Tommy Rees taking over the reins of the Alabama offense is huge for this one quarterback.
With Tommy Rees getting hired as Alabama’s new offensive coordinator, it is fantastic news for Ty Simpson’s chances of winning the starting quarterback job.
Bryce Young has turned pro, and will probably be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Though replacing the only Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback in program history will not be easy, that is what will be taking place when Simpson and Jalen Milroe battle it out in spring practice and into fall camp. Milroe played more last season, but Rees offered Simpson previously.
Factor in Simpson being the more traditional passer over Milroe, and he may have the upper hand.
Tommy Rees to Alabama is fantastic news for Ty Simpson to become starting QB
Although Simpson was the higher-rated prospect coming out of high school, Nick Saban trusted Milroe last season during stretches when Young could not play. Though he was nowhere near the passer of Young, we did see Milroe make big-time plays when his team needed him to. However, Rees coming in as Bill O’Brien’s replacement does mean it will be a competition from here on out.
How this quarterback competition transpires will be utterly fascinating. It will suggest what direction the Alabama offense will be heading in what could be Saban’s final seasons over in Tuscaloosa. With Brian Kelly and Lane Kiffin having things rolling in-division, as well as Hugh Freeze taking over at arch-rival Auburn, Alabama cannot afford to be passed by offensively.
Ultimately, Alabama does not have a ton of margin for error in this quarterback race. Obviously, Rees and Saban will pick the quarterback who gives them the best chance to win out of fall camp. However, the coaching across the league has taken a step up of late. With Georgia being the two-time reigning national champions, you can safely say the pressure is on Alabama this offseason.
Simpson may have a new coordinator in his favor, but he still needs to beat out Milroe in the end.
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