Alabama now has options at quarterback behind Jalen Milroe with the return of Dylan Lonergan and Ty Simpson as well as the acquisition of transfer Austin Mack.
Jalen Milroe is Alabama’s starting quarterback, without a shadow of a doubt after the team’s first two weeks of spring practice.
Coaches have praised his dedication to mastering a new plan and work ethic. This spring, nobody is beating him inside the building in the early hours of the morning.
Additionally, coach Kalen DeBoer stated earlier this week that Milroe had played every first-team rep, even if that basically goes without saying.
Thus, conflict was avoided. For the time being, however.
But it raises even another crucial question: who will provide backup for Milroe?
In addition to being crucial for having a backup plan in case Milroe gets hurt, the spring pecking order may also have a significant impact on who gets to stay and who gets cut when the transfer portal reopens next month.
There are undoubtedly many solutions available. After the previous season, Tyler Buchner and Eli Holstein went via the transfer portal, while Dylan Lonergan, who redshirted his first year on campus, is back, and Ty Simpson is returning for his sophomore season. Lonergan was well-regarded by the former staff members for his potential.
Austin Mack, a gifted freshman who reclassified to go to Washington early, has joined the team. He followed DeBoer and company to Tuscaloosa.
On Tuesday, Nick Sheridan, the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, stated, “They’re competing.” Yes, I agree that they are a tremendously talented set of young people. I’m also enthusiastic about the group. I believe that a few of the younger players have a lot of talent and are improving.”
Given his experience with the system, it’s easy to think Mack has an advantage over the competitors, but Sheridan emphasized Mack’s age: 17 years old.
He brought up the fact that Mack isn’t even a complete year into his college football career because he didn’t enroll at Washington until last summer.
“You know, this is his first spring practice,” Sheridan remarked about Mack. “… I can see him improving every minute as a result. Excellent child, wonderful family — just like the other guys. I feel fortunate to be able to coach the people in my room, as I have mentioned. They want to succeed, and they welcome coaching. Indeed, the group is what excites me the most.”
The quarterbacks “took a stride” at practice on Tuesday, according to Sheridan.
“We’ve had some ups and downs, certainly as you would expect installing a new scheme, a new offense,” he stated. Still, those kids are fantastic. I’m honored to serve as their coach.”
It’s not like splitting reps is a simple task.
