Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer has the biggest decision of his tenure so far this summer when it comes to who will be the starting quarterback.

With two very viable candidates in both Austin Mack and Keelon Russell with different backgrounds and perceived different skillsets, DeBoer has to make a tough call as to who gives the team the better chance to win.

While everyone may have their opinion of who that better player is, the Tide head coach instead talked about how similar they actually are during a recent appearance on the “Beat Everyone” podcast.

“They’re both very poised, I think there’s more similarities than differences between them,” DeBoer said when asked what he likes about each guy. “You’re not gonna change the offense based on who’s starting. There might be a couple things you do differently…but Austin has seen it, he’s confident in the offense…Keelon is a poised person just who he is and doesn’t have as much experience in the offense but has really dove in. He got a taste of it last year in the spring and the fall…this spring you can really see him processing things quicker and that only got better as the spring went on.”

DeBoer refused to tip his hand when asked whether or not he’s ready to name a starter, but it does seem like he genuinely feels he cannot go wrong either way. While this may make the decision more difficult, it should inspire hope for Alabama fans that no matter who is under center, they will be able to run the offense effectively.

Over the coming months, one of the two will have to separate themselves if they want to leave no doubt as to who should be the starter.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.