One Alabama QB is in 'firm control' of the No. 1 job, Greg McElroy says
Alabama is three-fifths of the way through its spring football camp, and one quarterback looks to be ahead of the others in the competition, according to a former Crimson Tide passer.
Greg McElroy, who started behind center for Alabama from 2009-10, was asked on his podcast “Always College Football” to evaluate the upside of Ty Simpson. He took it a step further.
“Right now, based on my understanding of what’s going on in Tuscaloosa, is that Ty has had a solid camp,” McElroy said. “He is in firm control of the No. 1 job so far that the other two, between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, those are the ones that are kind of competing for that No. 2 spot right now.”
Simpson is the most experienced quarterback on Alabama’s roster, having been Jalen Milroe’s backup the last two seasons. He appeared in six games each of the past two years and entered the spring at the front of his position line. In last week’s first scrimmage, Simpson had a strong showing, according to observers, and he currently sits in the pole position.
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Mack and Russell have also had their moments this spring, and the quarterback competition is far from being called. But Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer isn’t likely to tip his hand either.
McElroy broke down why he believes the position battle could linger until the season opener.
“Once we get into the summer, maybe that competition is extended,” McElroy said. “Maybe one of those guys makes a leap and makes this thing super competitive down the stretch. I don’t think we’re going to have an answer anytime soon. At least I don’t think it’s gonna make sense publicly for them to come out and to endorse one guy as the starter.
“For fear that the fact there’s only three guys right now on scholarship, you lose one of the other two guys. Now you’re down to two, and you’re back in the portal for a guy who doesn’t have a great feel for the system. If I were in charge of this quarterback competition, this thing is going all the way until Week 1. As long as I can potentially string it out, I would string it out.”
Alabama will return to the field for its 10th practice of spring camp on Wednesday, April 2.
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