Why Austin Mack Took Less Reps Than Keelon Russell on A-Day

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - As Alabama finished its annual A-Day scrimmage with redzone work, the Crimson Tide's quarterback reps between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell had been split pretty evenly. As the day ended, though, Russell took the final five drives in the redzone, with Mack only having one drive in the redzone.

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Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer explained that the Crimson Tide held Mack out of the final drives on A-Day due to injury.

"We just had to limit Austin just with some stuff. That was why," DeBoer said. "This week was a little bit where Keelon got some more reps, just with some things Austin is going through. Austin has been good for the most part, but wasn't able to finish it out. But he will be fine."

Mack's lone redzone drive ended with an eight-yard touchdown to Rico Scott after starting with a 10-yard pickup on a screen to Daniel Hill. Mack's lone drive came with the first team, while Russell took two drives with the second team and three with the first team offense. Russell's redzone reps ended in a 22-yard touchdown to Cederian Morgan, an 11-yard touchdown to Derek Meadows, an interception by Dijon Lee, a 31-yard field goal by Conor Talty, and a made field goal by Lorcann Quinn.

DeBoer later clarified that Mack is "dinged up," and that was what led to his limited reps at the end of Saturday's scrimmage.

"He's dinged up. He will be alright. He will be fine," DeBoer said.

Official stats were not kept on Saturday, so the media had to keep unofficial stats themselves. Unofficial stats for both quarterbacks from Saturday's scrimmage:

Keelon Russell (Nine drives): 21-33, 240 yards, four touchdowns, one interception
Austin Mack (Five drives): 6-12, 101 yards, one touchdown, one interception

Alabama will finish spring practice next week.

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_.