An echo across Tuscaloosa around this time almost every year is “Who would be the next QB?” And technically, the QB1 talk is still going on as the three-man battle between Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack continues. And GC Kalen DeBoer was clear, he would have each of the QBs rotate and see who fits the glove best. Although about a month ago when the spring practices had started for Alabama, Pete Nakos of On3 stated that Mack “is a serious contender for the starting job,” we have a more deserving star making a comeback with his A-Day performance as we close the 15-practice window.

Ty Simpson, who originally came to Tuscaloosa to train under the legendary HC Nick Saban has been counting his days to lead while wearing the crimson and white jersey. Previously, he was almost given a “If Mack ends up beating out Ty, he’s probably going to transfer.” You see, he could have entered the transfer portal after his freshman season when Saban left Bama. But he continued his loyalty to DeBoer as he dressed up for 16 games with 381 passing yards in three seasons. But Ty’s clock is in a crunch, and the junior needs something to back up his stats as a starter in his third year. And Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb’s words just might give him a little breather.

“If we’re playing a football game tomorrow, Ty Simpson would start. By no means does that mean we’re playing a game tomorrow,” Grubb said. Of course, if you were playing Florida tomorrow, wouldn’t you want your most experienced signal caller to lead the group? Even if it is a hypothetical situation, it does make sense. And adding cherry to the cake is the former Alabama QB Jake Coker.

Joining Cover Crimson on Wednesday, Coker laid it out plainly. “I think it’s kind of perfect what Ryan Grubb said. ‘If there needs to be a starter tomorrow, it would be Ty Simpson.’ And I think everybody knows that.” And he’s got more reasoning to back it up.

“A guy that’s been loyal to the program the entire time, a guy that’s got his head on his shoulders the right way, he understands what he’s looking at. Very high IQ football, IQ guy. (Ty) puts you in the safest situation you could feel, the safest possible situation if you’re looking at the quarterback battle right now.”

Surely, none of the three QBs at Bama have the experience that the Crimson Tide would like. However, whether you look at it as a seniority basis or experience, the red shirt junior does have 16 games over the Washington transfer and the true freshman.

Coker further added, “In terms of measurables, Mack and Russell, they have a few areas. That doesn’t mean that anybody is better than Ty. You look at Drew Brees vs Cam Newton, obviously, the better quarterback. I think Ty puts us in a really really good spot. I think his leadership on the field gives a lot of confidence to the other guys, it’s going to make them play a lot better.”

But if you’re talking about measurables, 6’3, 192-pound Russell and 6’6, 235-pound Mack might edge out the 6’2, 210-pound projected QB1. Still, size isn’t everything. Maybe, he’s yet to prove his production — throwing for just 381 yards and rushing for 130 yards and three total TDs in his three years as Bama’s backup QB, one being a redshirt season. So, he’s seen it all, and he still has two years of eligibility left and he’s just starting.

In the A-Day practice, Ty Simpson might not have turn many heads. But his conservative style of playing gave consistent results on every type of play. He had a few incompletions, a couple of overthrows here and there but his 50-yard touchdown was something to keep as a memory. He also had an accurate cross-body completion, proving why he’s leading the QB pack for far. And for Kalen DeBoer and Co., it isn’t just the QB scene that’s blowing up.

Ryan Williams joins Ty Simpson to generate SEC Championship talks

For now, things look good for Kalen DeBoer heading into year 2 at Tuscaloosa. Practices were intense, effort was up, and it’s already showing. As Josh Pate boldly predicted on his show, “They’re going to be a factor, I believe, in the SEC championship picture.” And it’s thanks to their QB hope, but that’s not just it. Bama fans have found another reason to get excited — Ryan Williams. The 5-star WR didn’t play at A-Day for safety measures but he gained attention with his changed physique.

“I’m getting a little bigger, if y’all can’t tell,” Ryan Williams said last month. And it goes deeper than just aesthetics. “My guys blocked for me, so just trying to return that favor down the field blocking.” The 18-year-old was already a threat last season making 48 catches for 856 yards and eight TDs without even an offseason practice session. Now, with a stronger frame and mindset, he’s set to become more than just a deep threat.

With Ty Simpson at the helm and Ryan Williams ready to explode, Alabama may just have their next great duo — and maybe, their ticket back to the SEC Championship game.