TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Ty Simpson can run the football.
Not only that, he sees it as part of his identity as a quarterback.
The day after he was named Alabama's starter, I asked him to describe himself. And the first words out of his mouth were, "I feel like I'm a dual-threat guy."
Last Saturday, he showcased that ability, ripping off a long run for a touchdown inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, according to sources who were present for the closed scrimmage.
For a lot of fans weary from last season's shortcomings, that might been as exciting as it was nerve-wracking. Because while it's great to have a quarterback who can make a play on his own, that doesn't always lead to the most effective and well-rounded offenses. See: Jalen Milroe and how Alabama's game-planning constricted over the course of last year to feature his legs more than his arm.
After hearing from offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb on Tuesday, I don't think that should be a concern with Simpson.
Grubb was asked about how the scheme will change with a new quarterback and had this to say:
"I mean, that's kind of the obvious one, right? We're not necessarily a Jalen Milroe offense right now. Jalen was super-talented runner, and that was probably a part of the game plan every week. And, you know, which was smart last year by the offensive staff. So I think that's probably the biggest difference."
To put a finer point on it, I followed up with Grubb and asked whether the change from Milroe to Simpson will mean fewer designed quarterback runs.
"I mean, to a point," he said. "Ty is certainly capable of doing those things."
It's a matter of philosophy, he added.
"Mike Penix was a good runner," he said, referring to the former Washington star quarterback and first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons last year. "People wouldn't know that, but we didn't really run him until the playoffs or late just because it's a long season and you're better off with your starter being able to throw the football in this offense than run it.
"We'll certainly look for those opportunities because I think Ty is a good runner. And we'll make sure we have things for him. But taking care of him, making sure that he's upright, is important."
More than important, it's vital. Not just because you don't want to lose Simpson to an injury. As much as you can like the potential of Austin Mack and Keelon Russell behind him, there's a reason he was the runaway pick to start.
It's vital because whatever yards Simpson can pick up with his feet should pale in comparison to what Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard and Isaiah Horton can give you at receiver.
Williams is already considered to be one of the most talented pass-catchers in the country, and I'd argue his stardom has overshadowed Bernard, who might be the most overlooked player on offense. Horton, on the other hand, brings a much-needed added dimension of size and experience; there's a reason NFL scouts have him on their radar.
Simpson should use his athleticism the same way Penix or Bryce Young did — selectively. He should use it behind the sticks to buy time for his receivers to get open.
Bernard said that Simpson is fast and can make people miss. He called him "explosive with the ball in his hands."
"It just creates more opportunities for us," Bernard said of Simpson's scrambling ability. "You know, when broken plays happen and you can have a QB that's that's mobile, can get out the pocket but still deliver a ball, that's something that we dream for — a broken play because a defender can't guard for that long. So it makes it tough for them."
Maybe the injury to Jam Miller requires Simpson to pitch in and supplement the running game. But that's hopefully only a short-term solution until he returns.
Long-term, the offense should be about Simpson getting the ball out of his hands and into the hands of his receivers.
If he can be a dual-threat quarterback in that way, Alabama is set up to have a lot of success.