Kalen DeBoer's comments on what he is looking for out of his starting quarterback points to an early favorite in Alabama
The Alabama Crimson Tide are facing a question they haven't in years. Sure there was some talk a couple of years ago about Jalen Milroe, but he was pegged the starter from day one. Right now, however, the battle is technically open, but an incumbent may be holding off a five-star following some comments from […]
The Alabama Crimson Tide are facing a question they haven't in years.
Sure there was some talk a couple of years ago about Jalen Milroe, but he was pegged the starter from day one.
Right now, however, the battle is technically open, but an incumbent may be holding off a five-star following some comments from Kalen DeBoer to open the spring season…
Kalen DeBoer looking for Command from starting QB
"It's got to be a guy who can deliver the ball, command the huddle, command everything we do with the team," said DeBoer when asked what he's looking for from his starting QB. "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 to the guys in a fashion where they can go make their plays and reap the rewards of all the work they've put in."
Keelon Russell is already in Tuscaloosa and has been since the spring semester started at the Capstone. The problem is, incumbent and current favorite Ty Simpson has been there for three years.
He's watched players like Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe lead and command from afar. He has relationships with all of the offensive talent and most importantly, he has familiarity in Kalen DeBoer's offense.
All of that leads to command, confidence and belief, the three pillars that DeBoer described in terms of what he wants from his QB.
"They're all at different points," said DeBoer on the QB battle. "Just a few things procedure-wise that were a little different. Good to see those guys all operate through that. They had their times where, of course, they looked really good, and times where they continue to grow and get better."
Russell will have a tall wave to surf if he's going to be the starter come the fall. An elite recruit who has already taken on the weight room and acclimation process with professionalism, it's far too early to count him out, but there is a clear frontrunner as it stands right now.
