Kalen DeBoer raves over the progression from Alabama's entire quarterback room

New Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer is known for his work with quarterbacks in the past. That’s success that he’s now looking to continue with the Crimson Tide.

At the quarterback position, Alabama returns starting quarterback Jalen Milroe, who is expected to take a step forward. However, DeBoer is excited about the entire quarterback room, raving about that group’s progress behind Milroe.

“We’ve been rotating a lot of the other guys in with the twos,” Kalen DeBoer said. “They’re all getting three and four reps too, but Ty [Simpson] is pretty much taken twos, and then the other guys just take a couple reps away from him at different times.”

Ty Simpson returns to Alabama from last season’s team and is expected to be the primary backup. However, he’s not the sole returning quarterback from last season. Dylan Lonergan is also returning.

“Again, I think just like Rich [Young] earlier, they’ve really taken that step over the summer, especially the guys that didn’t know the offense,” DeBoer said. “Having more reps of it in the summer, more film, another round of install— they’re really now getting it figured out and know what we’re looking for.”

Kalen DeBoer is also bringing in some of his own quarterbacks. Austin Mack transferred in from Washington, giving him experience playing under DeBoer. Then, John Cooper came in as a freshman from the 2024 cycle.

“And then Austin had a head start on everyone. He’s continued to progress. I think his movement and just throwing is where I’d hoped it would be, too. That whole group is just really in a good spot,” DeBoer said. “And they’re cheering for each other and competing at the same time.”

The hope is that Alabama won’t need to rely on the quarterbacks behind Jalen Milroe. However, if that does need to happen, it’s good to have faith in that group.

Kalen DeBoer details early growth from Jalen Milroe in new system

Heading into Fall Camp, Kalen DeBoer detailed the early growth for Jalen Milroe in a new system.

“I just try to, most racks, when I talk about racks, whatever, four, five places or a drive in practice, I just love following up with him and he just takes all the coaching and he knows when I coach him up that’s my job,” DeBoer said.

“We talk about teaching and critiquing and demanding excellence and the best, and he takes that. Every play looking for it and working to be better. But I thought he had a really solid day all around. I know he’s not even what he’ll be next week, much less the first day.”