Kalen DeBoer’s first roster addition as Alabama football’s head coach was a familiar quarterback. Austin Mack transferred to UA, after spending a season as a backup for DeBoer at Washington.

Speaking to reporters while attending a Senior Bowl practice in Mobile on Wednesday, DeBoer was asked what it was about Mack that made him want to bring the redshirt freshman along.

“I think his skillset and all the tools he brings as a quarterback, the arm talent,” DeBoer said. “But I also just think he’s just got a really great head on his shoulders.He’s young and for him to do what he did with us this last year, he reclassified and really learned the offense as fast as anyone I’ve ever seen at that age.”

Mack did not see the field for the Huskies last season during their run to a national championship game appearance. Michael Penix Jr., who was participating in the Senior Bowl practice Wednesday, was Washington’s primary quarterback and became a Heisman Trophy finalist.

Alabama starter Jalen Milroe returns for his fourth season in Tuscaloosa and the QB room will include both him and 2023 backup Ty Simpson, along with Dylan Lonergan and Mack. Milroe received Heisman votes last season while leading the Crimson Tide to an SEC championship and an appearance in the CFP Rose Bowl semifinal.

Mack reclassified from the recruiting class of 2024 to join DeBoer and the Huskies last season. He will have four full years of eligibility in Tuscaloosa.

“Guy that’s just continued to grow, continued to develop,” DeBoer said. “I know he’s all about those challenges and seizing those opportunities and this is exciting for him as well as us.”