What did Kalen DeBoer Have to say About Alabama’s QBs?

Alabama will wrap spring practice with the annual A-Day event hosted inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. This year's A-Day will look a little different, with the Tide opting to hold a 90-minute practice instead of a traditional scrimmage.

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On Thursday, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer joined "The Game with Ryan Fowler" to discuss a multitude of topics, including Alabama's pending decision at the quarterback position. Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell are competing to be the signal caller for the Crimson Tide this season.

""I think probably the biggest thing is all of them are getting better, which is what you hope and need and expect," DeBoer told Fowler. "I know people want to know a decision and things like that. For us, we don't feel like they're to the point where there's separation, where there's a ceiling that they've hit. I think it would be pretty foolish for us to make a decision right now. We have plenty of time, still, to work through it and let these guys continue to work through the summer. Obviously, that takes them to fall camp where they'll get some more reps."

DeBoer explained why he does not feel an immediate need to name a starter between Simpson, Mack, and Russell on Thursday.

"They're all three very talented and love the direction they're going," he said. "Similar as far as being able to pass and that kind of being the priority as far as what they do, but also different in a few things and just how they get the ball moved down the field sometimes and what their favorite throws are, and so forth."

"That keeps us from having to - because they are so similar - about worry about who we are or what our philosophy is. We're just gonna let these guys continue to compete. They do it in a healthy way. They're for each other but they're also competing. Love what they're doing. A lot of positives."

What is DeBoer looking for in a starting quarterback to separate himself from the pack?

"Lot of is, we want that playmaker," he told Fowler. "We want that guy - I don't want just a game manager out there. If we're gonna win at the level we want to win at, we want a guy that's gonna produce. Make the big plays. Obviously, there's a piece, too, where you can't make the big mistakes. We all know that, especially in the critical moments - whether it's in the red zone, end of games, half, things like that."

"We're just doing a lot of teaching," DeBoer continued. "Nick Sheridan and Ryan Grubb just do an amazing job working together, guiding these guys in the right direction."

Alabama's A-Day will be this Saturday, April 12, at noon.

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_.