**Ryan Grubb Details Why Ty Simpson Was Named Alabama’s Starting Quarterback**

**Ryan Grubb Details Why Ty Simpson Was Named Alabama’s Starting Quarterback**

Alabama offensive coordinator **Ryan Grubb** recently broke down the three biggest reasons **Ty Simpson** earned the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback role. Simpson separated himself from the competition by combining smart football, consistent execution, and dynamic playmaking—qualities Grubb emphasized during his post-practice media session this week.

 

### 1. **Smart Football and Turnover Avoidance**

Grubb’s first point was crystal clear: Simpson **protected the football better than anyone else** in the QB room. “Ty did a really nice job of taking care of the football,” Grubb said, highlighting that Simpson threw just **one interception** throughout fall camp. In contrast, the other quarterbacks in the rotation had several more, and collectively the team saw around **15 interceptions last spring**.

This drastic improvement showed up in both scrimmage stats and live-practice reps. Simpson was more disciplined in the pocket, avoided forcing the ball into coverage, and regularly made the right read. According to Grubb, this kind of decision-making was a major factor in why Simpson was the top choice.

 

### 2. **Elite Playmaking Outside the Pocket**

Grubb also praised Simpson’s ability to **create plays on the move**. While many quarterbacks can manage a clean pocket, Simpson proved he could handle pressure, escape rushers, and still deliver explosive plays. Grubb described him as a “really dynamic athlete,” especially when the play broke down.

Simpson showed consistent success when rolling out, improvising, and extending drives. His mobility wasn’t just used to run—it helped him **buy time and find open receivers**, which added another layer to Alabama’s offense. Grubb stressed that this “second-reaction ability” made Simpson stand out in a crowded competition.

 

### 3. **Consistent Deep-Ball Threat**

The third major factor in Simpson’s rise was his ability to **hit big plays downfield**. Grubb noted that Simpson consistently delivered explosive passes in practice, particularly during a stretch of six straight practices where he met Alabama’s “explosive play” benchmark.

This consistency in stretching the field was key. While others may have flashed a strong arm, Simpson did it repeatedly while staying within the structure of the offense. Grubb said that Simpson met or exceeded the coaching staff’s big-play goals in **eight of ten practices**, making it clear he could operate a vertical passing game effectively.

 

### Bonus Qualities: Leadership and Maturity

Beyond the technical aspects, Grubb highlighted Simpson’s growth in leadership. He took command of the huddle, asked smart questions in meetings, and earned the respect of his coaches and teammates. Grubb described him as someone who was “authentic” and “ready to lead.”

 

### Final Thoughts

Ryan Grubb’s decision came down to three essential traits: Simpson was **safe with the ball**, **dangerous when scrambling**, and **lethal throwing deep**. Add in his mental maturity and leadership, and it was clear why he won the starting role.

Grubb emphasized that Simpson didn’t win by default—he earned it with focus, poise, and playmaking consistency. Now, all eyes will be on Simpson to see if he can carry that momentum into the season opener against Florida State.