Why Alabama's quarterback room is in 'much better shape' than 2023

The Alabama quarterback room is in much better shape than the 2023 season, according to Bama Online’s Tim Watts.

Jalen Milroe is the incumbent starter, Ty Simpson is nipping at his heels and Dylan Lonergan is an exciting young buck. not to mention Washington transfer Austin Mack followed Kalen DeBoer to Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lot more depth this season, plus a returning starter to make things clearer. At least as of now.

“I thought he looked okay,” Watts said on Andy Staples On3. “A couple of drops hurt his stats. He was three-for-nine, completed a couple of really nice passes. The one thing about him is you have to worry about the decision making. That’s the question. He got the ball out quick when he got it out. But when he hesitated he didn’t find his first guy. He got you know, touched for a sack. And also I should note that like, when you’re Jalen Milroe, you’re not used to playing tag football. Nobody’s touching you and bringing you down. It’s hard enough to grab you and bring you down.

“So I think mentally he knew he had that escape ability. And even though it was touch, he’s you know, he does what he does with his legs with a nice run. So I think he looked fine.

Watts elaborated on Simpson, who some pundits believe can truly challenge Milroe for the Alabama starting gig at some point this year.

“Simpsons going against the twos, I thought he had some moments,” Watts said. “We all think you know, Ty Simpson has the talent as well. I think overall the quarterback room, if you compare it to last year, didn’t really know a lot about last year’s team right? The quarterback room is in much better shape. I still think Jalen is your starter until proven otherwise.”

Alabama seemingly has its starter in Milroe, but only one guy is going to push him right now, according to Watts.

“I think Ty Simpson, I still think is to be determined. I think he’s between Ty Simpson and Dylan Lonergan,” Watt said. “I think I would give Ty the advantage because he is able to pull it down and run with it. He’s got a little more experience. I think Austin Mack’s gonna be fine but he is young. His age. You know, he does look have that baby giraffe.

“Look when you watch him play. He is young for his grade probably, you know, probably he probably could still be at his high school prom at this time, but I think Ty’s gonna have the advantage over Dylan. And I think Todd would be the one pushing Jalen Milroe if anybody is.”