Despite the Alabama spring game, fans are still waiting on Kalen DeBoer’s announcement about their QB1. Since the departure of Ty Simpson, Crimson Tide fans are waiting on the decision between redshirt junior Austin Mack and redshirt freshman Keelon Russell. But it seems insider Chris Hummer has a name who has started to separate himself.
Chris Hummer Weighs In on the Austin Mack vs. Keelon Russell QB Battle
Hummer, who appeared on the “CFB Insiders” show on the CBS Sports College Football YouTube channel, said both signal-callers had their share of highs and lows during the spring, but Russell had a slight edge.
He said, “I think the spring battle was back and forth. Just talking to people about this situation, both people had their days that were better and both people had their days that were worse. But I think long-term, if you’re looking for a potential separator in this race, it’s Keelon Russell’s athleticism.”
While Mack took the initial snaps in the spring game, he was limited, opening the door for Russell to take the stage. The Texas native seized the opportunity, completing 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards and 4 touchdowns.
But the most compelling part of Hummer’s argument for Russell isn’t just what the quarterback can do, but what the offensive line might not be able to do. Alabama is currently navigating a period of significant upheaval in the trenches.
“This offensive line that Alabama has has a lot of question marks. And I think as you head towards the season, if that continues for Alabama, Keelon Russell will have a bit of an edge,” Hummer added.
In addition, Hummer simply sees Russell as the long-term solution. He concluded, “He’s also just a guy that if you’re betting on long-term as Kalen DeBoer, you want to get involved as much as possible. So just talking to people, I think I would shade slightly towards Keelon Russell now.”
However, despite the growing buzz around Russell, it would be a mistake to count out Mack. Mack arguably has a deeper conceptual understanding of the playbook. Last season, when Simpson went down with an injury during the Rose Bowl against Indiana, it was Mack who stepped into the fire.
Also, at 6-foot-6, Mack has the prototypical frame of a Sunday starter and a cannon for an arm that fits the vertical elements of DeBoer’s scheme. So, it remains to be seen whom DeBoer declares the QB1 and puts the pressure on to lead the Crimson Tide.
