In his initial move to shape the Alabama football roster, Head Coach Kalen DeBoer welcomed a familiar face to the quarterback position. Austin Mack, who served as a backup for DeBoer at Washington in the previous season decided to join his coach at Alabama.
When questioned by reporters during his attendance at a Senior Bowl practice in Mobile on Wednesday, DeBoer was prompted to discuss the qualities in Mack that motivated him to bring the redshirt freshman on board.
“I think his skillset and all the tools he brings as a quarterback, the arm talent,” DeBoer said. “But I also just think he’s just got a really great head on his shoulders.He’s young and for him to do what he did with us this last year, he reclassified and really learned the offense as fast as anyone I’ve ever seen at that age.”
Mack did not see any action for Washington last season, and has four full years of eligibility remaining.
The Alabama quarterback room for the upcoming season will feature the returning starter Jalen Milroe, who received Heisman votes last season, and the 2023 backup Ty Simpson. Dylan Lonergan and Mack complete the quarterback lineup. Milroe led the Crimson Tide to an SEC championship and an appearance in the CFP Rose Bowl semifinal.
During their championship run, Michael Penix Jr. served as Washington’s primary quarterback, leading them to the national championship game and becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist. While participating in the Senior Bowl practice on Wednesday, Penix’s achievements were highlighted.
DeBoer, when discussing Mack’s addition to the team, emphasized his growth and development, expressing excitement about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for both Mack and the team.
