Minutes before Alabama took the field for Thursday morning's scrimmage, the most significant decision of Alabama's Decision Day was over. Chris Low reported that in the next few days, he expected Kalen DeBoer to announce Keelon Russell as the Crimson Tide's starting QB.
In the post-Cecil Hurt era of reporting on Alabama football, no one is more connected than Chris Low. And no source is less likely to chase sizzle with sketchy information than Low.
Thursday was still Decision Day for other Crimson Tide players competing for starter and key rotational roles. It will likely be several more days before an official depth chart is announced.
The apparent choice of Keelon would be to pick the highest-ceiling guy. It would indicate no disrespect to Austin Mack. As Kalen DeBoer said post-scrimmage, "We can go win with either one of them." Since he arrived in Tuscaloosa, he has shown why he was Alabama's highest-ranked quarterback recruit ever.
DeBoer tight-lipped on Alabama QB starter
Post-scrimmage, DeBoer did not admit that a QB1 decision has been made. He said the staff would continue to evaluate during the weekend. It would be the biggest shock since Nick Saban's retirement if Austin Mack were named the starter on Monday. The reason why is Low. There is no chance that Low risked his solid relationship with DeBoer by reporting something that DeBoer wanted to be held for a few more days.
Why DeBoer didn't announce after the scrimmage is a mystery, but not one that portends any negative repercussions. It is possible Keelon could have performed poorly enough in the scrimmage that the competition would have continued longer, but quick scrimmage rumors claimed the opposite. It could also be that post-scrimmage DeBoer wanted to confer with Ryan Grubb one more time before he gave the quarterbacks the decision.
Thursday included some irony for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Choosing Russell over Mack would indicate that Kalen DeBoer is seeking championship success sooner rather than later. On the same day, another prediction emerged that the Crimson Tide would fail to make the Playoff this season. Brad Crawford of CBS Sports predicted that the Crimson Tide would play Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Add us as a preferred source on Google