Kalen DeBoer Drops Hints on Austin Mack's Role in Alabama Football Revival

With the promise of April showers bringing not just May flowers but also the verdant fields of spring football practice, I’ve been watching with keen interest as the Crimson Tide’s quarterback room has stirred to life under the watchful eye of new head coach Kalen DeBoer. Recently, he shared some candid thoughts before dashing off to a fundraising banquet for Team Focus in Mobile – a charity I’ve always admired for its community outreach efforts.

DeBoer touched on the future of the QB position at Alabama, mentioning the likes of Austin Mack and true freshmen like Keelon Russell, all under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. The QB battle, especially, seems to be a focal point as these young men vie for the top spot amidst the university’s legendary gridiron.

It’s been particularly intriguing to follow Mack’s journey after his headline-grabbing post on Instagram. The rallying cry to “keep pushing” has resonated, not just with the fans but with his teammates as well, who’ve thrown their support behind him in droves. This kind of camaradarie, it’s the stuff that makes sports journalism so compelling.

Now, with Alabama slated to face Florida State at the kickoff of the 2025 season, the anticipation is palpable. This will be a litmus test for the entire team, but especially for our QBs. The potential, the work ethic, the sheer will to compete – it’s all there, simmering atop a growing A-Day hype.

For veteran sports bloggers like myself, stories like these are why we love this game, and why our businesses can continue to thrive. It’s not just about the on-field heroics, but about the personal narratives that unfold in locker rooms, on social media, and during halftime speeches. It’s about the human element.

I’m eager to see how the quarterback room evolves this offseason. The juxtaposition of youthful exuberance with seasoned expectations always provides a rich tapestry for any story. Here’s where things get interesting: Will Mack’s hard work pay off, or will a newcomer like Russell surprise us all?

Keep an eye on this space, dear readers, as the drama unfolds. Tune in, engage with us. Let’s savor Alabama football’s next chapter together.

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Days after Alabama football ended its spring schedule with A-Day, and after Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb gave a definitive status update for Alabama‘s quarterback battle, putting Mack and true freshman Keelon Russell behind Ty Simpson, Mack posted a gallery of photos on his Instagram with the caption “All in on me… Keep going 10.”In his post A-Day press conference Monday, DeBoer said Mack is one of two quarterbacks who “knows the system well” along with Simpson.Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at[email protected] or follow him@_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

“Austin will be exactly that,” DeBoer said. “He knows that. He’s going to do that until the last day he steps on the football field. That’s just who he is. One of the hardest workers on the football team. I don’t ever have to question if that’s going to happen. He’s got extreme arm talent. He, along with those other guys in that room, I know, are going to have a great, competitive and healthy summer of working together, but also competing for that spot.Alabama will open the 2025 season at Florida State on Aug. 30.

Mack’s Alabama teammates flooded the redshirt sophomore’s comments with praise and support, including Russell, safety Keon Sabb, wide receiver Rico Scott and cornerback Zabien Brown.Grubb said Mack has made “huge strides” throughout spring practice.

“He came out and developed just with some of the nuances and taking care of the football, and things like that,” Grubb said. “Ty showed out a bit better.”Mack struggled mightily at points in the Crimson Tide’s A-Day scrimmage, showing inconsistencies that culminated in multiple interceptions secured by Brown and linebacker Abduall Sanders Jr.

Before speaking at the annual fundraising banquet for Team Focus, a Mobile-based community and outreach program, Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer was asked specifically about Mack, who followed him from Washington to Alabama and has three pass attempts in two collegiate seasons.MOBILE, Ala. — Austin Mack has not remained silent.Mack is the only Alabama quarterback currently with a collegiate touchdown pass.

DeBoer’s plan for Mack is the same plan he has for Simpson and Russell: to “keep pushing” and “keep pressing,” something the Alabama coach said he knows Mack can live up to.