Former Alabama starting quarterback Ty Simpson’s decision to enter the NFL draft leaves a hole for the Crimson Tide. After one year of starting and a College Football Playoff first-round victory, Simpson leaves. Yet a figure from the team’s past could provide a key to the program’s continued resurgence.
How Did One Alabama Legend Open Up About Filling QB Ty Simpson’s Void?
Simpson started one season for Alabama, leading the SEC in attempts (473) and completions (305). Furthermore, he guided the Tide to the No. 30 spot in PFSN’s CFB Offense Impact Rankings.
The Tide finished 11-4. Now, since Simpson declared for the NFL draft, a vacancy has opened for his old starting spot. Former quarterback-turned-analyst A.J. McCarron discussed the next steps on “THE DYNASTY: A Podcast on the Alabama Crimson Tide” podcast.
“Really big question marks because you haven’t seen enough from them, so you don’t really know. (Austin) Mack, coming with coach DeBoer from Washington, but didn’t start this year, so you don’t really know, you know, in a full season what you’re going to get. So, that’s a question mark. Keelon (Russell) is just so young; you don’t know what you’re going to get there either. I mean, you haven’t seen him play at all, other than at Eastern Illinois?
Mack transferred to Alabama when Coach DeBoer accepted the job. In limited action, the rising junior completed 75% of his passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Plus, he added another score via a rushing touchdown. Russell was a true freshman, connecting on 73.3% of his throws with two touchdowns.
Two quarterbacks share similarities. Each brings mobility to the field. However, at six-foot-six and 235 pounds, Mack is a larger version of Russell. Each flash can spin out of sacks, presenting defenses with a choice. Either they can move the pocket to give their receivers enough time to work back to them, or they can break the pocket and streak downfield. Russell is more likely of the two to break containment when no receiver gets open.
While Alabama loses six receivers to either the transfer portal or graduation, Ryan Williams will give the starter an immediate threat. This year, Williams will look to rebound from a sophomore slump.
Granted, he caught one more pass last year than he did in his freshman campaign. However, everything else did not match up. For instance, Williams averaged 3.9 fewer yards per catch. DeBoer and the eventual starting quarterback will need him to regain his freshman form.
Alabama made an appearance in the SEC championship before competing in the CFP. Most importantly, given their successful history, there is pressure on the team to maintain their winning standard. The quarterback remains an integral part of the puzzle.
