Alabama's DeBoer says QB competition will be 'tough decision' - ESPN

TAMPA, Fla. — Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer is not in a hurry to name a starting quarterback, saying Wednesday at SEC media days that Keelon Russell and Austin Mack are in a competition headed into fall camp «that's going to lead to a tough decision.»

Russell, one of the top prospects in the country in the class of 2024, and Mack — who has played for DeBoer at multiple stops — have been competing for the job to replace Ty Simpson since spring practice.

Both players have been taking equal reps, and DeBoer said the determining factor in who wins the job will come down to poise, and who can move the ball up and down the field.

«Our quarterbacks do have the belief and trust amongst our entire team,» DeBoer said. «There are different ways where I've seen that, whether it was in the spring or through the summer. There are different conversations, different activities that we do where I really can get a good feel of it being genuine, that our team trusts that whoever steps on the football field and takes those snaps is going to be a guy — and I think that's because they believe in both guys.»

Receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams pointed out that both Russell and Mack have been coming to the facility at 4 a.m. to each get better. He praised Mack for his experience in the offense as something that sets him apart, while also noting Russell has not acted like a five-star recruit and has made huge strides since his arrival.

«With Keelon, just his playmaking ability to not only use what he's learned in the film room or from other guys, but he still is true to himself when it comes to sometimes letting his natural abilities showcase,» Coleman-Williams said. «It's super fun to see both of those guys and it's super exciting to see them reflect