There isn’t a more connected source in the media to Alabama football than its former head coach Nick Saban.
Saban, who is now one of the hosts of ESPN’s College Gameday, made an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday where he was asked the key question on everyone’s mind.
Who will be the starting quarterback at Alabama?
Since Saban also remain on in an advisory role with the Crimson Tide, it would make sense for the seven-time national champion to have a bit of inside knowledge on where things were leaning. But it turns out, that information is being held very tight to the vest.
Saban shared that he in fact does not know who will be under center when Alabama kicks off against East Carolina.
“Yeah I don’t really know who the starter’s gonna be, Saban said. “I think both guys are probably pretty capable. They’re a little different. Keelon Russell is a bit more athletic and running, is a good passer though. I don’t know where his decision making and development is relevant to the staff. The other guy, (Austin) Mack, has a little more experience.
“I don’t know exactly where they’re at with that. I think it’s going to be imperative the offensive line play better so that the quarterback, whoever it is, has an opportunity to play better because I thought Ty Simpson was under a hell of a lot of pressure the second half of the season all the time. And their ability to run the ball and stay in favorable down and distance is going to have something to do with that as well.
“But I do not know who the starting quarterback is going to be and I have watched some of the tape and I’ve been very impressed with both guys. They’re different. Keelon is more of a playmaker because of his legs but that’s up to coach.”
Head coach Kalen DeBoer shared this past week that the time is getting closer to naming a starter between Mack and Russell which will be on the top of the to do list as the start of the regular season nears.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
