Spring camp has started for the Alabama Crimson Tide which means football season will be here before we know it, and once again, there is a quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa for the coaching staff to solve.

Following the departure of Ty Simpson, the contenders are former Washington transfer Austin Mack, who came over with Kalen DeBoer, and former top five-star recruit Keelon Russell out of Texas powerhouse Duncanville, who is now entering his sophomore year.

Mack may have a slight leg up after serving as the backup last year and the extra time in DeBoer’s system, but the talent of Russell is undeniable and makes for a fascinating battle.

While speaking after practice this week, the Alabama head coach praised both of them and how far they have come.

“You can tell that they’ve had a number of reps from last year under their belt, playing with confidence, calling the play in the huddle with confidence, both of them light years ahead of where they were a year ago obviously, and they should be,” DeBoer said. “It’s just a matter of them building the rapport with their skill around them, making the throws when they’re there, feeling the timing and trust and just feeling comfortable in the pocket.”

“That just comes with time, feeling comfortable with your offensive line doing the job up front. I like what they’ve done through two practices. Some good explosives on their end, good feel, working the mobility when they have to…I think they’re really putting a lot of pressure on our defense and our defense is doing the same to them.”

DeBoer certainly did not give up any information if either has been better than the other, so it sounds like it’s another long summer ahead of questions at quarterback.