Tommy Rees explains challenges of utilizing multiple QBs during Fall camp: 'We're really repping five guys right now'

Alabama has no shortage of quarterbacks. While the talent overflow is reassuring, getting every option reps can also be challenging. On Sunday, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees discussed this obstacle.

“There are some challenges. We practice in a way that there are plenty of opportunities and reps for all those guys to get. I think the thing I’m fortunate for is our quarterbacks understand it, and they don’t have any egos.

“We’re trying to tell them, ‘Hey, when you’re in there, you’re the guy, and we want you to own those opportunities, own those reps.’ And so they’ve bought into that. They’ve been supportive of one another. You know, Eli [Holstein] and Dylan [Lonergan] are still getting plenty of reps. We’re really repping five guys right now, which is probably really rare.

“Our players have bought into it, and we have had opportunities to give them longer chunks of plays to get them into a rhythm. Sometimes it’s a little choppier. But, we want to make sure that we’re mixing up how we’re rotating, we’re mixing up the different periods that guys get so that they’re exposed to different situational football. Our players have made it easy for me because they’ve been receptive to it and they just want to make the most of every opportunity they’ve had,” Rees said.

With Bryce Young gone to the NFL, Alabama has three replacement options: Jalen Milroe, Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson. Although, as Rees mentioned, the Crimson Tide’s fourth and fifth options are still getting plenty of reps.

While former four-stars Milroe and Buchner provide veteran wisdom to the Crimson Tide, redshirt freshman Simpson offers a unique opportunity. According to On3’s Industry Ranking, Simpson was the No. 2 quarterback in his class.

Saban seems to trust Rees’ judgment.

“Tommy Rees is one of the brightest young guys that I’ve seen in a long time in this business,” Saban said at SEC Media Days. “And he’s been a great addition and brought a lot of positives to the offensive side of the ball in terms of his ideas and how he relates to players, how he presents to players. His energy and enthusiasm on the field has been contagious. I think I see a great trust in our players with Tommy and what he tries to do from a leadership standpoint on offense.”

Alabama will have until Sept. 2 to decide who will start behind center. The Crimson Tide will open the season in a face-off against Middle Tennessee State.