It happened a lot in the Nick Saban era, but we may see an increase of it under Kalen DeBoer at Alabama.
The backup quarterback became a critical success story under Saban.
RELATED: Does Alabama have two of the highest graded safeties returning to college football?
Greg McElroy came to the University of Alabama in 2007 while John Parker Wilson was the starting quarterback.
McElroy waited two years, but his moment came in 2009 as he helped Saban capture his first BCS National Championship as the Crimson Tide’s head coach. AJ McCarron patiently sat behind McElroy for two seasons until his number was called in 2011.
The Mobile (Ala.) native led Alabama to back-to-back BCS national titles in 2011 and 2012 as the starter. Jacob Coker transferred from Florida State University to Alabama in the summer of 2014. He waited behind Blake Sims and guided the Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2015. Mac Jones, a former three-star recruit in the 2017 class, took his time behind Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa from 2017 to 2019. He got valuable reps in 2019 because Tagovailoa was injured, and it parlayed into him becoming the starting quarterback in 2020. Jones took the Crimson Tide to an undefeated CFP National Championship.
Alabama fans have seen the patience of a backup quarterback pay off, but does it happen again?
Ty Simpson, a redshirt sophomore, finds himself in the perfect position. A former five-star in the 2022 recruiting class, Simpson has gleaned wisdom from the bench and played in games.
The 6-foot-2 gunslinger has sharpened his mental clock and processes information much better on the field. He turned in the best A-Day performance, showcasing his ability to extend plays as a passer with mobility.
RELATED: LOOK: Several Alabama players unveils photos to social media from Crimson Tide media shoot
Simpson came off the bench last season in Alabama’s week three matchup versus South Florida, replacing Tyler Buchner.
He led two 80-yard scoring drives, propelling the Tide to a 17-3 victory. The Tennessee native has worked hard much like McElroy, McCarron, Coker, and Jones before him to be ready for the moment.
Simpson has trained with his father, QB Country, Yo Murphy, and others to help Alabama in any way accomplish a national championship. He has positioned himself to gain reps in the fall, but he also looks to be the starter in 2025. If Jalen Milroe turns in a dominant showing this season, Simpson will have a year to do what Jones did in 2020.
He would have a shot to impress NFL teams enough to enter the the 2026 NFL Draft.
Today’s athlete is quick to enter the NCAA transfer portal when things do not go its way. Simpson represents hard work, courage, and perseverance to remain at Alabama. Great things come to those who wait, and Simpson looks to be the next beneficiary of it.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
