The cases for both Alabama starting quarterback contenders

Alabama quarterbacks Austin Mack (10) and Keelon Russell (12) participate in drills during practice. Photo | Alabama Athletics

It was the first question fired at offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb last week and the No. 1 topic on the minds of all Alabama fans this spring: “Coach, how are the quarterbacks looking?” 

Four practices into spring camp, and there’s still an insatiable interest surrounding the Crimson Tide’s quarterback battle. As things stand right now, there’s not much separating Austin Mack and Keelon Russell as they duel it out for the starting spot behind center. 

“They’re doing really good,” Grubb said following Alabama’s third spring practice last Thursday. “First two practices were awesome. Today, there was a little bit of a regression. Heavier install, some things they had to work through today. They are both doing awesome. Competitive. They got the right spirit in the room. They’re attacking all the preparation and doing a really good job.”

While both quarterbacks seem to be making strides behind the scenes, Alabama fans have yet to see much from either on the big stage.

Mack filled in for an injured Ty Simpson during last season’s Rose Bowl, completing 11 of 16 passes for 103 yards while leading Alabama to its only score in a 38-3 loss to Indiana. Those were his only meaningful reps over four appearances, which saw him complete a combined 24 of 32 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown while carrying the ball nine times for 22 yards and another score on the ground. 

Russell had even less time in the spotlight. Playing behind Simpson and Mack, the five-star talent completed 11 of 15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns while adding 17 yards on three carries over garbage-time appearances against Louisiana-Monroe and Eastern Illinois. 

So, who’s going to win the job? Last week, Grubb said the competition will come down to who has the most production. 

“Who’s the best guy on the field to take care of the football, getting it down the field, scoring touchdowns,” Grubb said. “Both of those guys are very capable leaders. I think it’s pretty even. But certainly, the guy that has the ease of being able to run that, especially with so many younger faces around him, they have to be able to make it run around him.”

We’ll have to wait and see whether Mack or Russell can create some separation in the competition over the next few weeks. In the meantime, here’s the case for both quarterbacks’ starting candidacy heading into the second week of camp. 

Why Austin Mack should win the job