A few weeks ago, former Alabama football quarterback Greg McElroy stated that a gap existed between Ty Simpson and Alabama's two other scholarship quarterbacks. GMac's observation is being seconded by Alabama football insiders as word has seeped out about spring scrimmage performances for all three quarterbacks.
If the gap is real and Simpson maintains it, don't look to Kalen DeBoer, Ryan Grubb, Nick Sheridan, or any other football person employed by the University to confirm it. No QB1 announcement should be expected before August.
The recent chatter is that Simpson was outstanding in the spring's first scrimmage, throwing for three touchdowns in the 50 plays given the first-team offense. A rumor circulated from a post-scrimmage practice claimed Austin Mack had a rough day, and if there was a known depth chart, Mack would currently be QB3.
Good news about Ty Simpson should please all Alabama football fans. Keelon Russell (or Mack) may well be the Crimson Tide's future, but he and Mack are teenagers. Mack will turn 19 in June, and Russell's 18th birthday is April 24. Simpson is 22 and will turn 23 before the 2025 season is complete. Ryan Williams was tremendous as a teenager last season, but he is far from the norm, especially at the quarterback position.
Other Alabama Football Spring Information
- The Crimson Tide's defensive backfield is loaded with talent. Utah transfer cornerback, Cam Calhoun, has stood out, with Kane Wommack saying, "It’s kind of nice to have another guy out there that plays up in people’s faces. Freshman defensive back Dijon Lee has dazzled and has a chance to become Alabama's third corner. Calhoun and DaShawn Jones will likely battle it out to start at Husky.
- Other new players have also impressed. Wide receiver Isaiah Horton can be a possession receiver and a deep threat. His 6'4", 210lb. body will overpower many opposing defenders. On defense, freshman Wolf, Justin Hill is having a strong spring. Perhaps the biggest spring surprise is linebacker Abdullah Sanders. The former 3-star freshman led all Alabama defenders in tackles in the first scrimmage. He is way down the depth chart, but should be a solid contributor on Special Teams.
Alabama Football will scrimmage again on Friday Apr. 4. There are no media viewing periods this week, so information seeping out from insiders is all we will get.