What’s next for Austin Mack? Here’s Kalen DeBoer’s message

When Kalen DeBoer looked out toward the parking lot this past Sunday, one vehicle stood out among the rest. It belonged to Austin Mack, and it was among the very first to arrive at the facility.

A Professional Approach

For DeBoer, Mack's presence is a testament to his character. "It’s just who he is," DeBoer noted. "He’s an extremely hard worker." That observation came just one day after Mack learned that Keelon Russell had been named the starting quarterback for Alabama, a decision detailed previously here.

Despite the difficult news, DeBoer stressed that Mack’s efforts have not gone to waste. "(Mack) is a phenomenal quarterback," the head coach said on Monday. "To me, he didn’t lose anything. He didn’t fail in any way."

The Road Ahead

DeBoer explained that the quarterback competition simply came down to choosing the player who ultimately won the job. Acknowledging the emotional difficulty of the situation, DeBoer described the reality of college football as "grown man stuff." He praised Mack for remaining a professional who loves the team and continues to support Russell.

However, the message from 205focus.com readers should note is that Mack’s role remains critical. DeBoer has made it clear that he expects Mack to remain elite in his daily preparation. Whether the situation calls for a single snap, a full series, or even multiple games, the team needs Mack to be ready at a moment's notice.

"A helmet comes off, he’s got to be ready to make a play on a fourth down," DeBoer said. "I wouldn’t expect anything less from him because that’s who he is as a person and he’s a great football player, too."