For the first time since he joined the team in late December of 2021, Ty Simpson will have the chance to compete for Alabama’s starting quarterback position.
During the 2022 season with the program, the five-star recruit’s in-game opportunities have been few and far between. Simpson attempted a total of five passes in his four appearances last season completing a total of four for just 35 yards in mop-up duty for the Crimson Tide.
This doesn’t leave much for the fanbase to go off of as the team gears up for spring practice later this month, but one of his former teammates shared exactly what Simpson is capable of.
Safety DeMarcco Hellams spoke at the NFL Combine on Thursday and shared what he’s seen from Simpson during practice where he went up against him every single day.
“He can play in the pocket, but Ty has great speed that not a lot of people know about,” Hellams said per Al.com. “He definitely has a little, I’d say Pat Mahomes in him, a little bit, the way he can extend plays and still look downfield with his eyes.”
Simply getting mentioned in the same sentence as Patrick Mahomes no matter the context is high praise in and of itself. But in order for Simpson to show his abilities he’ll first need to beat out redshirt sophomore Jalen Milroe for the job.
Milroe brings a bit more experience to the table than Simpson as the Texas native had two opportunities for extended playing time as he replaced an injured Bryce Young for the majority of the Arkansas game and then started the following week against Texas A&M while having a few appearances in mop-up duty across the season. Despite the experience, there have been questions about Milroe’s ability to consistently pass the ball.
But Hellams also informed the media that Milroe has been putting in the work to improve as an overall passer next season.
“Jalen, I don’t know if y’all know, he definitely worked hard on his passing abilities,” Hellams said. “Worked hard on being consistent, develop himself as a leader. He definitely never shied away from wanting to get better, so I think he will.”
Alabama has had its fair share of interesting quarterback competitions in the past and this one is shaping up to be just that.
“I expect it to be a great quarterback competition, a great offense, no matter who’s running it,” Hellams said. “Two competitive guys. They definitely have their own style of play. But they have great leadership abilities, great playing abilities, and they’ll definitely be good.”
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