Kalen DeBoer is careful with how much information he shares. With the spring Transfer Portal soon to open, he could not avoid Portal questions on Monday. It is not known if DeBoer maintains Saban-like restrictions on the Alabama Football coordinators. They are certainly available more than in the Saban era.
On Monday, Ryan Grubb spoke first, followed by Kane Wommack. Maybe DeBoer was not surprised by what Ryan Grubb said, but beat reporters, along with Alabama football fans, were. Grubb said as of now, Ty Simpson is QB1. Grubb added, "And he earned that. I know that’s the line everybody’s looking for, but that is what he earned."
There should be no surprise about what Grubb said. The indications have been evident for a couple of weeks. The surprise is that he admitted it. The risk of candor could be that Austin Mack decides to hit the Portal and Alabama would have to chase a new backup quarterback.
DeBoer took time in his media session to extoll Austin Mack's progress. He also admitted in the current college football world that having four scholarship quarterbacks on a roster is difficult. "I really hope we can (hold on to our three quarterbacks)... Three isn’t very many, but it’s probably the number we’re going to have to be at at quarterback. That’s what we’re expecting here going into the fall. Had four last year, I think that’s kind of a unique situation. I’ve had three many times in the last few years, and you’re always on edge."
Few Alabama Football roster spots available
Alabama has few roster spots open. The number will likely be three to five. Alabama has more pressing needs than another backup QB. It is almost assured Alabama will look to add a tight end and maybe two, along with another interior defensive lineman. An offensive tackle, clearly capable of winning a starting role, is needed. Perhaps one more off-ball linebacker might be added. DeBoer might consider a placekicker if he is not locked in on Connor Talty.
Such a Portal plan would immediately change if Mack decides to transfer. Otherwise, it appears Kalen DeBoer does not believe there is a need for a fourth scholarship QB. Kalen DeBoer hopes for patience from players he sees as next season or future contributors. If he mostly gets it, the Alabama football staff can also exercise patience.