Alabama is set to face a challenging 2024 NCAA season in Kalen DeBoer’s second year at the helm. Following key departures and signings, the Crimson Tide’s spring practices are underway, with the quarterback battle taking center stage. With the vacant position as the team’s top priority, DeBoer delivered a powerful reminder to his signal-callers.
The Tide couldn’t finish their last season as they hoped and envisioned during this time of the year in 2024. However, it has helped DeBoer and his staff learn many valuable lessons.
However, for any of their teachings to be put to work they must first take care of the biggest pending decision about the team. Who will command Alabama‘s huddle and be responsible for every play in the gridiron following Jalen Milroe’s departure for the NFL.
As the college football season approaches and most schools return to practice, DeBoer and Alabama are focused on finding their starting quarterback. The Crimson Tide’s QB room includes Austin Mack, Ty Simpson, and freshman Keelon Russell.
Despite Russell’s five-star status and the hype surrounding him, Alabama has yet to decide if he’s ready to lead the team or if a more experienced quarterback will take the reins under center. As the starting job battle heats up, DeBoer reminded his players about the key attributes he and his staff will prioritize in their evaluation.
“It’s got to be a guy who can deliver the ball, command the huddle, command everything we do with the team,” DeBoer emphasized, per BamaOnLine. “That presence, that belief and confidence in your signal caller. It starts with a lot of that — just the belief. The belief comes because you’re making the throws and you’re getting the ball in a fashion where they can go make their plays and reap the rewards of all the work they’ve put in.”
Russell’s readiness
As DeBoer addressed the media for the first time in the preseason, much of the interest circled around the newest star on the roster, Keelon Russell. DeBoer explained the staff is still far from naming a starter, but made something clear about Russell’s abilities.
“[Russell] is up there. He certainly is. He’s got a long way to go because I think that’s the way he looks at it. He’s excited about what this growth’s going to be even during this spring. But his ceiling and what he accomplished through what you can see on the high school film, he’s a pretty elite quarterback coming in as a high school senior, current freshman for us.”