Alabama Quarterback Battle is an “Even Battle” One Week Into Fall Camp

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Don't expect an announcement on who the starting quarterback for Alabama will be before the Crimson Tide's first scrimmage on Thursday afternoon, as Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb shared that the competition is still pretty even.

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"No, not yet," Grubb said on Monday when asked if anyone has begun to separate in the competition. "They've been doing a good job. It's been an even battle."

Monday was the last time we got to talk with Grubb before Alabama's first scrimmage on Thursday. What does he want to see from the Tide's quarterbacks on Thursday morning in Bryant-Denny Stadium?

"I  think the command. I keep saying command, and I think one of the things that I’ve been challenging them just now is command of a practice," Grubb said. "I want to know what it feels like when the chips are down a little bit in practice; maybe we had a three-and-out and didn’t move the ball. What did they look like? How are their teammates responding to them? So, certainly you can’t just have the rah-rah guy if he can’t throw the freaking ball.

"I’m definitely looking for command, because they’re both capable physically of making all the plays. Now you’re starting to look at decision-making, completion percentages, turnovers, explosives, how all those things obviously weigh out. But then also just does it look like that guy believes I’m going to make that play and both those guys are getting better at that every day.”

The Crimson Tide's coaching staff has a track record of naming quarterbacks after the first scrimmage of camp, but it would not be surprising if Alabama waits until the second scrimmage to name a starter.

Alabama will return to the practice field on Tuesday, August 11. The Crimson Tide's first scrimmage will be this Thursday, August 13. The first game of the season is scheduled for Saturday, September 5 against East Carolina.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.