The Alabama Football quarterback battle has been discussed at length all offseason, and the conversation will likely continue into the fall.
Redshirt sophomores Jalen Milroe and Tyler Buchner, as well as redshirt freshman Ty Simpson, are all competing for the job in fall camp. Obviously, this is one of the most important positions for the Crimson Tide to figure out. However, I don’t think it is as critical as some have implied.
Alabama is not going to replace Bryce Young 1-for-1, and it isn’t necessary to do so. The widespread belief is that this 2023 team will be deeper and more complete at the other positions on the field, which will take some weight off the quarterback’s shoulders. The Crimson Tide should not need a Heisman contender at quarterback to patch up major weaknesses elsewhere.
The primary job of the Bama signal-caller will be protecting the football. Both Jalen Milroe and Tyler Buchner have had moments of carelessness that led to senseless turnovers in their college careers. Ty Simpson simply hasn’t played enough to put anything definitively positive or negative on tape.
It is worth noting that Simpson protected the ball well during the A-Day scrimmage in spite of a hand injury. His only turnover that afternoon was an acrobatic interception by Earl Little II on a relatively well-thrown ball.
All three quarterbacks competing for the job are running threats and should be able to be effective in the same offense. Milroe is one of the fastest players on the team regardless of position, and is clearly the most explosive as a runner.
Tyler Buchner isn’t too far behind and can be a big-play threat as well. Simpson is deceptively quick in his own right, and the consensus is that he has the highest upside as a passer. The only question is just how soon he will tap into that potential.
The quarterback position at Alabama Football will operate a little differently this season. Like the early Saban days, leadership and the ability to command respect may be more important than physical talent. In short, whoever runs the offense most effectively should be the guy.
We are now just four Mondays from Alabama Football game week. Roll Tide!