How Kalen DeBoer wants Ty Simpson to use his ‘athleticism’ at quarterback

Alabama football is rocking with quarterback Ty Simpson under center for the 2025 season, and the redshirt junior has some mobility to complement his arm talent.

A question looming ahead of the Tide’s season opener against Florida State is how many times Simpson will exert himself in a running capacity.

On Thursday, head coach Kalen DeBoer told the media that the first priority is always to keep the quarterback healthy, followed by moving the chains.

“He’s got to find out ways to move the chains, and on our offense, first and foremost, the priority is always on keeping our quarterback, we say upright,” DeBoer said. “Keep them up. Keep them healthy. We’re personnel oriented but we’re really quarterback driven. For him to keep the ball moving gives him more opportunities to go make the next play. A lot of our play calls have something where there’s a shot down the field, and for him to get a new set of downs gives him more opportunities for when the right coverage presents itself, that shot could exist.”

DeBoer emphasized that the coaching staff will never fault Simpson for scrambling to get a first down, adding that Simpson has found a good balance in regard to using his legs.

“For him, it’s about moving the chains,” DeBoer said. “And so, if that means using his feet, that’s certainly what he needs to do and that’s what he’s done. I think he’s done a really good job of that with that balance. So, go get a first down. We’re never gonna fault you for that. There’s going to be an ‘oo’ and ‘ah’ if you see a guy down the field that you wish you would have thrown it to. That happens with every quarterback. But, you know, be aggressive, but he’s got to take care of himself too.”

With running back Jam Miller missing a few weeks due to injury and a lack of separation between the rest of Alabama’s running backs, do not be shocked if Simpson’s number is called in the Aug. 30 season opener at Florida State.