Greg McElroy further explains why Ty Simpson will wind up as Alabama starting quarterback

Greg McElroy has made his opinion clear on the Alabama quarterback situation. He believes Ty Simpson will eventually win the job, taking down Jalen Milroe and Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner. Head coach Nick Saban has repeatedly said there is no timeline for a decision but McElroy has called his shot.

After watching the tape from the spring game, the ESPN analyst says Simpson’s stats do not do his performance justice. The accuracy stands out compared to the other two. Once the light bulb completely comes on, McElroy likes the potential.

“What I have seen is a young player that was trying to figure things out a little bit in the spring,” McElroy said. “I also watched back the spring game and while the numbers wouldn’t necessarily blow you away, one of his interceptions, in particular, was an incredible play by a defender. I think he’s the most accurate of the three.”

Saban is looking for somebody to separate themselves from the bunch. A summer full of preparation could be the difference for Simpson.

The type of quarterbacks new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has had in the past is a big indicator for McElroy. Going back to Rees’ days at Notre Dame, Simpson fits the mold of the guys the OC has chosen to start.

“He had Jack Coan,” McElroy said. “Stereotypical, prototypical pocket passer. Ian Book. He had a pocket passer with some mobility. I think Ty Simpson fits that mold. I think he’s a guy that’s going to play a lot between the 20s — traditionally first, second, and third down. I think he’s the best passer of the three.”

Jalen Milroe, Tyler Buchner could still carve for in Alabama offense

If Simpson does win the job, Saban is not going to kick the other two to the curb. Both Buchner and Milroes have capable red zone ability, being serious dual-threat quarterbacks. Once Alabama gets inside the 20, Rees will be able to design plays for Buchner/Milroe they maybe could not run if Simpson stayed in the gaem.

“I would be surprised if Jalen Milroe and Tyler Buchner didn’t have a role in the offense. That’s going to be a situational role. That’s how I anticipate it going because so many teams now, you have to utilize quarterback runs.

“It’s too difficult for the defense to account for. I think they’ll use them in short-yardage situations and potentially in the red zone when you can’t stretch the field vertically.”