Alabama football is running out of time to name its starting quarterback, with sophomore Keelon Russell and senior Austin Mack still battling for the gig.
Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb didn't tip his hand on who's leading the battle during media availability on Monday, Aug. 17, but did offer when Alabama will likely name a starter: sometime next week. That's out of necessity, with the season opener against East Carolina looming 19 days away on Sept. 5.
"We're close," Ryan Grubb told reporters after Alabama's 10th fall practice. "I mean, we're getting close to game week, so I would say by next week, we'll have to make that call."
Russell, a former five-star recruit, served as the Crimson Tide's third-string quarterback behind Mack last season. Mack, who has waited his turn for three seasons under head coach Kalen DeBoer, spent his first college season at Washington under DeBoer before following his coach to Alabama in the transfer portal.
Both quarterbacks have been getting first-team reps in practice, according to the Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Grubb said Aug. 17 that both signal-callers are impressing as the Crimson Tide prepare for the season.
"Really, really impressed, especially today, with some of the move the ball situations where both guys were able to hone in on some of the things they were able to do better," Grubb said. "Didn't get stuck when it didn't go perfect and were able to keep us moving. So we're getting there."
Alabama is one of the most contested quarterback battles in the country, alongside rival Tennessee and fellow conference foes Florida and Vanderbilt. Whichever quarterback wins will operate an offense that isn't short of playmakers, with receivers Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks returning, along with running back Daniel Hill and incoming freshmen EJ Crowell and Cederian Morgan.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ryan Grubb unveils timeline to name Alabama starting QB: 'We're close'
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