The story of Alabama’s offseason has been the introduction of a first-year starting quarterback and the uncertainty that brings. However, there is plenty of stability surrounding Ty Simpson and Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb both agree that center Parker Brailsford could be the key to Simpson’s success in a hostile environment on Saturday.
While he’s a redshirt junior, Simpson will be making the first start of his career when the Crimson Tide take the field at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee to face Florida State in Week 1. Brailsford, however, has plenty of experience for Simpson to lean on.
“It’s everything,” Grubb said on Monday when asked about Brailsford’s importance in this matchup. “Honestly, I think he brings calm to not only the offensive line unit, but just the guys that are looking to have more playing time, potentially, then they had in the past, including Ty.”
Parker Brailsford’s experience could be the key to Ty Simpson’s success in Week 1
Brailsford will be making the 29th start of his career, all with DeBoer as his head coach. Brailsford was the youngest member of Washington’s Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line in 2023, but developed into a lynchpin at center and promptly followed his head coach to Tuscaloosa. Now, he’s ready to shepherd a first-time starting QB and potentially two inexperienced guards (if Jaeden Roberts is unable to play because of a concussion)…