Second spring scrimmage continues focus on Alabama quarterback position

By WVUA-23 Sports Reporter Avery Lake

The Crimson Tide have been working this offseason to find the replacement for Bryce Young, who is expected to be one of the first players selected in this months NFL Draft.

This weekend’s scrimmage will be the next step to finding Young’s successor.

There are four scholarship quarterbacks taking part in spring football practice and as expected, the two “veterans” have been impressive in regards to their development. Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson appear to be the “front-runners” to take over as starting quarterback. Alabama head coach Nick Saban has said that both guys have made tremendous progress.

“I thought they both played well in the scrimmage,” Saban said. “Both guys have had their moments in practice, and they’ve also had learning opportunities when they’ve made mistakes. And both of them have responded very well and made improvement.”

A major focus for Saban is the quarterbacks ability to execute while limiting mistakes.

“You eliminate mistakes, and you can execute and take advantage when the opportunity presents itself,” Saban said. “We don’t ever want to turn it over. You’ve heard me use the analogy before, we want every series to end in a kick. It might be a punt, it might be a field goal, it might be an extra point. But we’re not turning it over.”

Milroe had one start last season, helping Alabama beat Texas A&M while Young recovered from an injury.

Both Milroe and Simpson have the benefit of going through spring practice last season although there is a new offensive coordinator this year. Tommy Rees replaces Bill O’Brien, who left for the NFL’s New England Patriots.

The Crimson Tide will hold its 11th practice of the spring on Friday before moving into Bryant-Denny Stadium for a scrimmage on Saturday.