Nick Saban harps on quarterback development after Alabama's first spring practice

For the first time since 2018, there is going to be a quarterback competition in front of Nick Saban. Alabama saw the Bryce Young era end on a positive note but now, somebody else will be leading the offense in Tuscaloosa. Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson will be at the forefront of the competition as both look to win the starting job.

With Monday being Day One of spring practice, Saban decided on the big picture idea at the quarterback position instead of breaking down each guy. He believes since neither Milroe nor Simpson has a ton of experience, they both have an opportunity. If he’s looking for one thing out of them over the next month or so, it’s developing in a positive direction.

“Development at that position is really going to be a critical thing for our team this year because I like the players that I have around them,” Saban said.

Alabama has a ton of skill position players returning for the 2023 season. Jase McClellan is expected to take over of the lead back and run behind a solid offensive line. But when discussing weapons the quarterback can use, experienced wide receivers are littered throughout the depth chart.

Milroe has actual game experience with the likes of Jermaine Burton or Ja’Corey Brooks, getting the start against Texas A&M when Young went down with an injury. A much-needed win for Alabama at the time, Milroe potentially brings something different to the table.

“I think Jalen played one game, half a game where he really had to play the game,” Saban said. “And he made a lot of plays. He made plays in a different way than Bryce made plays.”

Simpson, who is entering his second season with the program, did not get any game time in 2022. Saban had to rely on practice to watch the development of the former five-star prospect. Results have been positive thus far.

“Ty, who made significant progress throughout the year but never really had much of an opportunity to play in critical situations in a game, is also someone who we think has developed and made a lot of improvement and has a lot of potential to be a pretty good player,” Saban said.

The two freshmen, Elite Holstein and Daniel Lonergan, were mentioned as well but “probably have a long way to go.”

Alabama has an incredible roster and that’s nothing new. Saban has recruited at an unreal level throughout his time but especially over the past two cycles. Add in some NCAA transfer portal additions and new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is cooking with skill position players.

Saban is looking to build the offense around that talent. The winner of the quarterback battle will be a first-year starter, no matter who wins. Whether or not Alabama gets back to its national championship-winning ways this season begins with how their development unfolds throughout spring practice.