Alabama Crimson Tide Have Finally Figured Out Their QB Conundrum

The Alabama Crimson Tide have officially named their starting quarterback.

Redshirt freshman, and former five-star recruit, Keelon Russell has been named the Crimson Tide starter. On3’s Pete Nakos and Chris Low were first to report the news.

Ever since Ty Simpson declared for the NFL Draft, the quarterback competition between Russell and Austin Mack has been well-documented.

And as much as head coach Kalen DeBoer tried to hold his cards close to the vest, the buzz that Russell had generated was hard to ignore.

Mack initially appeared to have the upper hand after finishing out the Rose Bowl when Simpson left the game with a broken rib. However, it became evident throughout the offseason that Russell had closed the gap, and ultimately passed him.

Earlier in fall camp, Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb had discussed how Russell had done a much better job at protecting the ball – one of the few weaknesses the talented slinger had.

As we started getting closer to opening week, reports coming out of camp were that Russell had the upper hand.

During Alabama’s second scrimmage, Russell ran out with the first team. While Mack, by no means, had a poor showing in camp, it was Russell who had shined in camp with his game-breaking skill, as well as his ability to extend plays.

Russell’s ascent into the starting role for Alabama is an admirable one.

He was originally a three-star recruit that had committed to SMU – just a 30 minute drive from where he played high school football in Duncanville, TX. The more Russell had developed into a premier passer, other programs started to take notice.

Russell ultimately flipped his commitment from SMU to Alabama, becoming DeBoer’s first high-profile signing after taking over as head coach.

While playing for Duncanville HS in his senior year, Russell completed 70% of his passes for over 4,000 yards, 55 touchdowns, and a staggering four interceptions. 

Because of that, he ultimately won the National Gatorade Player of the Year. 

From there, he was also invited to the Elite 11 camp, dedicated to the best high school quarterbacks in the nation and had ultimately won the Elite 11 MVP.

Russell will make his first career college start when Alabama opens the season against East Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m.