The Alabama Crimson Tide staff felt like they hit the jackpot when five-star quarterback Keelon Russell committed to the program.
Russell, the third-overall recruit in the 2025 recruiting class, has made quite a name for himself before hitting the collegiate field. Russell has set incredible high school passing records and averaged nearly two touchdowns per game across his career. Now, the five-star feels confident in the idea of sliding directly into the starting role for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The recruit was recently on The Momentum Podcast and spoke about his relationship with the Crimson Tide staff. Russell stated during the podcast that he feels “like I be QB1 already” given the conversations he has been having with the staff.
“They’re [Alabama Staff] gonna make me great with my talents that I have. They’re [Alabama Staff] going to make me an amazing quarterback, a talented quarterback.” – Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback commitment Keelon Russell
Russell also added, “When me and coach Sheridan share film, it just be straight flow.” The quarterback has developed a great relationship with the staff in a short amount of time, which bodes well for the program.
5⭐️ QB Keelon Russell threw for 351 yards and 6 TDs in the victory. 😳
Alabama commit is DIFFERENT. @Pres1dential @AlabamaFTBL https://t.co/hqe3Vda8kL pic.twitter.com/rei2QwSTUN
— MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) September 21, 2024
As some other programs have seen this year, the benefit of developing a relationship with an athlete as the athlete grows is difficult to replace in the transfer portal.
Could the Alabama Crimson Tide Start True Freshman Keelon Russell Next Season?
With the quarterback room for the Alabama Crimson Tide rather open next season, Keelon Russell could potentially take over the Crimson Tide offense.
With the departure of starting quarterback Jalen Milroe looming, the Alabama Crimson Tide staff has been working on a plan for next season. Quarterback Ty Simpson would likely become the starter next season without Russell in the equation. However, the dynamic quarterback would be hard to bench behind Simpson due to what he can offer a team.
The 6-foot-3-inch quarterback Russell would arguably be the best option to start for the Crimson Tide next season for multiple reasons. The first is his frame, which would be the second-tallest in the quarterback room behind Austin Mack, who measures in at 6-feet-6-inches. Russell is tall, but has a similar build and play style to Milroe that would offer a seamless transition into the offense for the quarterback.
Another reason as to why Russell would be the best option at quarterback next season is his knowledge for the game of football. While Russell is a freshman, Duncanville High School in Texas is a different breed and the development they offer for top-level players is unmatched. The concept of Russell joining the team and impressing with his ability to adjust to the collegiate level is certainly not far-fetched.
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