Alabama Crimson Tide finally confirms suspicions about the quarterback position after naming a starter ahead of Week 1 vs. ECU
The Alabama Crimson Tide have had a quarterback battle that dates back to the spring, but on Saturday, we found out who the winner is, and it confirms what we have heard about the winner ever since he touched down in Tuscaloosa.
The Keelon Russell era has officially begun in Tuscaloosa. As reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Alabama Crimson Tide named Russell the starting quarterback ahead of Week 1 against ECU. This Alabama quarterback decision had been building for months, and the announcement confirms what most observers expected after a dominant spring and fall camp from the young signal caller.
Dating back to last spring and summer, and certainly through this most recent stretch of practices, the reports surrounding Russell have been overwhelmingly positive. He’s a student of the game. Coaches and those around the program have raved about how diligent he is in his daily prep and the fact that he’s wise beyond his years. Pair that with what he does on the football field, and you start to understand why this felt inevitable.
What makes Keelon Russell special
Look no further than the spring game. Russell showed the ability to layer the football and dart it to all three areas of the field. The fact that he brings a dynamic element with his legs raises both the ceiling and the floor of Alabama’s offense. That combination of arm talent and mobility is what separates him.
It was a good quarterback competition. Austin Mack is a starting-caliber quarterback in college football. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t be at Alabama. But this was always going to be Russell’s job to lose. He just brings another element with his legs that Mack doesn’t quite replicate.
Keelon Russell Facts
- 19 years old.
- Born in Dallas, Texas
- Played HS football at Duncanville
Russell’s rise from 3-star recruit to Alabama’s QB1
Russell’s journey to this point is a story worth telling. He was once only a 3-star recruit before building himself up through Elite 11 and earning 5-star status. He was committed to SMU before flipping to Alabama. Through all the prep, all the time, and all the battles in camp, he has earned the right to lead the Crimson Tide onto the field in Week 1.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that by the time Russell leaves Alabama, he is going to be one of the best signal callers to come through the program. We may not see the full picture this year, but the tools and the mentality are there. That’s how high I am on this kid, and that’s what I believe he can become during his tenure with the Crimson Tide.
