we want that playmaker," DeBoer told Tide 100.9 FM. "I don't want just a game manager out there. If we're gonna win at the level we want to win at, we want a guy that's gonna produce the big plays. And obviously, there's a piece, too, where you can't make the big mistakes. We all know that, especially in the critical moments, whether it's in the red zone, end of games, the half, things like that."

DeBoer also discussed how the three passers are progressing as practices wear on. Alabama finishes its spring practice schedule on Saturday, with an A-Day practice at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

"All of them are getting better, which is what you hope and need and expect," DeBoer said. "And for us as far as like — I know people want a decision and things like that — for us, it's just we don't feel like they're to the point where there's separation, where there's a ceiling they've hit. And I think it'd be pretty foolish to make a decision right now.

"We have plenty of time still to work through it and let these guys continue to work through the summer. Obviously, that takes us into fall camp where they'll get some more reps."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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