Ryan Grubb offers first impressions of Alabama quarterbacks

New Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb heads into his first spring in Tuscaloosa in search of a new starting quarterback following the departure of two-year starter Jalen Milroe.

Currently, the Crimson Tide’s quarterback room consists of former five-star recruit Ty Simpson, who has seen some time under center in the past couple of years. He’s joined by former Washington transfer Austin Mack, and Five-Star Plus+ prospect and incoming true freshman Keelon Russell.

As spring practice gets underway, Grubb revealed his first impressions of the quarterback room, and what he’s learned from his three gunslingers through the early offseason.

“A lot of things. I think that they each, just like any quarterback, have their own individual strengths and weaknesses,” Grubb explained. “Ty has done a good job. I thought he had the biggest jump from day one to day two, just as far as being able to take in all the information, process quickly and move. Austin’s done a really good job of showing command for a young player, and then Keelon is awesome, man. He’s very unflappable.

“Even when things don’t go right, and they invariably will for a freshman quarterback, I think he’s done an awesome job just kind of staying the course and being very steady, and he can make a lot of plays.”

Of course, Grubb’s relationship with Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is well documented. Going back to their days at Sioux Falls, Grubb had always been the DeBoer’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. At Alabama, he’s just the OC.

Grubb explained that having Nick Sheridan in place as the team’s QB coach is a major advantage for him as the overseer of the entire offense. Despite this, Grubb plans on being deeply involved in the quarterback room this season.

“If I don’t have a relationship with the guys throwing the ball or in the huddle on Saturdays, I think that I’d be putting Alabama at a disadvantage,” Grubb said. “So, I always gotta be on the same page with those guys, in sync.”

The Crimson Tide’s annual A-Day spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 12. The final day of spring practices, it will take place in front of Alabama fans inside Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

After that, the next time the Crimson Tide faithful will be able to see their Alabama football team will be during the season opener on Aug. 30 at Florida State. Alabama’s first home game won’t be until the following week against UL Monroe.