Happy Friday, everyone. A Day is tomorrow, and all eyes will be on the offense, with the quarterback battle front and center.
Whoever wins the job must prioritize getting the ball to Ryan Coleman-Williams. How would the Alabama wide receiver assess each quarterback’s respective strengths?
“Really, I would say, Keelon’s playmaking, just making a busted play look exactly how it’s supposed to go,” Coleman-Williams said. “For Mack, it’s definitely his ability to just know ball. He got to sit under (Michael)
Penix. He got to sit under (Jalen) Milroe. He got to sit under Simpson — three very different guys who have been successful in different ways. Being able to see that from different angles, it helps him.”
DeBoer wouldn’t tip his hand other than to say last week we shouldn’t expect a starter to be announced soon.
As for what might ultimately tilt the scales, he’s looking for the quarterback who’ll provide both big-play ability and ball security.
Russell is the apple of every Alabama fan’s eye as the former 5-star recruit skyrocketed up recruiting rankings last season after winning Elite 11. The two-time Texas 6A State Champion enrolled early and began learning the Crimson Tide offense last spring, but only played in two games last fall in mop up duty. The dual-threat talent has a lightning quick release, shows the ability to excel when plays break down, and seems to have a natural feel for the game. Are his natural talents enough to supplant Mack and take the starting quarterback job? A mistake-free scrimmage, while mixing in a few “wow plays” in front of fans, would go a long way toward Russell’s desire to become the starter.
At that first link, Bray Hubbard says that you can hear the ball “sizzle” when Russell slings it. Hopefully one of them is ready to be great by the opener.
The run game will also be of much intrigue.
With Jam Miller out of eligibility and Richard Young transferring to Colorado, UA is looking for a star back. True freshman EJ Crowell has been out for much of the spring with an injury, but DeBoer said fellow freshman Trae’Shawn Brown has looked impressive at times.
DeBoer also named a few returnees after the last scrimmage.
“I thought Kevin Riley, when he had seams to hit, he accelerated, showed some good burst,” DeBoer said. “He’s got a good knack in between slipping through and finding those holes at times. Daniel (Hill) I thought had a good week of practice. Probably didn’t have as many opportunities to go hit the big ones today. That’s not necessarily always on him.”
Throughout 2025, Alabama lacked big plays in the run game. Whether its one of the aforementioned returnees, AK Dear, or Brown, seeing some on A-Day would be an encouraging sign.
No better way to take pressure off of a young passer than running the football effectively.
The SEC media days schedule dropped.
This season, SEC football media days will originate from Tampa, Florida, with the multi-day event set to take place from July 20-23. The entirety of the event will be broadcast live on SEC Network, and will feature the conference’s 16 head coaches speak to the media, as well as a few players as well.
As announced by the conference, Alabama‘s day at SEC football media days will come Wednesday, July 22. This will include Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, as well as players, speaking to the media, with times and additional information set to be announced at a later date.
Last, this is 22 minutes long, but when you have the time check out Courney Morgan discussing roster building in this era. Great stuff.
That’s about it for today. Have a great weekend.
Roll Tide.
