Why Jordan Rodgers predicts Ty Simpson will be Nick Saban's Alabama starter in 2023
NASHVILLE — Alabama football has yet to name a starting quarterback for 2023, but SEC Network analyst Jordan Rodgers has an idea on who he would have run Nick Saban's offense.
The answer: Ty Simpson.
Simpson is battling Jalen Milroe and Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner to replace Bryce Young as the Crimson Tide's starter. Rodgers believes Simpson, a redshirt freshman, has the upper hand.
"Based on what I saw in Alabama's spring game this year makes me think Ty Simpson is going to start the year at quarterback," Rodgers told the USA TODAY Network on Monday at 2023 SEC Media Days. "I think from an arm strength and arm talent standpoint, Ty's got the edge over Jalen Milroe and Tyler Buchner. Alabama is going to need a need a guy that can just play point guard, limit mistakes and consistently distribute the football to the sheer number of talent around them."
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Rodgers had said earlier Monday on the SEC Network show "SEC Now" that he favored Simpson, the former Westview High star from Jackson, Tennessee.
The quarterback scenario will be among the top questions asked of Saban when he takes the stage Wednesday. Rodgers believes the presence of Milroe and Buchner will push Simpson to develop into the quarterback the Crimson Tide need after they missed the College Football Playoff last season.
"This isn't a job that is going to be won Week 1 or Week 2. I think the competition will still continue to go on in practice throughout the first few weeks even while Simpson is at the helm," Rodgers said. "I think in a lot of Alabama's RPO stuff, you have to be able to change your arm angle and Bryce (Young) was the best at stepping to the side and flipping the ball out. I lean towards Ty right now but I think it's a very open competition."
Simpson played in four games last season, completing four passes for 35 yards. He was named the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year in his senior season , throwing for 2,827 yards and 41 touchdowns en route to winning the Class 2A state title.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Jordan Rodgers: Ty Simpson will be Nick Saban's Alabama starter in 2023
