This will not be an easy decision for Kalen DeBoer. While he does have a knack for evaluating and developing the quarterback position, 2027 commit Elijah Haven may be too good to hold a clipboard for very long. His upside is off the charts. While he will be joining a quarterback room at Alabama featuring Keelon Russell among others, there is a decent chance he may see some early playing time.
ESPN's Tom Luginbill provided some interesting insight to the type of prospect Haven is coming in.
"Haven has elite size and physical tools," Luginbill wrote. "He has really developed over the past two years as a pure thrower. While he's extremely athletic and an effective runner, he's not a true dual-threat, and his potential as a passer is much higher. Haven's mechanics are still raw and will require some refinement to maximize his impressive accuracy."
Luginbill explained why early playing time may be in Haven's future as a member of the Crimson Tide.
"The Tide signed five-star Keelon Russell in the 2025 class, but Haven has the physical talent that will be hard to keep off the field early in Tuscaloosa," Luginbill continued. "His powerful arm and physical makeup are reminiscent of former Tennessee QB Joe Milton, but Haven will be a more accurate college passer."
With Russell and potentially Austin Mack still around, as well as five-star Jett Thomalla and four-star Tayden Kaawa now in the building, Haven will have no choice but to work his way up the depth chart. Let's also not overlook the fact that he is in the same recruiting class as four-star signal-caller Trent Seaborn. Haven and Seaborn might be roommates this fall, but only one of them can play at a time.
With a chance at being the idealized version of Joe Milton III, Haven is not going to be riding any pine.
Elijah Haven could force Kalen DeBoer's hand early in Alabama QB room
Throughout his coaching career, DeBoer has never had a problem choosing the right quarterback to lead his team. He put his trust and faith into Michael Penix Jr. twice, as well as empowered players like Jake Haener, Jalen Milroe, and Ty Simpson at different stops. Right now, it does feel like Russell will beat out Mack for the starting job this year, but that all could change in a hurry once Haven arrives.
Depending on how this season goes, DeBoer may be facing a ton of pressure ahead of year four for him in Tuscaloosa. Truth be told, either Mack or Russell should be more than fine to lead the Crimson Tide for this season. The big question is if either of them, or anybody else on the roster, will be good enough to get Alabama over the top in 2027 and beyond. There is a chance Haven could be that guy.
Right now, we are potentially looking at a prospect who can spin it as good as Penix, as well as run it like Milroe and Milton could at times. If Haven can be as accurate as Haener and Simpson were, Alabama might have really stumbled into something. Of course, Russell or Mack have built-in equity with the team. Thus, Haven might not start right away for Alabama. Just know that his day is coming.
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Overall, this is a good problem for Alabama to have. Many elite programs struggle to find one capable starting quarterback. The Crimson Tide have other issues to rectify, but not under center, so to speak. What is important to understand the quarterback position can make up for other roster deficiencies Alabama is experiencing right now. It can be more than deodorant for this football team.
Ultimately, DeBoer has to recognize that players like Haven are hoping they can get early playing time, let alone start right away. It may be his program, but all it will take is one down season for the Crimson Tide faithful to turn on him. Simply, there may be another quarterback competition on our hands this time next season, especially if Haven challenges the likes of Mack and Russell during spring practice.
For now, Alabama will need to build up its roster to be in as good of shape as the quarterback room.
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