Austin Mack draws Cam Newton comparison from former NFL QB after transfer to Alabama

Alabama is not the only program seeing players leave due to a coaching change. The NCAA transfer portal is open for Washington as well despite Jedd Fisch quickly being hired. Between the NFL and the portal, the Huskies are going to have a ton of roster turnover heading into the 2024 season.

One of the key losses was Austin Mack, a former four-star quarterback who just completed his freshman season. Ironically, Alabama was the one who benefitted as Mack committed to play for head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb in Tuscaloosa.

Seeing Mack move on from Washington is a “gut punch” for former UW quarterback and FOX’s Brock Huard. He spoke highly of the quarterback as a person before comparing him to a player Alabama fans are quite familiar with — even if it brings up bad memories.

“Yet another gut punch to the development of young, talented players,” Huard said via X. “Austin lights up a room & at 6’6 plus his presence & arm are unique. I can promise you all the SEC scribes & Bama social sites will marvel at Mack’s set of physical traits. Cam Newton light w/a better delivery.”

Mack was originally a member of the 2024 class but reclassified and enrolled at Washington early. He played high school football at Folsom (CA) High School, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 219 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Had he not skipped his senior season of high school, he would just be graduating and potentially just now enrolling at Alabama for spring practice. As Huard mentions, the traits are thought to be there for Mack but some development needs to take place. Mack was listed at 6-6, 226 pounds while in Seattle and shows off a good arm on high school tape.

But when you compare Mack to Cam Newton — while adding he has a better delivery than Newton — Alabama fans are going to be happy with the comparison.

Mack has not stepped onto the playing field quite yet, taking a redshirt season at Washington. Barring some injuries inside the program, you would imagine it’s unlikely he will play during the 2024 season as well.

DeBoer gets a ton of praise for developing Michael Penix Jr. at both Indiana and then Washington. Mack could be his next quarterback project.

The measurables and traits might be similar in Huard’s eye but if the results are anything like Newton, Alabama will forever remember the first commitment DeBoer landed as Alabama’s head coach.