Alabama Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb Sees Tremendous NFL Potential in Crimson Tide’s Towering 6-Foot-6 Third-Year Quarterback

Alabama’s quarterback room has always drawn national attention, and with Ryan Grubb now orchestrating the offense in Tuscaloosa, the buzz around the Crimson Tide’s signal-callers has only grown louder. One quarterback in particular — a towering 6-foot-6 third-year prospect — has caught Grubb’s eye in a big way. According to the new offensive coordinator, the young passer possesses all the traits needed not just to succeed in the SEC, but to thrive at the highest level of football.

Grubb, who joined Alabama after a prolific stint guiding Michael Penix Jr. and the high-powered Washington Huskies offense, is no stranger to quarterback development. What he sees in this 6-foot-6 quarterback, whom many expect to battle for playing time this fall, could be the beginning of the next great Alabama quarterback narrative. And this time, it may come with early-round NFL Draft potential.

Standing at a rare blend of size and athleticism, the quarterback — who entered the program with high expectations — has slowly but surely developed behind the scenes. Grubb, in his early observations, has praised the signal-caller’s poise, arm talent, football IQ, and leadership potential. For a team in the midst of a coaching transition and seeking an identity post-Nick Saban, that kind of internal talent development could be crucial.

“He’s got all the tools you want to see in an NFL quarterback,” Grubb said during an offseason interview. “Size, arm strength, command of the huddle, and a willingness to learn. The NFL will see that in time.”

The third-year quarterback in question arrived in Tuscaloosa as part of a much-hyped recruiting class and has had the opportunity to develop under intense competition and with a high-level support system. Though he’s yet to secure the starting role — with other quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart in past seasons — the 2025 season could present a turning point.

Grubb’s influence cannot be overstated. His offensive schemes at Washington turned heads nationally, elevating Penix Jr. to Heisman contention and pushing the Huskies to a national title game. Bringing that system — one reliant on timing, deep accuracy, and quarterback command — to Alabama is expected to shake things up. It also gives a quarterback with NFL traits a better runway to show scouts what he’s capable of.

“He’s progressing faster than I expected,” Grubb added. “When you install a new system, you look to see who adapts quickly. He’s been outstanding in that regard.”

Alabama’s spring camp offered a small glimpse of what’s to come. The 6-foot-6 quarterback demonstrated a strong command of Grubb’s offense during scrimmages and practice reps. Teammates have raved about his improved timing, deeper understanding of defensive looks, and the confidence he’s showing in the pocket.

“I’ve seen his growth since his first year here,” said one Alabama offensive lineman. “He’s always had the physical tools, but now you’re starting to see it click upstairs. He’s seeing the field, calling out protections, and putting the ball in tight windows.”

That development trajectory is exactly what Grubb has banked on in the past. With Penix Jr., he took a quarterback many believed was too inconsistent to play at an elite level and turned him into a star and top NFL Draft selection. Grubb believes he can do the same — or more — with Alabama’s physical, intelligent third-year quarterback.

NFL scouts are already beginning to take notice. While he may not be a household name nationally — yet — his measurables alone put him on the radar. Add in a respected offensive mind like Grubb vouching for his upside, and the buzz is inevitable.

Grubb’s comments have resonated not only because of the praise but also because of the clarity with which he sees the quarterback’s ceiling. “If he keeps developing at this rate,” Grubb noted, “there’s no reason he can’t be an NFL starter.”

The Alabama coaching staff has also noted the quarterback’s work ethic and patience. In an era of instant transfers and portal exits, staying and developing within one of the most competitive programs in the country speaks volumes.

“He’s been loyal to the process,” said one staff member. “He didn’t bail when the path wasn’t clear. He believed in himself, kept working, and now he’s in a position to compete and potentially lead this team.”

There’s also the matter of Alabama’s quarterback legacy. From Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones to Bryce Young, the Crimson Tide has produced its share of NFL starters. The infrastructure is there, and the blueprint is familiar. With a new offensive system emphasizing vertical passing and quick reads, Grubb’s handpicked quarterback candidates will be asked to do what NFL scouts love: make pro-level decisions in real time, with precision and toughness.

This third-year quarterback may not have the game tape that some of his peers around the country do, but that could change quickly. With the 2025 season approaching, Grubb has indicated that no depth chart is set in stone and that competition will determine the starter. Given his praise and the quarterback’s physical upside, that competition is now a must-watch storyline in Tuscaloosa.

“He’s battling every day,” Grubb said. “You can tell he wants it. He’s earned a real shot.”

Should he win the starting job, he’ll do so in front of one of the most demanding fan bases in college football — and under the brightest spotlight imaginable. But Grubb doesn’t see that as a problem. In fact, he believes that pressure will help mold a quarterback with long-term professional potential.

“It’s one thing to have the tools,” Grubb said. “It’s another to show them when the lights are on. He’s shown flashes of that already. If he keeps stacking days and wins the job, I think people are going to be surprised by what he does.”

Alabama’s offense in 2025 will look drastically different from what it has in the past. With more emphasis on spacing, tempo, and vertical attack, Grubb’s playbook is quarterback-friendly — but only for those who are sharp enough to process fast and make accurate throws. The 6-foot-6 quarterback seems ready for that challenge.

His arm strength is elite. Teammates and staff describe his throws as “effortless” with the ability to push the ball 60-plus yards downfield. But what’s impressed Grubb the most is not the power — it’s the touch and timing, especially on intermediate routes and deep sideline throws.

“He’s not just a thrower,” Grubb said. “He’s becoming a passer — a real technician with the ball.”

That transformation is what separates college stars from NFL hopefuls. Grubb’s words carry weight because he’s done it before. His system rewards detail, study, and anticipation — all things this Alabama quarterback has reportedly taken to with enthusiasm.

“He’s the first one in the building and one of the last to leave,” a member of the support staff said. “That’s not just coach-speak. He’s grinding every single day.”

As fall approaches, the quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa will no doubt attract attention, but the player Grubb is championing has something that can’t be taught: a rare physical profile, coupled with patience, intelligence, and now, the right coach.

Should he take the reins this season, the rest of the SEC — and NFL evaluators — will get a front-row seat to see if Grubb’s instincts were right. But make no mistake: Ryan Grubb doesn’t just think Alabama has a future starter. He believes the Crimson Tide have their next big-time NFL quarterback.

And if the 6-foot-6 passer can rise to the occasion, Tuscaloosa could once again become the launching pad for another generational QB talent.