Kalen DeBoer optimistic in ‘all four’ quarterbacks

The Alabama head coach has made it apparent that Jalen Milroe is the first-team quarterback, but he stated on Thursday that any of the Crimson Tide’s quarterbacks is game-ready.

Kalen DeBoer was asked which position groups he had been most impressed with this spring. When a head coach is asked a question like that, especially during the offseason, they often hem and haw before responding, either not wanting to show preference, indicate skepticism, or divulge too much information. Instead, say something generic like, “Everybody’s looking good.”

But DeBoer took a different approach on Thursday, as Alabama completed its final spring practice before Saturday’s A-Day game. He has been impressed by four separate position groups: defensive linemen, defensive backs, running backs, and quarterbacks.

The new head coach and offensive assistants have made it plain during the spring that returning starter Jalen Milroe is the No. 1 quarterback and has been taking all of the first-team reps. Milroe is not the only one who has impressed so far; Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Dylan Lonergan have also done well.

“Just the quantity of quarterbacks we have who you would be comfortable starting in a football game. “I mean, all four,” DeBoer explained. “They’re incredibly solid. They do an excellent job at precision, reading, and competitiveness. I mean, just pick stuff up every day. That group has done a really outstanding job — I don’t want to say top to bottom, but just overall.”

Milroe is the only one of the four with extensive in-game experience. Simpson has been Alabama’s backup for several seasons and played a significant role in the team’s road victory over USF last season. Mack has yet to play a college snap, but he has already spent a season mastering DeBoer’s offensive system at Washington. And Lonergan was highly regarded coming out of high school and earned a lot of attention throughout last season.

DeBoer also praises the running backs, describing them as “really steady.” This is the second summer in a row that an Alabama head coach has voiced confidence in the running backs as a position group; last season, Nick Saban consistently stated that the running backs were one of the groups he was least concerned about.

It is crucial to emphasize, however, that being impressed does not necessarily imply faith in DeBoer. He stated that what has pleased him this spring are the younger position groups, such as the defensive line and defensive backs.

“The sides of the ball or position groups that have the veterans, you expect them to go out there and get it done,” that’s what he stated. “So, I really enjoy what’s going on up front defensively. However, I believe there are some young defensive backs who have improved. So I’m impressed with some individual play, especially given how young they are.”

All of Alabama’s players will have the opportunity to showcase their spring work this Saturday at 3 p.m. inside Bryant-Denny Stadium for the A-Day game. This A-Day will be a little different, as it will be an offense-versus-defense matchup rather than a standard scrimmage. However, fans will have their first chance to see the 2024 Crimson Tide and determine who looks the best.