What Did Kalen DeBoer Say About the Alabama Quarterback Battle?

Kalen DeBoer didn’t offer a definitive answer, but he did shed some light on the competition that’s drawing national attention.

Speaking Wednesday at SEC Media Days in Atlanta, the second-year Alabama head coach addressed the Crimson Tide’s ongoing quarterback battle, offering early impressions of returning veteran Ty Simpson, as well as young talents Keelon Russell and Austin Mack.

“They have the tools,” DeBoer said. “Ty throws a catchable ball. He’s smart. He’s been in college football now, going into year four. ... He’s really owned things I think on another level.”

Simpson, a redshirt junior, is considered the frontrunner entering fall camp after Jalen Milroe’s departure to the NFL. 

He’s one of the few quarterbacks on the roster with in-game SEC experience and has taken first-team reps throughout the spring and early summer.

But DeBoer also made it clear that competition remains open.

On true freshman Keelon Russell, he said, “I’m confident he’s going to make big jumps as well.”

Russell, a late flip from SMU, arrived in Tuscaloosa with a strong five-star reputation and is already turning some heads with his development.