Kalen DeBoer Reveals Alabama's Keelon Russell Development Plan

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jay Postrado | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 12:39 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide will be bound to put two quarterbacks on the back burner in their search for their starter. One of Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack will have to work on their skills under Coach Kalen DeBoer's guidance first. It's looking like the head honcho has a plan for one of them already.

At just 17 years old, Keelon Russell is the youngest among all those who are vying for the Alabama starting quarterback spot. He is a true freshman who has all the raw talent and a cannon for an arm. This is why it's easy to see why Coach Kalen DeBoer wants him to stick around with the program.

What does he have in store for the young quarterback? He revealed it during their spring practice, via Matt Stahl of AL.com.

"He’s just a good all-around athlete. The weight program, certainly for any new guy is going to be critical. It’s good to get that first phase under your belt. He’s got a long way to go because I think that’s the way he looks at it. He’s excited about what this growth’s going to be even during this spring," the Alabama head coach said.

Russell is up against some really tough competition for the Alabama starting quarterback post. Ty Simpson has acclimated with the Crimson Tide system since they were under Nick Saban and did well with Coach DeBoer.

Meanwhile, Mack has also thrived under the Alabama head honcho's system back when he was still with the Washington Huskies. It will take a lot of jumps in his development before he lands the starting role.

"His ceiling and what he accomplished through what you can see on the high school film [show that], he’s a pretty elite quarterback coming in as a high school season, a current freshman for us," Coach DeBoer added.

Will Russell move up to the proper weight and be able to adjust well throughout Alabama's spring-to-fall preparations?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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